The economic impact from the return of the NHL is expected to ripple through the South Valley.
Officials at local restaurants said this week that they anticipate a boost in business as customers return to watch the San Jose Sharks and other teams with old friends and fans.
“Hockey makes us very busy,” said Danielle Estrada, a manager of Box Seat Sports Grill & Pub in Morgan Hill. “We’re all excited. It’s more fun at work, and we get to make more money.”
The NHL lockout came to an end Sunday, when a new collective bargaining agreement was reached.
Asked whether having the Sharks back on TV meant increased revenue from returning customers who enjoy watching games together, Estrada said: “A significant amount.”
Lesley Benson, owner and manager of The Claddagh Irish Restaurant & Pub in Gilroy, said she was glad to be able to put Sharks games on TV again.
“I definitely think it will benefit the whole Bay Area, San Jose especially, but it trickles down,” she said. “People want to watch them.
“If they can’t get to the game, they want to go out and watch it, to put their Sharks jerseys on and go out and support their team.”
