This fall, the National Hockey League will begin its 99th season of operation—and its 98th season of play due to the loss of a year from the 2003-04 lockout.
As the league creeps up on the century mark, we'll see new coaches behind seven benches, players on new teams and a couple of significant rule changes—most notably the switch to 3-on-3 overtime and the expansion of video replay and introduction of the coach's challenge, per NHL.com.
Here's a look at the key dates to mark on your calendar for the 2015-16 campaign—including a few that could warrant hockey road trips for the game's most ardent fans.