The day is finally here. After the longest summer a Dallas Stars fan has had to endure in a very long time, training camp is finally kicking off today with the first practice starting at 4:30 p.m. at the Frisco Dr Pepper Starcenter. Brad will be on the scene to give us a first-hand account of the practices and how things have changed under Crawford, so be sure to check back here for in-depth coverage and analysis of Stars training camp.

It's been a long offseason for the Dallas Stars and it's fans and now we are faced with an uncertain future. The team is talented and relatively deep at forward, but changes in the front office and a lack of any big offseason additions has many doubting the Stars are true playoff contenders. Yet with the return of Brenden Morrow, perhaps the most inspiring captain in the NHL, and the team hungry for retribution after missing the postseason look for the Stars to regain that hunger we know they can have and embrace their underdog status.

After the jump, we'll have all of the information you'll need for the preseason including full roster details, storylines for the preseason and a 23-man roster projection.

Training Camp Roster:

We'll be updating this roster as cuts are made. Crawford has said that the team will cut down to around 30 by Monday, September 21, and a number closer to the final roster soon after that. [Andrew's Dallas Stars Page]

Projected 23-man roster

Mark Stepneski hints that the Stars could go with just a 22-man roster, but unless a defensemen is moved that won't happen. Mike Heika has also hinted that despite all of our debates, the Stars might stick with eight defensemen.

Forwards
Morrow | Ribeiro | Brunnstrom
Neal | Richards | Eriksson
Ott | Modano | Lehtinen
Sutherby | Petersen | Barch\Sawada

Defensemen:
Daley | Robidas
Niskanen | Skrastins
Fistric | Grossman
Hutchinson | Woywitka

Goaltenders:
Turco
Auld

Training Camp and Preseason Schedule:

All practices will be held at the Dr Pepper Starcenter in Frisco, and are open to the public. If you live in the Dallas area, try and head out to one or two and show your support for the team. It's also a great opportunity for autographs and it's a great setting to really be close to the team during training camp. It's an atmosphere you can't find anywhere else in sports.

Saturday, September 12
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm Group A Practice (Stars Rink) | Group B Practice (Dr Pepper Arena)

Sunday, September 13
9:10 am - 10:00 am Group A Practice (Stars Rink) | Group B Practice (Dr Pepper Arena)
10:10 am - 11:10 am Scrimmage (Dr Pepper Arena)

Monday, September 14
9:10 am - 10:00 am Group A Practice (Stars Rink) | Group B Practice (Dr Pepper Arena)
10:10 am - 11:10 pm Scrimmage (Dr Pepper Arena)

Tuesday, September 15
9:10 am - 10:00 am Group A Practice (Stars Rink) | Group B Practice (Dr Pepper Arena)
10:10 am - 11:10 pm Scrimmage (Dr Pepper Arena)

Wednesday, September 16
9:00 am - 10:30 am Non-Game Squad (Stars Rink)
10:45 am - 11:45 am Game Squad (Stars Rink)
Tampa Bay Lightning at Dallas Stars - 7:30 pm

Thursday, September 17
10:00 am - 11:00 am Game Squad (Stars Rink)
11:15 am - 12:45 pm Non-Game Squad (Stars Rink)
Dallas Stars at Colorado Avalanche - 8:00 pm

Friday, September 18
11:00 am - Noon Group B Practice (Stars Rink)
Noon - 2:00 pm Group A Practice (Stars Rink)

Full schedule for training camp can be found here.

Preseason Storylines:

• With the depth this team has at forward, is there any chance Jamie Benn can force his way onto the roster?
• Will the Stars lack of an addition of a big-name defensemen be this team's biggest mistake?
• Can Charlie Huddy do what Rick Wilson could not?
• Just how different will this team play under Marc Crawford?
• Is Crawford's offensive system good for the Stars, and will it compromise our defensive intregrity?
• Can James Neal continue his growth into becoming one of the most dangerous wingers in the Western Conference?
• Can Loui Eriksson be a top-15 scorer again?
• Will Brad Richards finally prove that the trade was worth it?

And finally:

• Will Mike Modano go out in a blaze of glory?