Kevin Whitmer, a former coach for the San Jose Jr. Sharks, was arrested by the San Jose Police Department.
The bad news has rubbed salt in the wound of The Sharks as they have not managed to win a single game in the NHL.
Kevin Matthew Whitmer, a well-known figure in the world of hockey coaching, has had quite a journey in his profession.
Hailing from Denver, Colorado, Whitmer attended Homestead High School and later graduated from De Anza College in 2012.
His passion for hockey and coaching led him to various roles in the sports and entertainment industry.
From his early days at the Nazareth Ice Oasis to his stint at GameStop, Whitmer’s career path was far from conventional.
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, he even worked as a drive-thru barista at Starbucks.
His multifaceted contribution included being a Skating Coach and Private Skills Coach for the San Jose Sharks.
Moreover, he took on the responsibility of being the AAA Hockey Head Coach for the San Jose Jr. Sharks until May 2023.
Kevin Whitmer Got Arrested
As per multiple reports, recent events have shadowed Whitmer’s career and reputation.
The former San Jose Jr. Sharks coach found himself at the center of controversy when news emerged of his arrest.
Sharks Sports & Entertainment, overseeing the Junior Sharks program, confirmed the arrest.
However, it did not disclose the coach’s identity or the reasons behind the arrest.
“This individual has not coached in our program since May 2023,” Sharks Sports & Entertainment said in a statement.
It’s worth noting that Whitmer had not been associated with the program since May of the same year. It makes him a likely candidate for the arrest in question.
Thus, the timing of his disaffiliation from the program raised widespread speculation about his involvement in the incident.
The statement further stated that they did not learn of the allegations until he had left the program.
Sharks Sports & Entertainment emphasized that all coaches in their youth programs are pre-screened and SafeSport Certified.
This screening includes comprehensive criminal background checks to ensure the suitability of coaches working with young athletes.
The company underscored its dedication to the safety and security of the young athletes and their families.
Furthermore, the statement expressed their willingness to cooperate with any investigation into the matter fully.
This unfortunate turn of events comes as a blow to the San Jose Sharks and their fans. The NHL team was already facing a challenging season, marked by their struggles on the ice.
With the arrest of their former coach, Kevin Whitmer, the organization finds itself in an unwelcome spotlight.
Where Is The Former Jr Sharks Coach Now?
Kevin Whitmer made a significant impact on Jr. Sharks Youth Hockey development, having coached them for almost six years.
He joined Sharks Sports & Entertainment LLC in 2017 and played a vital role as the AAA Head Coach.
Not only did he train new coaches, but he also played a supervisory role in guiding existing coaches.
After Whitmer left the San Jose Sharks in May 2023, he joined the Colorado Thunderbirds and worked as their Hockey Coach and Skills Coach.
In addition, he is also associated with TPH Academy in Denver. He is the Power Skating Instructor and Player Development Coach for student-athletes in the academy.
