Black cat becomes surprise star of Sharks' Game 1

Sports and superstition go hand in hand, but the San Jose Sharks didn't let a little black cat get them down before Game 1 of their series matchup with the Nashville Predators.

The cat was seen wandering onto the ice from the bench before scurrying down to another door near the goal line and off the playing surface.

Fans took to social media to throw out some names for the surprise team mascot.

San Jose eventually announced that they were going with 'Joe Paw-velski' as the name and the Sharks' new feline friend even got his own Twitter account.

The Sharks organization has since announced they are working with a local animal shelter to help find Joe Paw-velski a good home. The cat will also undergo a full health examination and a microchip scan, to ensure it does not already have an owner.

San Jose took Game 1 over Nashville by a score of 5-2, and are back in action on Sunday at home in the Shark Tank. No word yet on whether Joe Paw-velski will be making another appearance.