Training camp officially opens on Friday morning with player physicals. After the physicals are completed, the team will go through on-ice and off-ice testing. The Blues’ website lists practices at 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. at the Mills on Friday . . . they are open to the public but keep in mind they will be testing sessions and not scrimmages.

Here is the schedule for the first weekend of camp:

Friday at the Mills Mall (in Hazelwood)

Blue team, 10:30 a.m.

Gold team, 12:15 p.m.

Saturday at the Mills

Blue team practice, 10 a.m.

Gold team practice, noon

Sunday at Scottrade Center (FANfest Day)

Gold team practice, 10 a.m.

Blue team practice, 11 a.m.

FANfest scrimmage at Noon

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The 2nd annual FANfest will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Here’s a news release from the Blues regarding event:

“During FANfest, fans of all ages will be able to participate in a number of free activities, highlighted by the opportunity to reunite with favorite past players and meet the next generation of Blues hockey stars. Blues fans will also see significant changes to Scottrade Center on Sunday, with The Club now open as the Bud Light Zone. Located at the east end of the club level, the Bud Light Zone will feature an expansive buffet by Levy Restaurants, the team’s new restaurant partner which will also be adding new menu items and remodeling concession stands throughout Scottrade Center in time for the team’s Oct. 10 home opener against the Nashville Predators.

“Also new this season is the Blue Note Lounge. Formerly known as 14th and Clark, the two-level bar and restaurant will be accessible exclusively to VIP glass seat ticket holders before, during, and after each game. For concerts, shows, and non-Blues events, the Blue Note Lounge will be open to the public.

FANfest activities will include: Blue vs. Gold scrimmage at noon . . .  post-scrimmage player autograph and photograph session  . . .  face painting . . . concessions at discounted prices . . . . and (exclusive to season-ticket holders) a Q-and-A session with Blues Coach Andy Murray and John Davidson.

Admission to FANfest is free and all fans in attendance will receive a voucher redeemable for a complimentary preseason ticket. Fans wearing their Blues jerseys, hats, or any kind of Blues-themed attire will be eligible to win prizes throughout the day.

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Three days after the Blues open camp, they’ll play their first preseason game Monday in Kansas City against the Los Angeles Kings.

To me, playing a preseason game after just a few practices seems like a groin injury waiting to happen, but I surveyed several players and they said they’re not worried. “We’ve been skating for weeks and everybody is ready to go,” Blues center Andy McDonald said.

The Blues have seven preseason games in all:

Monday against L.A. in Kansas City

Tuesday vs. Dallas

Sept. 26 vs. Atlanta

Sept. 27 at Dallas

Sept. 29 at Toronto

Oct. 1 vs. Toronto

Oct. 4 at Atlanta

I’m happy to report that the Post-Dispatch is planning to send me to all four preseason road games. I will be updating the Morning Skate blog during the games.

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This Friday, I will have the top 10 questions facing the Blues in 2008-09 in the Post-Dispatch. Of course we could come up with 50 questions, but we’re going to limit it to the top 10.

Here’s a sampling:

- As captain, is Eric Brewer ready to lead the Blues?

- Are T.J. Oshie and Patrik Berglund the real deal?

- Can the power play find a way to score some goals?

I don’t want to give away everything, so read on Friday for the rest of the top 10 questions.

What will No. 1 be? Feel free to post your own questions in the comment section of this blog!!!!

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I’m told the Blues are “really close” to unveiling their third jersey, which they will wear several times in 2008-09. Owner Dave Checketts hasn’t allowed the details of the jersey to leak out, but he tells me he’s very excited and thinks the fans will be proud of the new look. (Nothing could be as bad as the last time the Blues ventured into the third-jersey business . . . remember the trumpets?)

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I will have my first Blues chat of the season this Thursday from 1-2 p.m. on STLtoday.com. The chats were very successful last year and I hope we can keep it up.

Here’s the link to ask a question this week . . . (please keep them short and to the point).

http://www.stltoday.com/discussions/sports/jr-live/LD091508489

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One more shameless plug: I will be doing a radio show this season with former Blue Reed Low. It’s going to be called the “The Lowdown” and it can be heard on KFNS (590 AM) on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m.

I’ll have the most current information on the Blues and Reed will be bringing passionate opinions to the table on the Blues and the rest of the NHL. I hope you will listen. The first show is set for Wednesday, Oct. 1st.

Thanks for reading . . .

JR