Joe Pavelski was born July 11, 1984 in Plover, Wisconsin. Selected by the San Jose Sharks in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, seventh round, 205th overall, Pavelski is a graduate of the WCHA's Wisconsin Badgers.
A good two-way forward, Pavelski spent a pair of seasons with the Waterloo Blackhawks of the USHL where he captured the Clark Cup in 2003. In his rookie year in Waterloo, he was named USHL Rookie of the Year and he led the Hawks in all offensive categories. As a Wisconsin Badget, Pavelski competed in 83 games over two years and won an NCAA Division I National Championship in the 2005-06 season.
Upon his arrival in the pro ranks, Pavelski would see action in 46 games with the Sharks and compete in 16 games with their AHL affilaite in Worcester.
Pavelski's offensive numbers would continue to improve with San Jose. He posted seasons of 19 and 25 goals respectively and in February 2010 was part of the US Olympic team that brought home the silver medal in a thrilling overtime final at the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.
The 2013-14 season was a break-out season for Pavelski. In all 82 games, Pavelski put up 41 goals and 79 points for the Sharks. This had him named to the NHL Second All-Star Team.
On October 5, 2015, Pavelski was named the 11th captain in San Jose Sharks history. He would go on to appear in all 82 games for the Sharks during the 2015-16 season, reaching the 30-goal plateau for the fourth time in his career. He also helped lead the Sharks to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history.
