It's a day fans have been eager awaiting--the season home opener for the Generals.
After three weekends and six games on the road, we get to see our junior team in action for the first time this season against the High River Flyers.
It kicks off with the Gens' first-ever Tailgate BBQ in the back parking lot of the SLS Centre at 6 p.m. They'll be food, music, and a beer garden to help build the momentum.
The opening ceremony and ceremonial puck drop follows at 8 p.m.
Gens president Rick Richards says they're expecting a huge crowd for the home opener and plenty of special guests.
"Calgary sledge hockey players will be in the stands cheering us on as well as lots of other folks and teams, so it should be a packed house."
Gens head coach Derek Bell says the team has been able to gel while starting the season on the road, but there's no place like home.
"Being away for so long is tough," says Bell. "It's always amazing as a coach and as a player to play in front of your home fans. It makes a huge difference."
"Fans are going to be excited to see this team. We've got a great leadership group, we've got a lot of good vets that are coming back to lead our new young guys on the ice, we've got some amazing young talent on the team this year, and just amazing people."
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The HJHL south division continues to offer exciting matchups.
"The south division, as you can tell by the standings, is extremely strong," says Bell. "I mean one loss, one win, you could move up from the bottom to the top of the standings. It's extremely competitive south division this year, which we're proud to be a part of and it will make for some exciting hockey and some stressful hockey at the same time."
"We've played a great game so far, a strong on forecheck-style game, an exciting hockey to watch."
The Flyers have got off to a slow start and are in search of their first win, but don't let that fool you.
"High River is going to be a competitive club, just like any club in the Heritage league," says Bell. "We can't take anybody lightly."
Last season, the Flyers built momentum as the season progressed and upset the Gens in the playoffs.
The Gens are 4-2 and head into tonight's game on a two-game winning streak.
Saturday night, the 5-1 Medicine Hat Cubs roll into town. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m.