In Episode 223, Paul and Aaron welcomed their first guest to the new set: the new San Jose Sharks pre, post, and intermission live host, Alan Hoshida. The episode provided an in depth look at Hoshida’s local roots, his diverse broadcasting career, and his perspective on the Sharks’ current rebuilding phase.
The conversation highlighted the strong local connections between the hosts and their guest. Aaron and Alan actually played soccer together on a co ed team around 2010, where Aaron recalled Alan having “a little speed” and scoring goals from the midfield.
A Diverse Career Path
Hoshida’s journey to the Sharks’ broadcast desk was a full circle journey across the West Coast.
- Gilroy Native: Born in Mountain View and raised in Gilroy, Hoshida grew up as a Sharks fan in what he calls a “hockey hotbed” that also produced Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf.
- Early Career and Education: He studied broadcast journalism at San Francisco State University and held early internships at KGO and CSN California.
- Broadcasting Across the West: His career took him to Humboldt, Eastern Washington, and eventually Hawaii, where he spent three years as a sports director before returning home to the Bay Area to raise his family.
- Versatile Experience: Hoshida has covered everything from college football to surfing and high level volleyball in Hawaii, which he believes helped him develop the ability to quickly master the terminology and nuances of any sport.
Joining the Sharks Organization
Taking over a role previously held by the popular Brody Brazil was a significant transition.
- Warm Reception: Hoshida noted that the fan base has been very welcoming in person, though he humorously dismissed social media as a “cesspool” that doesn’t always reflect reality.
- Embracing Change: The hosts and Alan discussed the importance of fans embracing change, noting that Hoshida’s lifelong fandom allows him to relate to the “pain” and excitement of the team in a way that a non fan could not.
Insights on the Sharks’ Rebuild
As someone now embedded with the team, Hoshida shared his optimistic but realistic view of the season.
- Non Linear Progress: He echoed the sentiment that progress for a young team is rarely a straight line, but he pointed out that the current roster is significantly more competitive and “harder to play against” than the team from a year ago.
- The Power of Belief: Following dramatic wins over Utah and Los Angeles, Alan noted that “confidence is a hell of a drug” and that the locker room now truly believes they can win NHL games.
- Draft Philosophy: He praised General Manager Mike Grier’s “build from the middle” strategy of prioritizing centers in the draft, citing the success of Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.
