It's almost time for the Avs to prove if this season's catch phrase has any real meaning or not. (Photo by Katie Martinez)

Go take a look at the Avs roster. Yes, now. Just peek.

IT’S HUGE!!!

As I look down the loooooong list of names I see many that I remember/recognize, a few that I don’t, and a few that flat-out make me smile. (Rissmiller? Brophey? And, yes, Siemens? I’m looking at you guys.) But the point is that all these guys are going to be in one place, at one time, attempting to prove themselves to the Avalanche brass.

This is, in my opinion, the most exciting part of the hockey season. Now, that may be because it’s been awhile since the Avs last serious Cup run, but my point still stands. I love watching all the young kids lay it all on the line for a chance to make the show. Camp may be the only shot some of these guys get. The deserving ones will stick around for preseason games, playing their hearts out night after night to show that this is their season.

I freaking LOVE it.

Camp for everyone officially starts on Friday September 16. That is a mere 9 days away. Every day between now and then I will take a look at the guys I’m excited to see at camp. Some are the obvious lightning rods, some are more…obscure.  But I have my reasons for getting up early on Saturday and Sunday to drag my butt to camp to watch these guys scratch and claw for a spot on the final roster.

Though I do hope the actual scratching and clawing is abandoned in favor of fighting. Or maybe an entertaining foot race. But scratching should be below everyone’s dignity.

So hang on, Avalanche fans…the season is right around the corner. Warm up here with me. It’ll be fun. Promise.

Also, if you missed it yesterday, the 2011 Colorado Avalanche Soundtrack was published yesterday on The Pulse. You should definitely check it out, especially since many of the ideas came from readers via Twitter or our Facebook page. I love it when I get to pimp out other people’s ideas…they’re always so much better than my own.