WORCESTER - San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the club has recalled center Joe Pavelski from Worcester, the Sharks top development affiliate in the American Hockey League.

Pavelski, appearing in his first professional season, is currently tied for fourth in the AHL and first among AHL rookies in points (8-18=26), which leads the Sharks. His eight goals are tied for sixth among league rookies and his 18 assists are fourth in the league overall. His 10-game point streak (5-12=17 from Oct. 14 – Nov. 12) is the fifth longest streak in the AHL this season and the longest amongst rookies.

Playing his collegiate hockey at the University of Wisconsin, Pavelski led his team in assists (33), points (56), power play goals (11), game-winning goals (6) and multi-point games (15) as a sophomore last season. Helping the Badgers win their sixth NCAA Division I National Championship last season, he posted a hat trick in their semifinal win over Bemidji State and was a 2006 RBK Division I Second Team All-American.

The five-foot-eleven, 195-pound forward from Plover, Wisconsin was drafted by San Jose in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft (7th round, 205th overall).

The Sharks return home on Friday, November 26 to take on the Springfield Falcons and will be wearing their Black Third Jersey. The Worcester Sharks and Baystate Financial Services will partner as they sponsor a Toy Drive prior to the game. All fans attending the game are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy to the game. Anyone who brings a toy will receive one free ticket to the December 26 Sharks game against the Hartford Wolf Pack at the DCU Center. The unwrapped toys will benefit Mass D.S.S. and Worcester Kids Fund.

Don’t forget every Friday night is College Night and all college students can enjoy an $8 Sharks ticket with a valid College I.D. There will be on ice Turkey Bowling during the second intermission.