LEWISTON – If the Lewiston Maineiacs have drilled anything into their returning veterans’ heads in recent years, it’s that nothing in hockey is guaranteed.

Ask Maxime Robert. Or Pier-Luc Champagne. Or Rob McCarthy.

Each of those players – and several more in the five previous training camps – have returned with high expectations, and been sent packing, either via trade or outright release.

“You have to create an atmosphere where, you know what, these guys are a little scared for their jobs,” Maineiacs’ Head Coach and GM Ed Harding said. “They play better that way.”

This year, another crop of players returns after a summer-long sojourn, hoping to become tenured veterans rather than supplanted by younger players with better upside.

“We have another great crop of young players coming in here and they’re real hungry,” Harding said. “That’s what we’re looking forward to.”

Players like 19-year-olds Matt Bourdeau, Todd Chinova, Michael Ward and Patrick Cusack have all put in at least one year with the team, and could all feasibly be here on opening night.

Assuming there are no younger players on the same level waiting to take their spots.

Cusack and Ward appear to be completely safe, having each been named an alternate captain in a pre-game ceremony Friday night.

“They have to lead by example,” Harding said.

Bourdeau and Chinova, each looking to make the team for a second time, have a bit more work to do.

“We have to show that we’re leaders, and help show the rookies the way,” Bourdeau said. “It keeps me on my toes, though. I have to show them that they’re going to have to follow me. They’re going to have to beat me out.”

An even more precarious situation has developed among the team’s 20-year-old skaters.

With the addition of bruiser Brett Gallant and sniper Maxime Gratchev in two separate preseason trades, it stands to reason that the remaining 20-year-olds in camp – including veterans Lucas Labelle and Tom Michalik – are fighting for one position.

“There’s only three spots, so I have to battle hard to try and make it,” Michalik said. “Nothing’s going to be handed to us. They know that, and I know that. It adds a little bit of pressure, but you have to do your best and not let that bother you. If you have nerves, you won’t play to your potential.”

Harding said this weekend that he’ll likely carry at least four 20-year-old players to the very end of camp, but that beginning the season with four overagers and playing only three of them wasn’t an option.

“Oh no, we’re just going with three,” Harding said.

Let the games begin.