Kiefer Sherwood is bringing more than just grit to the San Jose Sharks - he’s bringing representation, resilience, and a mindset built for the grind of the NHL.
At 30 years old, Sherwood arrives in San Jose as a well-traveled, hard-nosed winger known for his ability to agitate and energize. But beyond his on-ice edge, he carries a unique distinction: he's one of the few players of Asian descent in professional hockey - a rarity in both the NHL and AHL, where only about 15 players with Asian heritage currently skate.
For Sherwood, who grew up in Ohio and identifies as Japanese American, the journey has always been about the game first. That focus has helped him carve out a career that’s already topped 300 NHL games - no small feat in a league where representation for Asian Americans is still limited.
“I think in this game you don't really necessarily identify as Japanese American or whatever,” Sherwood said. “You just identify as a hockey player. That’s always how I viewed myself.”
That mentality - of showing up, grinding, and letting the work speak - has helped Sherwood stay locked in on his goals, even when navigating the challenges of being in the minority. But that doesn’t mean he takes his role lightly. He knows what it means to be visible in a sport that’s still growing in diversity.
“I think it's good for the game to have different faces and different guys with different backgrounds and origins,” he added. “It just adds to the diversity.
A lot of different groups can bring different things. I think it opens up opportunities.”
Sherwood’s trade from the Vancouver Canucks to the Sharks on January 19 wasn’t just a fresh start on the ice - it was also a move that placed him in a region with a deep-rooted Japanese American sports legacy. From Olympic figure skating icon Kristi Yamaguchi to Giants postseason hero Travis Ishikawa, the Bay Area has long been a place where heritage and athletic excellence intersect.
Now, Sherwood becomes part of that story. And while he’s just starting to get settled in San Jose, he’s already embracing the connection.
“I’m on board. I love it,” he said. “Just got into town, so I need to learn a little bit more, but I’m all for it.”
Sherwood hasn’t made his Sharks debut yet, but he’s traveling with the team on their current road trip and is expected to hit the ice before the Olympic break. His role? Bring energy, experience, and a playoff mindset to a Sharks team that’s still fighting for a postseason berth.
“You don’t know how many chances you’re going to get,” Sherwood said. “A lot of things have to go right for a team, [an] organization to be in the playoffs. Just to have that opportunity is all you can ask for and what you want and put [your] whole life and career into.”
That’s the kind of perspective that comes from a player who’s had to earn every shift, every contract, every moment. Sherwood isn’t just looking to contribute - he’s looking to help push San Jose toward something bigger. And if, along the way, he inspires the next generation of kids who see themselves in his jersey, that’s a win, too.
“You're trying to grow the game,” he said. “Hopefully, if you can see more areas and opportunities for families and kids down the road, then you're doing your job.”
Sherwood’s story is still being written in teal, but one thing’s already clear: he’s more than ready to make his mark - on the ice and beyond.