By KEN CASTRO

Fading quicker than a bad summer tan, the Boston Red Sox slipped into the deepest recesses of our consciousness over the past few weeks.

The anticipated giddy October was erased at the hands of a problematic losing streak.

Luckily, the New England Patriots, comfortable in the role of fall saviors, have arrived on the scene, eager to pick up the pieces of Red Sox Nation’s shattered illusions.

On Causeway Street, another Hub entity is making a bid to win back the hearts, minds and wallets of Beantown faithful.

Recent movements by the Boston Bruins have certainly created a stir among hockey followers. However, bitten by the ugly preseason hyperbole of a year ago, it remains to be seen if New England fans will return with a renewed passion as the 2006-07 season ramps up.

This time around the Bruins, bolstered by the optimism of fresh faces, particularly among the board room, are touting the balance of power in their division as a means of hope.

“I think definitely the talent has been a little more spread out in the division,” said new GM Peter Chiarelli during a recent conference call. “There are a lot of departures from teams. We made some additions. Just by simple math, it's good to know that right off the hop, we're going to be in the hunt just because the division has changed so much.”

Bruins new bench boss Dave Lewis agrees with Chairelli’s assessment.

“The changes, in particular here in Boston, may be more radical than most teams,” Lewis said. “Everything is a real plus-plus for us. Looking forward to the start of the season because the competitive balance has changed. That happens anytime you get players that are unrestricted free agents that move from team to team.”

Chiarelli believes the new look will be successful for a team that has experienced its share of low points over the past decade.

“I look at our team as being intact from the very start of the season, there being a fresh-start environment, people wanting to prove themselves.

“We expect a turnaround here. Because there's simple turnover from team to team because of this new system, I think that's a trend you're going to see,” he said.

Lewis acknowledges that critiques will come at him fast and furious in his new role.

“That's the way I look at it,” he said. “I have something to prove.”

As do the Bruins.

Gonzalez defends at RIC

Junior Jameson Gonzalez of Johnston is a member of the Rhode Island College Men’s soccer team that has bolted to a 3-0-0 (1-0-0 Little East Conference) overall record thus far. The 5-foot-8, 140-pound defender, a graduate of Cranston West High School, has started on the Anchormen back line in all three contests. Gonzalez has registered three shots on the season.

Johnston High School upcoming schedule

Fri 9/22 6 p.m., Girls' Soccer, Cranston East at Johnston; Sat 9/23 10 a.m., Football, Johnston at Narragansett; Mon 9/25 3:30 p.m., Boys Cross Country at Goddard Park [Cranston West vs. Johnston], [Pilgrim vs. Johnston]; Mon 9/25 3:30 p.m., Girls Cross Country at Goddard Park [Cranston West vs. Johnston], [Pilgrim vs. Johnston]; Mon 9/25 3:30 p.m., Boys Soccer, Johnston at Prout School; Mon 9/25 3:30 p.m., Football (JV), Narragansett at Johnston; Tue 9/26 5:30 p.m., Girls Soccer Johnston at Classical; Tue 9/26 3:30 p.m., Boys Soccer (JV), Johnston at North Smithfield; Wed 9/27 6 p.m., Girls Volleyball Johnston at West Warwick; Wed 9/27 6 p.m., Boys Soccer, Rogers at Johnston; Thu 9/28 6 p.m., Boys Soccer, Tiverton at Johnston.