THE PUCKS DROPS FOR THE SECOND YEAR TIER-3 LEAGUE

The RMJHL begins its second season tonight with matchups in Steamboat Springs and Denver.  In their first season, the Steamboat Wranglers expect a packed house at Howelsen Arena tonight for their inaugural game against the Pikes Peak Miners.  Pikes Peak comes in with a veteran roster in hopes of reversing their fortunes from last season—an overtime loss in the RMJHL championship game.  Wranglers Head Coach Misko Antisin is thrilled his team starts the season against an experienced team.  “We are super excited to get under way, and be a strong piece of the RMJHL.  After five months of hard work and passion, going up against a top dog is a great challenge to start the season.”

The Miners are led by returning captain Christian Gums, who comes into the new season with fresh memories of the past, and a genuine excitement for future. “There’s always that time during training camp where you see what you have on the ice and you get excited but aren’t really sure until you drop the puck on the first game.  We are excited to get out there, hit the ground running, and show what we know we have" stated Gums.  Head Coach Nick Harper reflected his captains sentiment: “The guys are very excited to get this season started.  We have had a successful training camp, our group has been committed to getting better and we have seen a very sharp learning curve with them.  Now we get to see our hard work pay off.”  The puck drops at 7:00 pm in downtown Steamboat Springs.  Tune into the live broadcast at www.SteamboatRadio.com.

On the other side of the Continental Divide, two long-standing rivals square off in South Denver.  With high expectations for both teams this season, the Colorado Thunderbirds host the Colorado Rampage at Old Foothills Arena for an 8:45 nightcap matchup.  With eight returning players from last season, and a fresh cast other veteran players, the Thunderbirds are poised to establish themselves as an RMJHL power.  In his second season, Head Coach Cam Clemenson remained fairly quiet about the expectations of his veteran club.  Instead he stayed focused on the day to day of his team, and the strength of his opponent.  “We had a great three weeks of practice, and all 23 players are ready for the season and home opener.  It will be a great test against the highly competitive Colorado Rampage.”  The Rampage will the make the short trip up I-25 from Monument to Denver also with eight returners from last season.  Led by veteran players Sam Gilmour, Quinton Reynolds, and Jaren Panick, the Rampage are also expected to make a legitimate run at the RMJHL championship title this season. Like Clemenson, the Colorado Rampage bench boss Andy Newton is simply focused on the drop the of the first puck.  "It's been a busy summer for the Rampage program and we are looking forward for the season to get underway."