CHICAGO (CBS) The Chicago Blackhawks released their 2011-12 schedule Thursday, which includes back-to-back games against the Dallas Stars to the start the season.

The Hawks’ first game will be in Dallas Friday, Oct. 7. They will then host the Stars Oct. 8 at the United Center, beginning a string of three straight home games. The relocated Winnipeg franchise will come to Chicago Oct. 13 and the Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins visit the United Center Oct. 15.

The schedule also features a six-game road West Coast road trip in November and a nearly three-week, nine-game road trip that begins Jan. 31.

The Blackhawks will play the Vancouver Canucks four times, including visits to Vancouver Nov. 16 and Jan. 31. They will host the Canucks Nov. 6 and March 21.

The preseason schedule includes two games each against the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals. The Hawks will also play the Edmonton Oilers in Saskatchewan to open to the preseason.

The entire 2011-12 schedule can be found here.