LEWISTON – As far as Dan Deletetsky is concerned, Lewiston has re-established itself as a hockey town.

One of thousands who flocked to the Maineiacs home opener at the Colisee on Friday night, the 40-year-old Auburn man was impressed.

“Last year was big,” Deletetsky said. “This year is going to be bigger. This year, it feels more like Lewiston’s team. This year, it’s our team.”

From tailgate parties before the game to long lines getting in, the Maineiacs home opener Friday had the feel of a big league event. The front of the arena has changed dramatically. There are more concession stands inside and other alterations throughout the building.

“It’s completely different,” said 45-year-old Kathy Tardiff of Lewiston. “It’s beautiful. I’m so excited for this season.”

Long lines snaked around the building before game time. There was confusion about new entrances and parking changes. But by 7 p.m., it was go time.

When the Maineiacs were announced, the volume inside the rink was thunderous. When the puck was dropped to start the game, it was deafening.

“It’s great to see them back out there,” said 40-year-old Kent Mullan. “I’m psyched. It’s time for hockey.”

After months of promotion, fans Friday appeared geared up for a fresh, new season of hockey. The game was sold out and a few people showed up hoping to get last-minute tickets. No luck. By game time, the arena was full. The lobby was jammed around the concession stands as fans lined up for beer and food.

The first period ended with no scoring. No players squared off to fight. Still, the roar inside the Colisee thundered on even between whistles. Most fans felt the Maineiacs outplayed the Acadie-Bathurst Titan in the first 20 minutes.

“It started off a little slow,” Mullan said. “But they’re looking good.”

By the end of the second period, the Maineiacs were up 2-0.

“The boys look great,” said Tardiff.

There were a few complaints as the night got under way. Some didn’t like the new entrances to the building. The distinction between the entrances for season ticket holders and regular customers was not clear, they said.

Others were miffed about the parking arrangements and the small VIP lot located at the side of the rink. Some noted that high school hockey banners had been taken down inside the rink and that there were more advertisements scattered throughout the building.

Most were happy to shrug it off. What really mattered was hockey.

“The ice looks really good,” Mullan said. “The rink is excellent.”

Most fans agreed there was a different atmosphere about the home team this year. It was evident in the appearance of the Colisee, which looked like a professional arena instead of a ramshackle barn for the first time in decades. It was apparent before the game as several people gathered at the backs of cars and trucks for pre-game celebrations.

“We’re ready for some hockey,” said 36-year-old Dana McNully of Minot, who was gathered with a group of friends in the parking lot.

Meanwhile, Olivia Grimmer, 7, Mitchell Grimmer, 10, and 7-year-old Nicolette Vallee sat on the side of the truck, waiting for the grown-ups to finish the pre-game chatter so they could go inside and watch the game.

Waiting in lines, sitting in the bleachers or puffing quick cigarettes between periods, many fans noted that there may be no National Hockey League this year due to ongoing labor disputes. Too bad, they agreed, but not the end of the world.

“I’d rather watch the Maineiacs,” Mullan said.

“Love the Maineiacs,” Deletetsky agreed. “It’s gonna be an awesome year. It’s gonna be a huge year.”