Over the next month, we will take an in-depth look at the 2014-15 season - going month-by-month. Today, we begin by delving into the opening month of the season.

As it normally goes, the month of October is a bit limited in the number of games right out of the gate. For the first time since the 2011-12 season, Cincinnati will begin the season away from U.S. Bank Arena. On October 18, they’ll lock up with the Toledo Walleye in the first of seven regular season meetings. The Walleye are coming off of their worst season in club history - they finished with just 21 wins in 2013-14.

The following Saturday, October 25, will be the Cyclones annual “First Face-Off” at U.S. Bank Arena. Fans will be able to enjoy $1 John Morrell Hot Dogs, Donatos Pizza, and soda. Plus, the first 5,000 fans will receive a Cyclones Car Magnet, featuring the team’s new logo! This year’s opponent for First Face-Off will be the Kalamazoo Wings - a team that has consistently been one of the toughest on the schedule. However, this season, the Wings are in the Western Conference. With the offseason realignment, the Wings battle for Midwest Division supremacy with the Colorado Eagles, Fort Wayne Komets, Evansville IceMen and the Indy Fuel. No doubt we’ll see more of the same intensity despite the rivalry being split into two conferences.

The month of October will conclude with the first of back-to-back games against the Elmira Jackals. On Friday, October 31, the ‘Clones will face the Jackals - another club that missed the playoffs a year ago. But unlike in year’s past, the teams will be facing off as division rivals - as the realignment has joined the Cyclones, Jackals, Reading Royals, Wheeling Nailers, and Toledo Walleye in a five-team North Division.