The defending champions began the new Carillon Senior Hockey League season the way they ended the old one.

With a win.

This one though wasn't quite as dramatic.

Paul Bissonnette had three goals and an assist and Yvan Pattyn had two goals and four helpers as the Ste. Anne Aces defeated the Blues 10-2 in Lac du Bonnet last Saturday.

"We had a bit of a late start this year," said Ste. Anne coach Kevin Lansard who had just 12 skaters to work with in Lac du Bonnet. "We haven't got all the guys together yet. I don't know if it's sunk in with what we accomplished last year but we're kind of excited to get going."

What the Aces accomplished last year was winning an unprecedented third straight CSHL crown.

"I'm kind of happy that we have the same core who have been playing together for a couple of year and that's exciting," Lansard said. "We know teams will be gunning for us but the new guys are excited and everyone else is also."

The Aces lost forward Tanner Harms, who scored the overtime winner in game six of the final against the Grunthal Red Wings last spring which cemented the three-peat as well as defenseman Brett Adnum.

Harms and Adnum have rejoined a number of their former Steinbach Huskies teammates and are now playing with the Habs in La Broquerie.

Lansard says the return of the Habs after a one-year leave of absence is huge for the league.

"It's really exciting for a couple of reasons. We had good players who helped us last season and now they're in La Broquerie. You look at their roster - there's some really good players there and if they can commit to showing up every night - they're going to be very competitive and a very good team. The other thing that maybe is a little selfish, is that it's a nice close game for us which he didn't have last season. We're 15 minutes away for a game and I'm pretty sure La Broquerie missed senior hockey after being away for one season."

The Aces will play their home opener against the Habs on Friday night.

Landard adds the CSHL needs to start attracting more teams.

"We've been hanging on for a little bit. There was some interest from Stonewall. Ile des Chenes was close to having a team. We felt they had enough players but maybe they lacked volunteers. Seven would be great but six would be ideal. We can't go less than five. The league is getting stronger. We just need to find a way to expand, to at least get another team in, and everyone can stay competitive."