Getting to Know... Thomas Greiss
August 25, 2009
Getting to Know… THOMAS GREISS
San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced that the team has re-signed Group II restricted free agent goaltender Thomas Greiss to a two-year contract. The 2009-2010 season will be Greiss’ fourth with the Sharks organization.
The six-foot-one, 210-pound goaltender was selected by the Sharks in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft (3rd round, 94th overall). He started his career with the Worcester Sharks during the 2006-07 season where he made his North American pro-debut on October 13 at Providence with 25 saves. He earned his first win of the year with 33 saves on 11/10 vs. San Antonio. He appeared in 22 consecutive games from February 23-April 13 and set a career-high with 51 saves on April 6 vs. Hartford. Greiss appeared in three games with Fresno (ECHL) but was eventually recalled to Worcester.
Interesting fact: Greiss made his NHL debut on January 13, 2008 where he made 25 saves against Anaheim. He posted a 0-1-1 record with a 3.26 goals-against average and a .860 save percentage.
The German goaltender split the 2007-08 season between Worcester and San Jose, playing in 41 games with Worcester and 3 with San Jose. He won his second straight start, making 20 saves on 22 shots in the Sharks’ 4-2 win over Springfield (4/6) and made 28 saves on 29 shots vs. Manchester (2/29), earning the game’s No. 1 Star. The competitive goalie stuck up for teammates when he got into a bout with Norfolk goaltender Jonathan Boutin on 2/15. Both finished with 17 minutes of penalties, including game misconducts. He started 10 of first 14 games this season and made a season-high 39 saves in a 5-3 win vs. Providence 10/21.
Greiss, 23, appeared in 57 games for the Worcester Sharks (AHL) during the 2008-09 regular season. He posted club records for wins (30-24-2 record) and goals-against average (2.47) along with a .907 save percentage and one shutout. The shutout was the first of his professional career and the first ever shutout by a Sharks goaltender at the DCU Center in 120 games. He helped Worcester advance to the AHL Atlantic Division Finals, posting a 6-6 record, a 2.43 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage. He also had two shutouts, tied-for-second most in the AHL Playoffs.
Did you know? This past season Greiss set a Worcester franchise record making 16 straight starts (1.90 goals against average).
BEFORE THE SHARKS…
In 2003-04, Greiss skated for the Cologne Sharks of the DEL. He also backstopped Team Germany at the 2003-04 U-18 World Junior Championships B-pool tournament, earning the team a spot in the U-18 World Junior Championships A tournament, and the 2004-05 U-20 World Championships.
He split the 2004-05 season between Cologne and Regensburg EV where he posted a 27-save win over Iserlohn on December 17 and had the teams lowest goals-against average. He also played 3 games with Team Germany at 2005 World Jr. Championships.
In 2005, Greiss returned to Cologne, posting a .926 save percentage and ranking sixth in the league in GAA (2.46). The top goaltender appeared in 27 of the team's 49 games logging 1560 minutes.
Greiss was selected to represent Germany in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy joining fellow countrymen and current San Jose Shark, Christian Ehrhoff. Greiss started at the Olympics for Team Germany on February 16 in a 5-1 defeat by Team Canada, saving 35 of 40 shots.
Did you know? At 20-years-old, he was the youngest player in the 2006 Olympic Games.
“After a tremendous season in Worcester and an outstanding playoffs, we are excited to have Thomas under contract for the next two seasons,” said San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson. “His development towards becoming an NHL goaltender has continued to progress. We were very impressed with the work ethic and dedication he has put forth and the results have shown in his play.”
The entire Sharks organization is excited to have Thomas Greiss on board for the 2009-10 season. His international and NHL experience is sure to help Greiss impress both fans and teammates alike for the upcoming Sharks season!
Greiss on top of the charts: Thomas holds the following Worcester Sharks records:
Most appearances in one season….57…Thomas Greiss….2008-09
Most minutes played in one season…3346…Thomas Greiss….2008-09
Most wins in one season…..30…..Thomas Greiss….2008-09
Most losses in one season….24….Thomas Greiss…..2008-09
Most Shutouts in one season…1 (3x)…Thomas Greiss and Taylor Dakers 2008-09
Lowest GAA in one season…2.47…Thomas Greiss….2008-09
Highest save % in one season….912….Thomas Greiss, 2006-07
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