With the NHL lockout closing in on its dubious one month anniversary, the American Hockey League will act as one of the few outlets for professional ice hockey in North America. On Friday night, the New York Islanders and Rangers AHL affiliates will open the regular season against one another when the Bridgeport Sound Tigers travel to Connecticut to challenge the Whale.

The Islanders affiliate will then travel back to Bridgeport on Saturday to play their home opener against the Providence Bruins, before embarking on a five-game road trip that spans the rest of October. For a complete list of the Sound Tigers schedule, click here.

The Whale will return to action on Sunday afternoon when the team hosts the St. John's IceCaps before heading to Norfolk next weekend to play consecutive road games against the Admirals. With the Rangers obviously not in action, rookie standout from last year's playoffs, Chris Kreider, will be playing with the Whale throughout the lockout. For a complete list of the Whale's schedule, click here.