The Prince George Spruce Kings are meeting them halfway.
They'll take on the Merritt Centennials in 100 Mile House tonight to open the B.C. Hockey League preseason.
This year's version of the Kings includes eight returning players -- forwards Jeff Earnest, Connor Tiechko, Jujhar Khaira, defencemen Trevor Esau, Sam Waterfield and Ben Woodley, and goalies Cameron Large and Kirk Thompson.
The Kings have added some local flavour with Jake LeBrun, who turned 16 on Thursday, and 18-year-old forward Sean Landrey. Both Prince George minor hockey products played last season for the Coast Inn of the North midget Tier 1 Cougars.
Also joining the Kings this season as a result of trades are the Fitzgerald triplets (forwards Gerry, Myles and Leo), defenceman Jesse Ursic and forwards Paul De Jersey and Dylan Tappe.
Following tonight's game, the Spruce Kings will return home to prepare for next Friday's exhibition game at the Coliseum against the Dawson Creek Rage, the only Canadian team in the 28-team U.S.-based North American Hockey League. The same teams meet again in Dawson Creek on Saturday, Sept. 10.
Prince George wraps up the preseason on Thursday, Sept. 15 at the Coliseum against the Westside Warriors. The Spruce Kings open their 16th season in the BCHL and 40th as a junior team at the Coliseum on Friday, Sept. 23, the first of a weekend doubleheader against Merritt.
