Sharks sign first Bay Area-born prospect

The San Jose Sharks have signed their first Bay Area-born prospect in team history by giving an entry-level contract to unrestricted free agent defenseman Sena Acolatse.

The 20-year-old Acolatse had 14 goals and 42 assists in 59 games with Prince George and Saskatoon of the Western Hockey League this season.

General manager Doug Wilson says it's exciting to add a player who grew up watching the Sharks. Acolatse was born in Hayward in 1990 - a year before the Sharks played their first game. He went to games as a kid and played hockey at the facility now known as Sharks Ice at Fremont. He moved to Alberta in 1998.

Acolatse will continue to play at Prince George this season.