It was also the first time the Hornets hosted a team on their new ice at the recently opened Alliston Community Recreation Centre.
This past weekend the Hornets also won a Junior C tournament at the centre, going undefeated.
Director of hockey operations for the Hornets, Clay Birkett, said the team is looking strong with some new additions and several returning veterans.
"We have 12 returning players and we're going to carry 20 on the team, so we'll have six or seven rookies," Birkett said. "We're down to 25 kids right now, 22 skaters and three goalies. Our age is strong this year with 13 players that are 20 and 21 years old — that's a lot of experience."
Veteran goalie Jon Poretta is confirmed as returning as the starting goalie and two other net minders are still on the roster as back-up.
The Hornets also acquired two top forwards. Former Hornet, Ryan Algar is returning after playing last season in Ajax. Algar is a former league MVP and leading scorer.
Junior C veteran Thomas Faris, also signed with the Hornets this year after playing last season with the Schomberg Cougars. Faris was last year's top scorer on the Schomberg squad.
Darrin Shannon is returning for his third season as head coach and veteran Ken Cowan will be back as assistant coach.
New on the bench this year will be assistant coach Mike Hough. Hough had a long NHL career before retiring and moving to Aurora. This will be his first time coaching at the Junior C level.
"For the last seven years I've been coaching in Aurora minor hockey," he said. "I'm excited to see the level of hockey here and hopefully will help some kids learn and have some fun."
Hough said he was impressed with how the team is shaping up and thought they looked good in an exhibition game in Penetanguishene.
"We played well in Penetang," Hough said. "They looked strong."
The Hornets are sporting a new look this year with re-designed uniforms and a new logo. The logo is already on the ice in the new recreation centre.
Last Wednesday's game ended with the Hornets winning 1-0.
