The puck will drop for the Alliston Hornets' first season as defending Ontario champions this Friday.

The Hornets will face off against the rival Penetang Kings, the Hornets' opponent in last year's Georgian Bay Mid-Ontario Junior Hockey League finals. With the Hornets beating the Kings, and then going on to win the Schmalz Cup, the Kings will likely be looking make a statement.

The Hornets have some new faces, and lost some familiar ones, including goalie Jon Porretta, who carried them through most of the playoffs last year. The team will be looking to come out strong and show that despite the changes to the lineup, they are still the team to be beat.

The game will also serve to honour soldiers in the Canadian Armed Forces, and will feature a colour guard from CFB Borden.

The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. at the New Tecumseth Recreation Complex on Industrial Parkway.