Key dates for Hawks fans to mark on the 2010-11 calendar

Here are some key dates to consider as the Blackhawks begin their quest to defend their Stanley Cup championship:

Raise it highOct. 9: In what should be a memorable night at the United Center, the Hawks will raise their first Stanley Cup banner in 49 years prior to the home opener against Detroit. It's also the first of six games against a Red Wings team that figures to be the Hawks' toughest challenger in the Western Conference.Bring on the nastinessOct. 20: The Hawks meet the team they dislike the most, Vancouver, at the United Center for the first time since eliminating the Canucks in the playoffs for the second year in a row. This could get nastyHello old friendsNov. 6: The Hawks travel to Atlanta to face the Thrashers and former teammates Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd, Brent Sopel and Ben Eager.Send in the clownsNov. 17: The annual circus road trip begins in Edmonton with five more stops in Calgary, Vancouver, San Jose, Anaheim and Los Angeles before it ends on Nov. 27.Antti's backDec. 30: San Jose comes to the UC for the first time with Antti Niemi making his return to Chicago. The Hawks and Sharks will have played three of their four regular season games by the end of December.Don't wear orangeJan. 23: Chris Pronger and the Philadelphia Flyers come to the UC for the only meeting of the season between the Stanley Cup finalists.Sid the KidFeb. 20: The Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby come to the UC in what could be an early Stanley Cup preview. Hockey Night in CanadaMarch 5: You know players have this game circled on the schedule: A date with the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre on Hockey Night in Canada.Soup's onMarch 13: Brian Campbell faces Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals in Washington for the first time since Ovechkin's cheap shot into the boards from behind ripped up Campbell's shoulder late last season.Finishing kickApril 8 10: What a way to close the season, with a home-and-home showdown against Detroit.