(2/12/08)  He is not called Doug Murray anymore; his name is Douglas Murray. The Bromma, Sweden native is also called "crankshaft," and he is a linebacker-size defenseman whose heavy-hitting physical play is the reason why he is a San Jose Sharks defenseman who has made an impact.
I still don't know how I got six when I wrote in my "Fan Appreciation Night" entry that, "Also unexpected was not just the six players who were called up from the Cleveland Barons that weren't on the (2005-06) season-opening roster, but also the impact they made wearing Sharks jerseys." But I am 100% certain that those "called up from the Cleveland Barons" players included Doug Murray. That 2005-06 season was when he was Doug Murray and wearing #41; when the next season began, he started wearing #3 and was still Doug Murray. This 2007-08 season is the first full season that the Sharks' #3 is Douglas Murray.
Douglas Murray is still seeking his first career NHL goal, but he is doing something right and remaining a San Jose Sharks defenseman and not a Worcester Sharks defenseman. Crankshaft also did some good - a good deed - when he was February's Sharks Store Meet-and-Greet feature player. Monday, February 11 was a surprisingly hot afternoon, and Sharks fans endured the rare February heat because Douglas Murray gave an hour and 30-35 minutes of his time to sign autographs and allow a player-and-fan photo opportunity. I held the waiting line's 18 th spot and endured an 8-13 minute wait that ended when I reached the probably-granite-top, bar-level table where Crankshaft was seated. I had Murray sign two program inserts: the January 15, 2007 insert (Sharks vs. Colorado Avalanche) and the January 3, 2008 insert (Sharks vs. Calgary Flames). When I approached the Sharks defenseman, I said my usual "Thanks for doing this. This is awesome." I then changed my second phrase because I thought that "You're doing a great job this season" would be slightly patronizing. I knew that Murray is still seeking his first career NHL goal, and that led me to say, "Hang in there. You'll get your first goal." That made the tough defenseman smile, and he thanked me kindly for my support. A Sharks Store representative then snapped my player-and-fan photo, which will be e-mailed. My last phrase was a simple "Thanks again," which is a "Thank you for the autographs."
When my player-and-fan photo reaches my e-mail inbox, Douglas Murray will officially be the eighth defenseman and the twenty-fifth overall player to join my "Have A Photo With Him" Sharks team. My "Have A Photo With Him" Sharks team has recently become two entities, and Murray will join the RAW-like team: Team Wilson, which is named so because its team captain is the Sharks' first-ever team captain (and current Sharks General Manager) Doug Wilson.
I didn't buy the "Murray 3" black jersey-like t-shirts or 8" X 10" photos that the Sharks Store now sells, but I can give Murray the automatic three fins score that every Sharks Store Meet-and-Greet feature player earns when I attend. It was disappointing that Murray didn't get an applause when he made his primary appearance; Murray exited the Comerica Club doors and the first 25 numbered fans were mostly using their cell phone's camera and taking his picture. I then realized that the camera-phone snapping was a small sign indicating that everyone knew whom the person exiting the arena club was. I also realize that attending these Meet-and-Greets is already showing our support; we always get a chance to express our appreciation when we reach the table where a Meet-and-Greet feature player is seated.
If this is the 2007-08 season's last Sharks Store Meet-and-Greet, then I can say that it's been fun and I will have fond memories that will be fun to share.
My "Have A Photo With Him" Sharks Team
(As of 2/12/08)
Team Marleau Team Wilson
LW: LW:
Nils Ekman Ryane Clowe
Stephane Matteau Marco Sturm
Patrick Rissmiller <Space Available>
<Space Available> <Space Available>
<Space Available>* <Space Available>*
C: C:
Patrick Marleau (Captain) Jamie Baker
Alyn McCauley Joe Pavelski
Torrey Mitchell Mark Smith
<Space Available> Ron Sutter
<Space Available>* <Space Available>*
RW: RW:
Tim Hunter Steve Bernier
Devin Setoguchi Teemu Selanne
<Space Available> Ron Stern
<Space Available> <Space Available>
<Space Available>* <Space Available>*
Defensemen: Defensemen:
Rob Davison Christian Ehrhoff
Kyle McLaren Scott Hannan
Craig Rivet Douglas Murray
Rob Zettler Doug Wilson (Captain)
<Space Available> <Space Available>
<Space Available> <Space Available>
<Space Available>* <Space Available>*
Goaltenders: Goaltenders:
<Space Available> <Space Available>
<Space Available> <Space Available>
<Space Available>* <Space Available>*
* - This "<Space Available>" is the last one remaining, and is subject to be removed so the roster can be the traditional 23-man roster.
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