National championship with Golden Bears helped Sawchenko reach the NHL
Article content He was born in the city on the other side of the Battle of Alberta, and just signed his first NHL contract with San Jose — who might as well be on the other side of the world with COVID-19 reshaping the season — but Zach Sawchenko credits Edmonton, more than anywhere else, with getting his hockey career back on track. The 23-year-old netminder had his childhood dream come to life when he signed a two-year, entry-level deal with the Sharks on April 12.