Change is coming.
The OHL made four rule changes in the off-season, none bigger than going to three-on-three in overtime.
It'll mean quicker games and fewer shootouts. The statistics back that up.
It also means a change in strategy as Kitchener Rangers coach Mike Van Ryn points out.
The move by all leagues is a bit ironic.
After all, hockey brains sold the shootout as exciting and something the fans wanted and now they're essentially putting a new format in place that will drastically reduce the amount of shootouts.
It's like one gimmick is being replaced by another. Call me a traditionalist but I like the good old days of a tie. I never quite got on board with the whole rewarding a team for losing a game.
But it's coming and let's embrace the change.
As for those Rangers? They're undefeated in pre-season play. That doesn't mean much as most teams rest key players.
However there were some broad strokes worth noting - Luke Opilka's strong performance, a solid second unit, speed in the back end and some good clean checking.
The next friendly goes Wednesday back at the Aud against Niagara at 7 p.m.