WORCESTER, Mass. — Before one of the Worcester Sharks’ final home games this season, fans gathered for a party at a popular pregame hangout near DCU Center, the team’s home rink for the past nine years.

There was cause for celebration as the Sharks were close to qualifying for the American Hockey League playoffs for the first time since 2010. But the conversations eventually took on a funereal tone.

Peter West, a season-ticket holder for minor league hockey for two decades, decided to give a toast. Wearing a customized jersey that he was awarded for being the Sharks’ one-millionth fan, he said: “We’ve had a great run of hockey in Worcester, lots of memories. Salud.”

After this season, the team is moving to San Jose to play in the same arena as their parent club, the N.H.L.’s San Jose Sharks.