With all eyes on Laval, the Rocket took to the ice for the start of their inaugural season with high expectations. The roster had been overhauled after the final game played by the St. John’s IceCaps, with several veterans added to a lineup that features a number of highly skilled young prospects. AHL President David Andrews, Canadiens owner Geoff Molson and Montreal legend Guy Lafleur were a few of the major names on hand for the pre-game puck drop.
The early momentum leaned heavily toward the side of the Belleville Senators, who dominated the shot clock to start the game.