Fri Oct 11 02:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Sharks’ Season Opener Exclusive to Streaming, Fans Need ESPN+ or Hulu Subscription

**SAN JOSE** – San Jose Sharks fans hoping to witness the NHL debuts of highly anticipated prospects Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith will have to stream the season opener. The game against the St. Louis Blues at SAP Center on Thursday, October 4th, is being broadcast exclusively on ESPN+ and Hulu, marking a departure from traditional cable broadcasts.

While the game is expected to sell out, a limited number of tickets remain available through Ticketmaster. Fans can purchase tickets starting at $48 for upper bowl seats, with prices escalating to over $500 for premium seats.

This season, the Sharks will have three games exclusively available on ESPN+ and Hulu, including tonight’s opener. The Sharks will also have three games broadcast nationally on ESPN.

The decision to move the season opener to streaming was made by the NHL’s national broadcast partners, ESPN and Turner Sports. The Sharks’ longtime local cable partner, NBC Sports California, will be broadcasting 76 of the team’s games this season, starting with Saturday’s home game against the Anaheim Ducks.

Fans who wish to watch the season opener will need a subscription to either ESPN+ or Hulu. ESPN+ subscriptions cost $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year, while Hulu’s ad-supported plan costs $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year. Prices for both services are set to increase on October 17th.

With Celebrini and Smith starting the season on the Sharks’ top two lines, fans are eager to see their NHL debut and experience the excitement of a new season. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. (PT).

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