My favorite day of the year came today. Forget Christmas, forget my birthday, the AHL schedule was released today. More importantly, the Rampage's schedule was released and naturally, I have my thoughts on the topic. I will break it down month by month and talk about the good and the bad. The ugly will be left out. I can only rip off so many pop culture references.
October
The good: 8 out of 10 games at home, including the first 3. A very good chance for the team to get off to a good start. Early season energy from the fans is going to be crucial. So bring it!
The bad: There's a couple of things I'm not fond of. One, two consecutive 3 in 3's. Also, 3 straight Sunday games. I love going to games on Sundays. It helps me forget about being a Detroit Lions fan. Unfortunately, San Antonio is crawling with Cowboys fans and they take priority. The games on the 10th vs Texas and on the 17th vs Lake Erie go head to head with Cowboys games. And that doesn't fare well for attendance.
Highlights of October are the teams first visit to OKC to face the newest AHL franchise, the Barons. Also, 2 games each with instate rivals Houston and Texas.
November
The good: Variety! Out of 12 games in November, the Rampage will play 9 different teams. And 2 consecutive "dollar nights" should be good for some raucous crowds. Especially if the team gets off to a fast start.
The bad: Another head to head matchup with the dreaded Cowboys on the 14th and zero Saturday night home games for the month.
After 2 full months of action, the Rampage will have played all but 5 games vs. divisional opponents.
December
The good: The boys will get a well deserved week off for Christmas and get to stay home in San Antonio the week of New Years. That's a nice little home stand. The team also heads out on their first extended road trip of the season, playing 5 games in 7 days in Cedar Park, Grand Rapids, Chicago, and Houston. A good chance for the team to bond.
The bad: 5 games in 7 nights on the road, followed by a home date on the 8th day.
The team will play it's first New Year's Eve game since I have been in San Antonio, taking on the Barons. That will be one heck of a night in my world.
January
The good: Not a whole heck of a lot. This looks like the month from hell.
The bad: Wow, what a month ahead of the guys. 15 games in 31 days, 3 straight "3 in 3's" if you include the New Years Eve game. Throw in a nice little 5 game roadie 2 weeks before the annual Rodeo road trip and this could be the make or break month for the Rampage.
This year we are..."blessed" to have a "School Kids Day" or, as some teams call it, The "Business Man Special" on the 26th. This will, in all likelihood be the first game in 3+ years I will miss while still being in the state. Don't ask me my opinion. I know why teams do it. That doesn't mean I have to like it.
February
The good: It's the Rodeo Road Trip. Nothing good could possibly come from this, right? But hold on. 9 games in 3 weeks, mostly on weekends, with consecutive games in Cleveland and Manitoba. Not a whole lot of travel this year and possibly even a return trip to San Antonio for a nice break.
The bad: It's the Rodeo road trip. One home game in the entire month. That's bad. Very bad.
I really hate the rodeo road trip. I understand it, but I hate it. Such is life in cowpoke country though. It's kind of a big deal down here.
March
The good: The squad returns home, minus a small side trip to Cedar Park, for a nice little home stand to start the month. The games are spaced out pretty nicely with a couple of mid-week games thrown in.
The bad: Yet another 2 week road trip to end the month. There seems to be an abnormal number of road trips this season. I hate road trips.
Busy, busy month that will probably be a big factor in playoff implications.
April
The good: 5 of 6 at home to end the season. Could play a huge role in a potential playoff push or even seedings.
The bad: That last weekend 3 in 3 is absolutely ridiculous scheduling. Home game on Friday night, a trip to Chicago on Saturday night, finishing with an afternoon game BACK in San Antonio on Sunday. That's just not right schedule gurus!
Overview
There are quite a bit more weekday games this year than years past. A lot of them being at home. Still a ton of 3 in 3's but all teams have them so it's not really a point to gripe about them. Such is life in minor league sports. The season, at first glance, appears very front loaded with home games with the middle months bearing the bulk of the road tilts. It is nice to have those last 5 of 6 at home though. That could really be a big deal. We can all hope so anyway. I'm really looking forward to Oct. 8th. Heck, I'm ready for Sep 30th and I probably won't know 3 out of 4 players on the ice. I'm just ready for some hockey!
See you at the rink!
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