The Roberts Creek Rangers picked up the first men's A-division hockey win this week.
The Rangers edged last year's champs, the Midway Power/Grasshopper Pub Hitmen, 5-3 last Saturday night.
Glenn Allen led the way for the Rangers with two goals, while Rob Hopkins, Hugh Rae and Steve Fitchett added singles.
The Hitmen received goals from Darren Pollack, Lance Durkin and Gage Gregory.
The Suncoast Flyers and Hitmen played Thursday night (past Coast Reporter deadlines). On Saturday, a doubleheader starts at 7:15 p.m. with the Inlet Raiders playing the Hitmen, followed by the Flyers taking on the Rangers at 9 p.m.
In preparation for the regular season, each team played a pair of exhibition games.
The Raiders beat the Flyers 4-3 on Sept 24. The Hitmen beat the Rangers 8-7, the Flyers tie the Rangers 2-2 and the Hitmen beat the Raiders 7-3.
Raiders team rep Dwight Davison said he expects another close season between the teams.
"I haven't played yet, but from just looking at the pre-season results, the league should be pretty tight," Davison said. "Our team is going to be interesting. We've had a few veteran players retire and we've picked up some younger guys. With talk of the red line going out, it might give us a chance to utilize some of our speed. It's going to be a fun season."
Calls to the other team reps for comment on the new season were not returned by press time.
