Local teams are into the homestretch as they prepare for the start of the regular season in the Heritage Junior B Hockey League.

The High River Flyers are at home Friday night to the Strathmore Wheatland Kings.

Flyers coach Tyson Avery admits he doesn't know a lot about them this season.

"I'm sure they'll be strong, they were good last year, they're always a good battle, a good rivalry going there, but they'll be a tough team and you can't take them for granted that's for sure," he says.

Avery says you never know when the wins will come.

"The start of the year is the best, it seems like the wins are a little easier to get than by the end of the year," Avery says. "I just think this year, with being a younger group, everyone being about the same age, not up and down the scale so much that it'll be a bit easier for the guys to jell."

The puck drops at eight at the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex.

Sunday the Okotoks Bisons wrap-up the pre-season when they take on Strathmore at 5:30 p.m. at the Indus rink.