Two local clubs — the Carman Beavers and Notre Dame Hawks — are preparing to launch another exciting South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League season when play begins Oct. 24.
Carman will open its home schedule Saturday, Oct. 25, hosting the Red River Wild at 7:30 p.m. at the Carman Arena. At the same time, Notre Dame will face off against the Portage Terriers at home, setting up an early-season test between two long-standing rivals.
The following week, the Hawks will host the Warren Mercs on Wednesday, Oct. 29, while the Beavers travel to Morden later in the schedule in one of several rivalry-based additions made to this year’s expanded 18-game season.
League officials confirmed that all nine teams will advance to the postseason, with the bottom two competing in a “Survivor Series” to earn a spot in the opening playoff round. The playoffs will feature best-of-five series in the early rounds, leading to a best-of-seven final expected to stretch into March.