Their first official practice isn't for a few more weeks, but a handful of 'Canes players have started regular skate-arounds this week in Raleigh.

Carolina players go through skating drills, practice stick-handling and just get used to being on the ice again.

The unofficial session at RecZone attracted about 20 fans Tuesday morning.

"I enjoy coming out and seeing them practice, see them up close and in person," said Ken Stallings.  "At the games I don't have the tickets that can get me right up to the glass, so it's fun to come out and see how fast it really is."

The Hurricanes start training camp on Sunday, September 16, and open their season at home against the Flyers on October 2.

Carolina has high expectations for the new season, after coming off a deep playoff run that ended abruptly when they were swept by Pittsburgh in the conference finals.