The Perth Jr. B Blue Wings have hit the ice hard during Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (EOJHL) pre-season on route to their home opener on Friday night against the Renfrew Timberwolves.

"The boys are working extremely hard and we're ready to roll on Friday night," said Colin Glenn, head coach and general manager of the team. "We had a great start to the season with some pre-season exhibition games against Westport and Athens and we saw some great hockey."

The boys hosted Westport Friday night where they had a marathon shootout to decide the winner after a five-all draw. In the end it was Perth on the top end of that game.

Back in Westport on Saturday night, Perth clobbered the Rideaus in a 9-2 win, then on Sunday, the boys hosted Athens, but the result was not as favourable, dropping a 4-2 decision.

"No excuses, but they were tired," Glenn said. "Three games in three days, that's a lot of hard hockey, and these guys were laying it down. I was impressed with how physical the games got. It didn't get messy, and the intensity was there. The boys showed that they are not going to be pushed around. Last year, they were a little soft... not this year."

A couple penalties cost the game, but the boys were working hard, Glenn noted.

On a local note, the coach has solidified the team's roster with the addition of five Perth lads, including forward Tyler Murphy, who had an opportunity to take a shot during the shootout. "When Tyler went out on the ice, the crowd went wild," Glenn said.

Even though he didn't make good on the goal, the crowd was all over him, Glenn said.

The other four new local players are Alex Echlin, 18, also a forward and three defensemen, Logan Saunders, 18, Kaleb Bingley, 18 and Campbell Schoular, 17.

"These guys didn't make the team because they're from Perth," Glenn said. "That was a bonus. They made the team because they are good players and they earned a spot. They listen, they worked hard right off the hop and that has carried right through."

New goalies on the squad this year include Alex Desjardins and Phil Miller - both earned wins over the weekend and they split the net duties in the team's Athens game.

Neither has yet been tagged as the starter, although both are qualified, Glenn said. "Both deserve it."

Blair Barr, this year's team captain, and assistant Andrew Davis are names that fans and social media followers are familiar with. Christian Beuti is another returnee. At press time, many of the players have not been solidified. The roster will be posted online later this week.

Tuesday and Wednesday this week, the boys were set to take to the ice for practice in preparation for Friday's opener and Saturday's showcase game against Clarence Creek in Renfrew.

At home games, look for Riq Turner of Ambush fame and member of the Perth Splash Pad Committee, who is also running for Perth council, as he will be a new fixture around the arena on Friday nights.

Team owner Michael McLean said Turner contacted him to become involved with the team. "Riq will be announcing our home games now and he will be up in the crowd giving away prizes as we go through the season," McLean said. "He will also be doing a solo show in the lobby prior to games, then following the game, he will be on stage at O'Reilly's Pub on Gore Street."

Friday, the night's sponsor is AB Ford and Brad and Cathy Hasler will be dropping the ceremonial puck to start the season.

"Can't wait to get the season underway," said McLean. "Let's put this summer out of its misery."