Things will look a lot more like years past for the upcoming Manitoba Junior Hockey League season as the league released the schedule for all teams including the Steinbach Pistons.

Paul Dyck, Head Coach and General Manager of the Pistons, says now that the schedule is out, the positive vibes of an upcoming season are sinking in. "It's really exciting," the veteran coach says. "There might have been some nervous anticipation leading up to it, how it may look and when the announcement may come. We had great communication with the league and were aware of the direction we were heading. It's very, very exciting and it really feels real. Our players are excited about it, too. It definitely feels a little different from last year, because in some regards we were in a similar spot but this year feels different. We've learned a lot over the last year and everyone is anxious to move forward."

The MJHL has divided the 12 teams into two divisions. Along with Steinbach, the Portage Terriers, Winkler Flyers, Winnipeg Blues, Winnipeg Freeze, and Selkirk Steelers make up the East Division. 

Dyck says that some rivalries are already set while others are waiting to be born and he is looking forward to it all. "It's a throwback to when we had more divisional play in the early years when we played teams like Portage, Winkler, the Blues, and Selkirk a lot. Those are teams we have established a rivalry with, so I think it's going to provide spirited and entertaining hockey. It's going to be a great product for our fans."

When it comes to fans being in the TG Smith Centre for the upcoming hockey season, Dyck remains hopeful that people can fill the stands this year. "We're in communication so we may have a clearer picture soon. It's good to have these conversations now at this point of the summer because last year they took place much later. We're able to plan a bit so that's very encouraging. The number of fans we can possibly have to start the year is higher than what we were given last year, so that's fantastic. Hopefully, we can progress quickly from there."

A major event for the business community and fans alike is the Steinbach Pistons Celebrity Golf Tournament which is going to be held later in August. "It was a great success last year" Dyck recalls. "It was a different format but the players really enjoyed it. We've had great feedback following the event and already people are looking forward to it. It's like our unofficial kick-off to the season. We're looking forward to having a few current players there and some alumni there as well."

To register your team or sponsor a hole, visit https://www.steinbachpistons.ca/celebrity-golf-tournament