S48 is officially underway as the first four or five games have been played by each team during the campaign. The Tampa Bay Barracuda have opened the season on a high note despite dropping their first game of the regular season competition 3-2 to the defending champions in the West Kendall Platoon during Game 1. Klaus established himself early into his first year in Tampa Bay as a strong offensive contributor, scoring his first regular season goal with his new team half way through the second period of the game to tie up the score before the Platoon would score to close the night. Klaus had a fantastic first appearance as he lead the team in shots over almost twenty minutes on the ice and showed off his physical side with a hit. The two teams would meet the following night at home in Tampa Bay for the Barracuda's home opener where the young Cudas' offense took the Platoon by storm and ran up a score of 4-2 in order to take Game 12 and even the series between the two teams at 1-1. Klaus contributed an assist for his team, setting up winger Cash Savage on a beautiful cross crease pass in what would ultimately be the game winning goal for Tampa Bay. Klaus finished the night as a positive on ice player after playing over twenty minutes, showing off an elite level of endurance we hadn't previously seen from the young center. 

Tampa Bay fans had to wait a whole extra day before getting to watch their team play again as the Barracuda had an off night in preparation for their home game against the Manhattan Rage. During this time, the Barracuda players hosted a charity event to kick off the season, playing in a three on three street hockey tournament in downtown Tampa Bay during the city's annual Youth Sports Festival. The players integrated themselves among youngsters who were selected from the Make a Wish Foundation and got to engage with fans of all ages between pick-up games at the food trucks and main stages that littered the streets. Following the main events of the day, Klaus called a press conference, hinting that he had big news he wanted to announce to not only the city of Tampa Bay but many of his old friends from across the league.

"It's with great pleasure that I can finally announce the birth of my first son, Nico Augustus Klaus." Klaus announced to open up his press conference. The statement was received with thunderous applause from the general crowd and the quick chatter of reporters taking down notes. "He's healthy and happy, and we're glad to have taken him home. Thankfully I've been able to spend the last two days with Andrea at home watching him, and it's really a sight to see. I wanted to get him out here today, but Andrea said I shouldn't force him to be a hockey player just yet!"

Following the excitement of Klaus' announcement, the Barracuda's players converged with the Make a Wish Foundation players before returning to the rink for a late night practice. The following afternoon they laced up their skates once again and took it to the Manhattan Rage, winning Game 21 in a decided 4-2 affair. Klaus once again found his way onto the score sheet, assisting on the Barracuda's final goal of the game late in the second period. Klaus joked about how Nico was his 'good luck charm' after having a +3 night while posting another hit on the ice and continuing to make Tampa Bay a more consistent machine all while continuing to play high minutes for his squad. The two teams would travel to New York State and enjoy another night of rest before clashing again, this time in Manhattan as the Barracuda barely squeezed a victory, taking the win for Game 30 early into overtime. Klaus added his third assist of the season to help jump start the Barracuda's comeback as they recovered from a 3-1 deficit heading into the third period to clinch the win. Klaus remained an all around presence, keeping in the positive while adding a hit and blocked shot to increase his two way effectivity.  

Many have the next set of games for the Barracuda's to be one of their hardest stretches this season as they find themselves playing twice against an ever-potent New England roster, taking on the hungry Hamilton Steelhawks in a two game series all before finishing off the first ten games of the season with a home match up against the superstar clad Buffalo Stampede and facing the Manhattan Rage once again. If the Barracuda can extend their record of 3-1 late into this season, questions may be raised about their potential to be a playoff bound team this season. Featuring a number of young talented superstars in the making, Tampa Bay is looking like a dynasty-ready team, and while general calls for holding off in order to grab another piece have been abound, the Barracuda aren't ready to forfeit the season by any regard. If you're able to make it out to any games this season, make sure you have at least one be a Tampa Bay match-up because you're going to be guaranteed a stellar match-up of offensive firepower.