Getting the Lounge Game-Ready

The NHL and World Cup of Hockey previews are rolling in, most trying to sound notes of optimism and pessimism, just to keep you honest. I decided to fire up a little Reignwolf to provide a soundtrack to the dying days of August, giving me the right chill to move into September and the start of hockey in North America.

The Western Hockey League begin exhibition play tonight, with Swift Current facing Moose Jaw. The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League began exhibition action on Aug. 18 and the Ontario Hockey League will open the preseason on Friday with two games. Opening night for the regular season is Sept. 21 in the OHL, Sept. 22 in the QMJHL and Sept. 23 in the WHL. For those of you keeping score, the United States Hockey League also opens on Sept. 23.

NCAA regular-season action starts Oct. 1. And the boys of winter begin Minnesota High School League action on Nov. 22.

Reignwolf, by the way, is the sound you get from Jordan Cook, a native of Saskatoon who has found his place in the Seattle sound garden. Maybe he grew up listening to the WHL's Blades. Maybe he just doesn't care. But if he does, he can answer the next question any time he wants: Everett Silvertips or Seattle Thunderbirds?