As Matt had mentioned in a previous post, the 2008-2009 NHL season has begun. Along with the NHL, the AHL is about to hit the ice as well. The Chicago Wolves will open the American Hockey League's 73rd season. They are the current Calder Cup champions and are looking to repeat. Unfortunately, history does not look promising for the Wolves as the last AHL team to win back-to-back Calder Cup championships were the Springfield Indians in the 1990 and 1991 seasons.

The AHL is a lot more unpredictable because of the constant flow of players being moved up and down from the NHL. The AHL, after all, is hockey's top developmental league. The Wolves open their season Saturday on the road against the Houston Aeros. The AHL's three Canadian teams will begin Friday, with the Toronto Marlies hosting the Binghamton Senators. The Hamilton Bulldogs will be visiting the Manitoba Moose as well.

With all of that said, the puck offically drops with two games on Wednesday. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins will host the Hershey Bears. The Penguins were defeated by the Wolves in the Calder Cup Championship and are looking to have another shot (just like their NHL affiliate). The Providence Bruins will take on the Lowell Devils.

So, let's get ready for some hockey!