LET’S GO RIVS! (Photo: Todd Quinn/flickr)

The NHL may be locked out, but the Peoria Rivermen are gearing up for a great season. As a season ticket holder myself, I couldn’t possibly be more eager for the season to start! It’s sure to be a very exciting year, what with the influx of NHL caliber talent to all 30 teams. Of course, that isn’t to say the league isn’t always exciting or competitive because it most certainly is. However, as an AHL fan, I know that it’s always pretty cool to see some of those NHL guys in person that have previously only existed inside your TV screen.

The Rivs released their training camp roster today, which consists of 33 players—20 forwards, 10 defenseman and three goalies. A notable name on the roster is Jaden Schwartz, who was a first round pick in the 2010 draft and played seven games with the Blues after leaving Colorado College at the end of last season. Also, Mike McKenna who is a St. Louis native and veteran goaltender with some NHL experience. There’s sure to be some intense competition for roster spots this year, especially for the remainder of the NHL lockout.

The first on-ice practice will be on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 3:00 p.m. at Carver Arena and is open to the public. The rest of the schedule also includes three pre-season games against in-state rivals, the Rockford IceHogs and Chicago Wolves. For the pre-season games, any seat in the house is $10.00—in other words, totally worth your time and money if you’re in the area!

The puck drops to start the 2012-2013 season on Friday, October 12th in Abbotsford (the first time in Rivermen history that the team has started a season outside of the United States) and the homer opener will take place exactly one week later on October 19th vs. the Rockford IceHogs.

Really, the only thing left to say is LET’S GO RIIIIIIIIVS!!!