The Heritage Junior Hockey League opened up the regular season this weekend in dramatic fashion.

The High River Flyers opened up the scoring in their season opener just 43 seconds in.

Evan Pakkala scored on a pass from Josh Younker in the 'snakepit' in Coaldale.

The Copperheads evened up the score before the end of the 1st period and added another in the second to take a 2 - 1 lead going into the 3rd.

They added another goal but the Flyers fought back and Liam Bollivar notched a powerplay goal with just over 5 mintues left to make it interesting.

But the Copperheads hung on for the 3 - 2 win.

Flyers netminder Ben Howard was peppered with 39 shots on the night while the Flyers managed 22 shots on the hometown team.

The Flyers now get set for their home opener on Friday September 29 as they play host to the Blackfalds Wranglers at 8 p.m. at the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex.