It was the first time the Hornets played on their new home ice at the twin-pad Alliston Recreational Centre.
The Friday night game against the Schomberg Cougars was preceded by the official opening ceremonies for the new facility.
With a record crowd of over 450 in attendance, the Hornets slammed the Cougars 13-4.
After a scoring five goals in the first period, the Hornets kept up the pressure and turned the rest of the game into a shooting gallery.
Brett Eeles racked up five points for the game, scoring four and picking up one on an assist.
The real test came Sunday during the 6:30 p.m. game against the Penetang Kings.
The Kings went the distance last season winning the league title and knocking out the Hornets in the semi-final round of the playoffs.
The Hornets looked solid in their first game against a strong team and left with a 2-0 win over Penetang.
Hornet centre, Kurtis Brossard got both goals for Alliston.
After Friday’s game, Brossard said the team was ready for Sunday and looked forward to playing a tough team.
“Sunday will be our first real challenge,” he said. “The rookies this year are real solid. I think it will be all good this year.”
As for playing in a brand-new facility, Brossard said it will give the squad a psychological edge on the ice.
“It is definitely a booster, especially today with the home opener. We were pumped.”
The new facility should also boost game attendance and interest in the local Junior C team. Attendance at Junior C games over the past few years has been waning with crowds hovering around the 100 mark. Sunday’s game had 250 people in the stands and a highly-charged atmosphere during the game.
The difference is the seating and comfort level. In the old Alliston arena, the temperature inside quite often matched that in the parking lot. The new arena will most likely generate a renewed interest in local junior level hockey - at least that’s what organizers are hoping.
The Hornets next home game is Fri., Oct., 5 at the new rink, against the Stayner Siskins. The puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
