Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky fined $25,000 for inappropriate conduct

San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky is a little lighter in the wallet as the first-year bench boss was issued a $25,000 fine Tuesday as a result of inappropriate conduct in Saturday’s contest versus the Utah Hockey Club.

Against Utah, Warsofsky appeared to take issue with apparent missed penalties on Utah skaters, including a boarding infraction by Utah center Kevin Stenlund on Sharks star rookie and 2024 first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini.

The two squads sat tied entering the final frame before Utah rallied, outshooting San Jose by a margin of 17 to four in the third period. Utah captain Clayton Keller ultimately sealed the victory for his squad as he netted the game-winning tally with 44 seconds remaining in regulation.

In all, the Sharks saw 16 minutes in penalties in the contest, while Utah was whistled for five minor infractions. San Jose capitalized once on the man advantage, while Utah cashed in twice on the powerplay, including Keller’s game winner with Sharks rearguard Cody Ceci seated for a high-sticking call.

In their first season under Warsofsky, the Sharks went winless through their first nine contests before securing their first victory of the year, coming October 28 in Utah when the club rallied for three goals with less than five minutes remaining in regulation before coming out with a 5-4 overtime triumph. Despite the slow start, the rebuilding Sharks now sits 11-17-5 and nine points back of a playoff position in the Western Conference.

Prior to assuming the head coaching duties in San Jose, the 37-year-old Warsofsky spent two years as an assistant under former Sharks bench boss David Quinn. Warsofsky’s resume also counts three seasons as an AHL head coach split between the Charlotte Checkers and Chicago Wolves, underscored by a Calder Cup championship with the Wolves in 2022.