The Eastman Selects begin the 2017-2018 Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League season Saturday in Beausejour against the Central Plains Capitals.

Selects first year head coach Scott Wong says his players can't wait for puck drop.

"They're ecstatic," said Wong. "They're chomping at the bit and they're ready to go. We've been working hard the last couple of weeks going over the necessities needed to be ready for the first game. It is a process however. It's going to take some time since the guys haven't played together."

Wong and the rest of the Eastman coaching staff spent the month of September watching and evaluating before finally signing off on their season opening roster after their home-and-home preseason games with the Kenora Thistles last weekend.

"I like the fact that we have a solid veteran presence and some newer players that have played in Eastman before that are extremely talented players. They're going to bring a lot to the hockey club."

The Selects will also meet the Southwest Cougars Sunday at the Sun Gro Centre.

"The boys love playing at home," said the Eastman bench boss. "It's their other home. Comfort is huge when you're playing at home and they love playing in front of their fans."