I didn't stay online long enough on July 2 to see that the Rats formally announced their 2008-09 opponents and schedule format.

They also announced that the home opener will be Saturday, October 11 at 7 p.m. at the former Knickerbocker Arena. It will also mark the regular-season home debut of new head coach-GM Jeff Daniels.

How cool would this be? To spice up the game on the 11th, a special pregame ceremony formally retiring the No. 4 of ex-captain and defenseman and current assistant coach Geordie Kinnear.

The parent Carolina Hurricanes are strongly in favor of it, so the Rats only need to put it all together. A reunion of some of Champ's former teammates would only be the beginning.

If the 11th is not enough time, then Albany's first game with Worcester would be a most appropriate date. Sharks assistant coach David Cunniff is the son of late Rats coach John Cunniff, who Kinnear has credited with being one of the single biggest influences in his playing and coaching career.

Let's hope it happens.