Where are the fans?
It's among the most exciting times of any hockey season. The Raiders start playing for points this weekend against the Saskatoon Blades culminating in Saturday's regular-season home opener.
The return of Mark McNeill from the Chicago Blackhawks after a strong NHL debut Tuesday in Saskatoon is perfect timing for a team trying to prove last year's return to the playoffs was no fluke.
McNeill has a strong supporting cast. Brandon Herrod leads a 20-year-old group that is as good as any in the Western Hockey League. Justin Maylan piled up seven points in two games last weekend while defenseman James Bettauer has been one of the best players since camp broke a month ago.
Newly imported Norwegian winger Jonas Knutsen led all WHL shooters in the preseason with six goals in just four games. Defnseman Josh Morrissey, 16, could challenge for rookie of the year, while 18-year-old goalie Cole Holowenko has burst onto the scene with some sensational preseason puck-stopping. Meanwhile, second year centremen Mike Winther and Shane Danyluk look ready to become impact players.