The Colorado Avalanche unofficially start the season on Friday as the rookies report for rookie camp in Denver. It is an exciting time for a player just entering the NHL. Most of them will get fitted for gear and wear the Avalanche “A” on their chest for the first time. To a new fan of the game, you may not know what to look out for. This will be a little guide on what you can look for and how to watch the games later in the weekend.

Rookie Camp roster

Rookie Camp Roster (numerical)

What to expect on Friday during camp

For some of these players, this will be one of a handful of times that coaches get to see them. The players will run through a lot of drills to assess their development. So it will look very similar to what we saw during development camp, but way more intense. Chances are that the coaches will run through a few scenarios, like special teams. So we will see who is being looked at for the power play and the penalty kill. This is the only practice the kids get together, so they need to make it count.

Who to watch

There are few players that every fan will want to watch over the weekend. T.J. Hughes is an obvious choice. But Ilya Nabokov will be the one to watch in the crease. This will be his first game action on smaller ice. So it will be interesting to see how Nabokov adjusts.

Cooper Gay will be looking to make an impact after missing last season with a ton of injuries. Fans will get to witness Beckett Hamilton in action, a draft pick this summer who brings a lot of skill down the middle. Colorado Eagles’ fans will want to watch Connor Kelley, who missed the entire season because of double knee surgery.

Last but not least, Grant Ahcan will be one to watch; he was the very first player to be signed by the New Mexico Goatheads.

How to watch

Broadcast information has not been announced at this time, but every year the hosting team streams the games online. This year, you will probably be able to find the stream for the games on the San Jose Sharks’ website. It will not be the best, but it is something.

All games are played in San Jose, California

— Saturday, Sept. 12

Colorado vs. Anaheim – 1:00 p.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. MT

— Sunday, Sept. 13

Vegas vs. Colorado – 1:00 p.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. MT

It will be a fun and exciting weekend to get things going for the start of hockey season. This also has to be one of the best lineups that the Avalanche have brought to the the Rookie Faceoff in years. There will be a ton of talent on both sides of the ice to watch, but it is a good way to ease back into hockey.