The Holland College Junior Hurricanes kick off their 2013-2014 IJHL regular season on Friday night in Montague when they visit the Maniacs. This will be the fourth season for the Hurricanes hockey program and second as a member of the Island Junior Hockey League.

Friday's game in Montague gets underway at 7:30 pm at the Cavendish Wellness Centre. These two teams have developed a fierce rivalry over the past season, which included the two teams splitting last year's season series three games a-piece and a best of five first round playoff matchup that seen the Maniacs coming away victorious in game five in overtime. These two teams have also played two exhibition games already this season, the Maniacs winning last Thursday 8-5 and on Monday 4-3 in a shootout.

The Hurricanes will also be hosting their home opener on Saturday night at 8:15pm at Simmons Sport Centre in Charlottetown against the Western Red Wings.

Head coach Ryan Maxwell returns alongside assistant coaches Chris Wigmore and Morgan Rice.

"After a lengthy camp and a couple exhibition games we are really looking forward to the regular season. Montague and Evangeline will be two tough tests this weekend. With the emergence of Jon Boutin as our number one goalie, I've really like his composure and calming influence in net. He will give us a chance to win every game.     Although we are still a relatively young team I expect our veteran guys to be leaders on the ice and in the room.   Our goal is to improve every game, work on our weaknesses and win a provincial championship. We've really worked hard as a staff to ice the best team possible and believe we have not only good hockey players but good people. As a coach I like to see guys who are passionate, respect the game and take pride in playing hard every shift. Working hard along the wall, winning 1 on 1 battles and playing well defensively will be the key to our success this season."

In goal the Hurricanes will rely on Jonathan Boutin in goal. Boutin, a Dartmouth, Nova Scotia native is a student in the firefighting program and formerly a member of the PEI Rocket organization. His partner in goal will be Matt Derry.   Derry led the Pownal Midget AAA Red Devils in goal last season to a Spud, Monctonian, league and Atlantics championship.

On the blue line the 'Canes returning players include Will Connolly, Curtis Hall and Eric Locke while newcomers Branson Groom, Mike Murchie, Mason Baker, Logan Welsh and Peter Giggie will all see action throughout the season.

Up front the Hurricanes are excited with the firepower they have. Returning players Blake Ozon and Jonny Richards will look to continue where they left off last year with their first line chemistry while rookies Patrick Cummiskey, Alex Seyforth and Nick MacDonald will be expected to chip in offensively as well. 

Cummiskey, a member of the Pownal Midget AAA Red Devils finished second in league scoring last season and just completed training camp with the Summerside Western Capitals.

"We hope to get out to a good start and get out in front and show everyone the ‘Canes are a real threat this season."

To stay up to date with the Hurricanes games through live updates visit www.facebook.com/hcjrcaneshockey or www.twitter.com/hcjrcaneshockey.