The Interlake Lightning are hoping to be a team to be reckoned with in the Manitoba U-18 AAA Hockey League this season.

Last year started fairly strong for the Lightning as they won 7 of their first 13 games, however, they finished the season with only seven more wins leaving them with a record of 14-32-2. This kept Interlake on the outside looking in when it came to the playoff picture, finishing as the tenth seed out of 13 teams. Head coach Scott Wong says this season should see more success with the lineup they have.

"What looks promising is that we've upgraded in a number of areas that I wasn't expecting to," says Wong. "On defence, I got a couple of key guys back that I really wasn't expecting back. Forward wise, I managed to get some imports that, I think, will blend in with the type of atmosphere we like to have."

Expected to lead the offence this year are two WHL prospects in Karson King and Hayden Wheddon. King was on the roster last year and posted 31 points in 44 games. Wheddon, on the other hand, is making the jump from U-15 to U-18 this season, and with the U-15 Lightning last year, he put up over two points a game with 74 points in just 35 games. On the back-end, Wong is excited to have Liam Foley, Ethan Johnson, and Kaden Stewart all returning to the squad.

Wong outlines what he wants to see on opening night.

"I'm looking for them to keep things simple and make simple plays. Don't rush things," Wong explains. "Focus on winning your battles when you need to and score more than they do."

The Lightning will open their season here in Portage on Saturday night as they visit the Central Plains Capitals to kick-off the season. Puck drop for that matchup will take place at 6:30 at the BDO Centre.