So it Begins for Boston, Scrimmage Tonight

Much like the rest of their opponents, the Boston Bruins have been hitting the ice since the league announced late Saturday night that it was all systems go.  It’s been full steam ahead with an abbreviated camp schedule and opening night skating into the Garden on Saturday. Tonight the Bruins will take to the ice in front of a sold out crowd for an inter-squad scrimmage. The tickets to tonight’s team preview were available for free to the first 17,565 fans that could get them- ie the Garden’s capacity. With such a popular demand, the Bruins will live stream the game on their website beginning at 6:55 p.m. ET.

With only a few vacancies on the current roster, fans will get to see Providence Bruins Matt Bartowski, Jamie Tardiff, Chris Bourque, Ryan Spooner, Lane MacDermid and David Warsofky give it their best shot for a spot on the opening night NHL roster, which for Boston begins at home January 19th against the New York Rangers.

In an attempt to slowly win back the hearts of many NHL fans, the team has offered select free concessions for those in attendance this evening. Another notable mention, fans looking to purchase gear at the ProShop will also receive a 25% discount at all home games in January. Although small gestures, its a valid attempt to show the fans that the team does care about their suffering during the lockout.

The Bruins aren’t the only team in the NHL offering similar incentive’s to fans, many teams are also taking part in similar pre-season preview games. It’s safe to say that NHL hockey is back in full force.