Our city is chock-full of interesting people and wild personalities. Overwhelmed by the coolness? Every week we'll pick one standout local we'd love to be friends with to answer seven essential questions about their life in San Francisco.
San Francisco finally has its own hockey team again, and the thanks for that all goes to Pat Curcio.
The San Francisco Bulls, one of 23 teams in the ECHL and an affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, are currently vying for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Curcio jumped though quite a few hoops in an attempt to bring hockey back to the Cow Palace after the venue's 16-year hiatus from the sport. He was integral in its multi-million dollar renovation, which took the aging structure from bare bones to a bonafide stadium including a state of the art ice system, upgraded concessions, HD monitors, and a wraparound LED video scoreboard. The 21-31-7 team now has the home advantage with 10 of their final 13 games taking place at the Cow Palace.
A former professional hockey player in Canada, Europe, and the ECHL, Curcio is not only the head coach, but also fulfills the role of president, general manager, and part owner. He's pretty much a badass so we couldn't wait to question him on San Francisco life with our We Wanna Be Friends With Q&A.
1. What neighborhood do you currently call home? Would you ever move or are you happy in your 'hood?
I live in Ingleside. I like how close it is to the Cow Palace and I can be back in the office in no time, which is very convenient.
2. What's your hands-down, absolute favorite thing to eat in SF?
I'm a big fan of the Italian restaurants in the North Beach. My favorite spot is Pinocchio’s.
3. What's your perfect night on the town?
I like heading to Fisherman’s Wharf to stop by to visit my buddy, the owner at Alioto’s. He’s got a busy spot in a great location.
4. When you need a low-key afternoon, where do you go for down time?
Believe it or not, I visit Pier 39 for a relaxing afternoon. There are some interesting spots to eat, grab a drink, and the people watching is fantastic.
5. What's your favorite place to go on a day trip from the city?
I head up to Sonoma for some wine tasting. My wife and I had a wonderful experience staying at the Fairmont Sonoma and we tasted some delicious wine at Ravenswood.
6. Quick-fire round:
Burrito or Burger?
Burger.
Presidio or Golden Gate Park?
Golden Gate Park.
Bike or MUNI?
MUNI.
Fort Mason or Dolores Park?
Fort Mason.
The Independent or the Fillmore?
Fillmore.
Baker Beach or Ocean Beach?
Ocean Beach.
7. Three words that describe your life in SF?
Active, Cultural, Social
Follow Coach Curcio on Twitter.
(Join the boisterous crowds and cheer on your home hockey team. Get tickets and check out the schedule here!).
