Game 1

Well, the 2010 - 2011 got started tonight in Kent. Portland is still very light as several key players are still up with their NHL teams. Kieth Hamilton got the start tonight and played pretty well all things considered. Portland dresses 7 defensemen and 11 forwards, not your normal lineup.

Going into tonight's contest Portland fans had the expectation that the team might repeat last year's season sweep of the Birds, a very unlikely thing. Instead a group of players, some that might not play much this season, suited up and played against maybe the best goal tender in the West. Portland can't win the division in September, but they can lose it. Portland is going to have to play tough and scratch out points until the rest of the team is back from NHL camps.

Monday is the home opener, against a tough Vancouver Giants. Portland is opening at the Rose Garden and on a Monday no less. Hopefully we can get fans into the seats, fill the place up and show Portland some real support. Remember it was last April when Vancouver sent Portland home for the season on that same Rose Garden ice.