The Chatham Maroons officially start their new season as defending Sutherland Cup Champions this weekend.
The team's first game is on Saturday in Strathroy against the Rockets. The Maroons will then play their first home game on Sunday, hosting the St. Thomas Stars.
Brennan Feasey, the Maroons' Head Coach and General Manager, told CK News Today his players want to get back out and prove to everyone that last season wasn't a one-off.
"Our expectations are really high and we're hopeful that we can run it back-to-back," he said.
This weekend will be Feasey's first two games in his new role with the Maroons. He replaced Richard Santos, who joined the Leamington Flyers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) earlier this summer.
He explained the best advice he has for himself and his players is to be ready for anything.
"I think as long as we prepare the best that we can, we're going to have a great year," added Feasey.
The first home game will be extra special as the Maroons will lift their championship banner.
"We have some of our old coaching staff, some of our old players coming back (to celebrate)," said Feasey.
Puck drop on Saturday is set for 7:30 p.m., while Sunday's home opener is slated for 7 p.m.