The Sarnia Legionnaires are gearing up for the upcoming Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League season.
The league took a year off in 2020-21 due to the COVID pandemic, but is ready to welcome fans for a full 48 game season.
The campaign kicks off Saturday, September 25 against the St. Thomas Stars at Sarnia Arena. Like most years, the majority of the Legionnaires' home games are on Thursday nights.
Head Coach Derek Di Muzio said they've already been practicing twice a week, and believes the team will be competitive this year.
"We're just basing our success on what we see internally, and the benchmarks that we've set for practice standards," said Di Muzio. "Where we finish in the standings is going to take care of itself, but I do think we have a good team and I think we'll surprise a lot of teams. We're just going to put the work in and let the chips fall where they may."
Di Muzio is excited to have fans back in the stands.
"I know everybody has been patiently waiting for an opportunity to get back to normal here in terms of getting back to the rink and supporting our hockey team," he said. "We couldn't do it without our fans, we have a tremendous fan base. I'm excited to get back there and feel the energy in our building."
Di Muzio said they'll be relying on a score by committee approach, adding they'll be counting on veterans like Brayden Kreuger, Wil O'Leary-DiLosa and Reid Stauffer to lead the squad.
O'Leary-DiLosa and Stauffer were recently named co-captains of the team.
He said goalie Nolan DeKoning will be returning to the crease.
The Legionnaires are in Strathroy both Friday and Saturday nights for preseason contests.
