First live blog of the 2010-2011 season!!1

The boys are up in Kelowna tonight to take on the Rockets. Know what that means?? That's right, it's liveblog time. But first some tidbits:

It's so early in the season that a loss or two will not have a big impact on your season. But when you lose and don't put forth an honest effort, that's when there's a concern.

It wasn't a concern for the Tri-City Americans, who opened the 2010-11 season with a pair of wins, but for the Kelowna Rockets, their home opener -- a 6-2 loss to Prince George -- was less than acceptable.

"Opening night, we didn't compete," said Rockets coach Ryan Huska, whose team will entertain the Americans tonight at Prospera Place. "We were just standing around. It wasn't a great way to start the season, but if we had to learn a lesson, this was the time."

Tri-City (2-0-0-0, 4 points) last played Kelowna in the second round of the playoffs last season, when the Americans handed the Rockets a five-game series loss and an early start to their summer break.

Over the last five years, Tri-City is 16-4 against Kelowna, including a 4-0 mark last season where the Americans outscored the Rockets 20-5.

"We know the great tradition of Kelowna," said Tri-City coach Jim Hiller. "We have seen them the last couple of years in the playoffs, and I think there might be some hard feelings after last year."  (Herald)

If I remember correctly, former American Spencer Asuchak had two goals for PG in that game too.  Huzzah!!

The Rockets won’t be challenging for much if they repeat Saturday’s performance. So this week, the team went back to the basics at practice.

“We’ve done some simple drills,” said Huska, Kelowna’s head coach. We have to try and get the guys to make sure they’re challenging defencemen with their speed, and our defencemen are trying to keep their game a little simpler.

“But more importantly, our guys have to work. They have to compete harder than what they did on Saturday night, and that’s the biggest message our players needed to take from that game."

Not helping Kelowna’s cause is that Tri-City has 15 players from last season’s squad, which won the Western Conference and lost to Calgary in the league final.

“They’re very similar to what they were last season,” said Huska, Kelowna’s head coach. “From what I hear, people are picking them and Portland to be the two teams to beat (in our conference). They’re going to be a very good team, and they’re going to be a hard team to play against. We’re going to need a much-improved effort than what we saw here on Saturday night."  (DubNation)

Looks like the Rockets will be without Tyson Barrie and possibly Shane McColgan.

Rockets are wearing pink jerseys, pink skate laces and pink hockey tape on their sticks tonight in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Fans are also asked to wear pink to the game and place bids on the jerseys the players are wearing which will be auctioned off after the game. All the proceeds will go towards the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. (Regan's Rant)

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If you missed it in the comments section from yesterday, friend of the blog Lietrum noted

Another from the "way too much time on my hands" category, former AMS, Mitch McColm is in the Norfolk Admirals camp with Mitch Fadden, and Aaron Boogaard is in camp with the Houston Aeros on a free agent invitation.

You may think it's way too much time on your hands, but I sure appreciate the information. My favorite Mitches (?) in camp together?  **swoon**
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Now for your liveblog info. I was going to come up with some "rules" but can't really think of anything beyond Don't Be A Tool. And no racist, sexist, or homophobic remarks or you'll be blocked.  Swearing is rampant so if you are easily offended, you've been warned.  Also, there's some fan-girling that happens.  Deal with it.

If you've never been in one of the I Mean, We Got Guys... liveblogs, I recommend you be a lurker for a game or two, see how things work. We're a pretty awesome bunch, but we get snarky if people are being stupid. And I have the awesome power and ability to block you if I choose (insert evil laugh). If you're new to the liveblogs, I will moderate your comments until I deem you worthy to be added. Sounds mean, but it's true.

It's not a rule, but just know my biggest pet peeve in the world is people saying "we". "We need to be better on defence". No, WE don't, the team does. WE are not on the team. And I get that you've invested money and time into being a fan and whatnot, so have I. But we're still not actually ON the team.

One more thing, pick a username and stick with it, it makes things easier on everyone. If you want to partake in the Craig West Drinking Game, those rules are right here.

Click on the "Read More" to get to the liveblog.