The San Jose Barracuda have signed goaltender Parker Gahagen to an Amateur Tryout Agreement. He previously attended Sharks development camp, as well as their rookie camp this past summer, but due to Army restrictions, he was unable to sign with the club. Gahagen is now being granted special status under the Army’s World Class Athlete Program, which will allow him to train with the Barracuda in preparation for the Olympics, while maintaining his military career. He’s the first team sport athlete to be granted the status.
Gahagen left West Point first in Army history in save percentage and total saves (3,172), second in shutouts (10), and third in goals-against average (2.60).
Gahagen (a former Buffalo Junior Sabre) is hoping to represent the United States at the PyeongChang Olympics. It's a unique opportunity for him. Buffalo News reported that Gahagen already had a deal in place with the Sharks organization, but until his Army duties could be sorted, it was shelved. Without the NHL participating in the Olympics, Gahagen was able to be granted the World Class Athlete exception, despite it previously having been only awarded to individual athletes. General Manager of the U.S. Olympic team, Jim Johannson, had to write a personal recommendation to the newly appointed Defense Secretary James Mattis, who had made it a requirement for military academy and ROTC graduates to serve in their first two years after graduation.
"It's a great opportunity to serve your country," Gahagen said of the Olympics to Buffalo News. "I've been able to do it in a different way, but it would be an honor to be on the team." Read More