The Colorado Eagles must defend their 04-05 Ray Miron President ’s Cup championship. The Eagles have many of last year's crop of champions back, including CHL Most Valuable Player Greg Pankewicz, Ryan Tobler, Riley Nelson, Brad Williamson and Matt Desrosiers. Goaltender Paulo Colaicovo, who was exceptional during the Eagles title run, is a rising young star and should get the bulk of work in net. The Eagles led the CHL in most goals for and fewest goals against last season. They kick off their season with an opening run at the Laredo Bucks who they took down in last season's championship finals.

Coach: Chris Stewart

248-114-36 in CHL
04-05 Record: 43-10-07

The CHL’s all-time winningest club (515 wins) and all-time winningest coach (407 wins) have had a two-year absence in the playoffs, and look to correct that streak this season. Sniper Mike Beausoleil (45 goals last year) will be relied on heavily to provide offensive spark, and will be aided by the return of speedy center Marty Standish. Defenseman Tyler Fleck remains one of the most feared body checkers in the CHL, while Mike Lukajic had 33 goals last season for Topeka. The new name to watch on the roster is goaltender Sebastien Centomo, honored as the CHL’s Rookie of the Year with Memphis in 01-02. Centomo has NHL experience with Toronto, and teams with returning Sean Connors to provide an extremely capable duo in net. The Blazers face a tough season start, with 10 games away from home.

Coach: Doug Sauter

407-198-57 in CHL
04-05 Record: 27-22-11

Tulsa will be solid in net with Marco Emond, who helped Laredo win the 2003-2004 Ray Miron President’s Cup. On the back end is veteran defensemen Dan Hodge and Chris Newans will man the blue line. Tough guy Mario Joly also returns to give the Oilers some tenacity. Up front, the challenge for Tulsa is replacing the team's top three scorers from last year in Jason Bermingham, Todd Marcellus, and Dan Gravelle. Left winger Drew Otten will provide some firepower to Tulsa’s attack, and forward Henry Kuster will attempt to regain his 20+ goal scoring touch after his injury-shortened season with Amarillo last year.

Coach: Butch Kaebel
47-41-10 in CHL
04-05 Record: 32-25-03

The core of the club is the group that enjoyed their first 40 win season since the 1994-1995 campaign is back. Loaded offensively with skilled forwards Jason Duda (04-05 CHL scoring champion), Travis Clayton and Joe Blaznek, Wichita is likely to again be among the top scoring clubs in the CHL. Slick defenseman Daniel Tetrault joins the roster from New Mexico along with several new faces on the blueline. Along with a new face behind the bench in Mark French, the club will open the season with two new goaltenders, with Sebastien Laplante the likely starter. The Thunder will face Northwest Division opponents and heated rivals Colorado, Oklahoma City and Tulsa a total of 33 times throughout their 64 game schedule.

Coach: Mark French
0-0-0 in CHL
04-05 Record: 40-17-03