LEWISTON – With the question of working visas still in doubt, the Lewiston Maineiacs will open the 2004-05 season on the road in Canada and not play at home until Oct. 1.

The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League released its schedule Monday. The league kicks off the season Sept. 16, with defending champion Gatineau hosting Acadie-Bathurst. Most every other team will begin play that weekend.

The Maineiacs don’t hit the ice until the second weekend when they travel to Halifax for a Friday, Sept. 24, contest with the Mooseheads. Lewiston will then play games at Moncton and Cape Breton before arriving at the Colisee on Friday, Oct. 1, for the home opener against Acadie-Bathurst.

Seven of the Maineiacs’ first eight games will be played away from the Colisee.

According to the league’s Web site, the Maineiacs’ late start is due to the work visa problems that won’t be solved until Oct. 1.

After the three road games in September, the Maineiacs will then squeeze in 15 games during October, including a season-long, seven-game homestand covering 15 days.

The schedule also includes 12 games each in November and February, 10 in both December and January and eight in March.

While the Maineiacs conclude the season at home against Victoriaville, five of their final eight games will be played on the road.

The QMJHL includes a Christmas break from Dec. 20 to 26 and a three-day recess over New Year’s.