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San Jose Welcomes Hockey Fans Back To The Shark Tank

SAN JOSE (KCBS) - The San Jose Sharks on Thursday will play their first home game since the National Hockey League lockout ended.

Bars and restaurants have been gearing up for the wave of teal down Santa Clara Street, a sight not seen in many months because a contentious labor dispute delayed the season.

"It's the worst Christmas we've ever had here financially for the business," said Richard Aranda, general manager at Henry's Hi-Life. "Costwise? Probably $100,000 in sales that we lost."

KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:

San Jose Welcomes Hockey Fans Back To The Shark Tank

It's been a similar story for most of the bars and restaurants in San Pedro Square and on Second Street.

"It's been a tough holiday, that's for sure," Aranda said, quickly moving the conversation onto the fans excitement for any hockey game at the HP Pavilion, no matter that it's a shortened season.

"Let's bring on hockey, let's bring on the libations," he said.

Thursday's match against the Phoenix Coyotes comes after a big victory over Edmonton on Tuesday.

The harks erupted with six goals in the opening period and crushed the Oilers 6-3 to spoil that team's home opener. Patrick Marleau and Logan Couture each had two goals and an assist.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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