SAN JOSE, California -- Sharks Sports & Entertainment announced today that HP Pavilion at San Jose will host an ECHL regular season game featuring the San Francisco Bulls, the Sharks ECHL affiliate, and the Stockton Thunder on Monday, December 17, 2012 at 7:30 PM (Pacific).

Season ticket holders of the San Jose Sharks will have access to complimentary tickets for this game. Detailed information on obtaining tickets will be e-mailed directly to Sharks and Bulls season ticket holders very soon.

Complimentary tickets for the general public that can be printed at home will be made available, space permitting, at ticketmaster.com beginning Dec. 12 at 10 AM (Pacific). All guests MUST have a ticket to enter the building.

Before and after the game, all attendees are strongly encouraged to patronize one of downtown San Jose’s businesses to support them during the absence of NHL hockey at HP Pavilion.

In addition, the Sharks Foundation will be hosting a "Toys for Tots" toy drive at the North and South Entrances of HP Pavilion. Guests can bring a new, unwrapped toy or make a monetary donation to support those less fortunate during the holiday season. All donors will receive a raffle ticket for prize drawings to be held that night.

"We all miss having the game of hockey at HP Pavilion," said Sharks Sports & Entertainment’s Executive Vice President of Business Operations Malcolm Bordelon. "This free event is a way for us to say thank you to our loyal and patient fans, while also trying to assist those who have been directly impacted by the labor dispute between the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association."

This game will take the place of the Bulls’ previously scheduled home game on Jan. 16, 2013.