The hockey season gets underway for real this week as the High River Flyers take on the Strathmore Thrashers in their home opening game this Friday night.

Head coach Colton Hayes says with two losses, the preseason didn't go as planned, but it is now behind them.

"We have narrowed out team down," said Hayes. "We have some really strong defenceman now on out team and Chantz Vinck, I can't say nothing but good things about him, he's one of the best goalies in the league. We have been just going really hard in practices.

Monday players were conditioning and Tuesday the guys worked on skills.

"We are just prepping. The guys are eager to get on the ice and show the hometown fans what we've got."

The team is hosting the Three Hill Thrashers Friday night at 8 p.m. with country music star George Canyon singing O'Canada.