There's no lock-out in the American Hockey League which means the Manchester Monarchs will start playing in 16 days.

Manchester will host the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in a 6 p.m. exhibition game at Sullivan Arena on the campus of St. Anselm College on Friday, Oct. 5.

Manchester will also square off against the Portland Pirates at 3 p.m. at the ICenter in Salem on Monday, Oct. 8.

Monarchs ticket package holders will be allowed free admittance to both home exhibition games. All non-holders will be asked for a donation to the Monarchs Care Foundation at the door to attend the games.

The Monarchs will play their regular season home opener on Friday, Oct. 19 at the Verizon Wireless Arena.

For more information, visit www.manchestermonarchs.com or call the Monarchs Front Office at 626-7825.