A Cochrane Chaos home season opener is much more than just another hockey game.
Now in their ninth season, the junior club has always made it a celebration of female hockey, embracing everyone from emerging young players in the Jr. Chaos minor hockey program right up to saluting their club's alumni.
After an extensive exhibition season mainly played on the road, the Chaos open their season Saturday night at Totem One against the Calgary Titans.
The opening ceremony begins shortly after 7 p.m. where the players are introduced and escorted on to the ice by Jr. Chaos players. The ceremonial puck drop involves players who finished their junior careers with the Chaos last season and in the crowd, you'll spot many alumni.
Between periods, the minis get their chance to scrimmage in front of the large crowd attracted to the game each year.
Derek Loomer, Chaos vice-president of hockey operations and former head coach, says what you will see on the ice tomorrow exemplifies what the AJFHL is all about.
He says they now have girls on their team who were among the minis escorting players onto the ice in past home openers.
"Exactly what we intended our league to be is that flagship team that girls want to play for and to have some excitement for the Junior Chaos to play their games and get better and have something to aspire to. We're so happy when they finally get to our level and come and contribute to our success."
The Chaos have a 30-game schedule this season. The league added four more games to allow for more games against north division teams.
Loomer says it will add a bit more variety to the season.
"There were a lot of weekends last year where we only had one game," he explains. "We decided it was a lot to ask the girls to give up a whole weekend to play just one game, so we changed it."
The Chaos have been a successful club from day one. They won it all in the 2022-23 season in their third appearance in the championship series. Last season, they were defeated by the Edmonton Wolves in their fourth appearance.