from Kevin Kurz of The Athletic,
Sharkie hung from the rafters, 40 feet above the ice surface at San Jose Arena. He was helpless. He couldn’t go up, and feared an unexpected descent. It was March 12, 1999, and the San Jose Sharks’ beloved mascot was in trouble just before the game against the rival Red Wings was set to start. The man inside the costume was afraid of heights and while he dangled, his extremities numbed.
Fans watched in wonder, and maybe amusement. Broadcasters and reporters, high up in the arena, saw the spectacle at eye level.