The Saugeen Shores Winterhawks schedule is set for the 2018-2019 WOAA Sr. "AA" Hockey League season.

The regular season has increased to 22 games for each team, with the Winterhawks kicking things off in style on Saturday, October 6 for Hockey Day in Saugeen Shores.

In a Winterhawks media release, the Plex will be a busy spot as Saugeen Shores Storm minor hockey teams face their rivals from Kincardine in games throughout the day, followed by the Kincardine Bulldogs "hosting the Goderich Flyers in a PJHL Pollock Division regular season game scheduled for a 3 p.m. puck drop.

Following the conclusion of the Bulldogs game, the Winterhawks hit the ice for their season opener, hosting Bruce County rival Ripley Wolves for a 7:30 p.m. start.

"It's going to be a great day to celebrate the game and kick off our season at the same time," said Winterhawks President Gord Lamont. "The Bulldogs and Wolves hosted us last year and we're excited to bring Hockey Day to Saugeen Shores this year," he said.

Other highlights of the schedule include the return of Sunday afternoon home games with two on the docket for this season: November 25 against the Petrolia Squires and December 9 against the Mapleton-Minto 81's. Both the Squires and the 81's are returning to the loop after a one-season absence.

Sunday afternoon start times will be 2 p.m.

The three-time defending champion Clinton Radars visit The Plex on November 9, while the Winterhawks will renew their rivalry with the Durham Thundercats on December 21.

A first will occur on January 5 as the Winterhawks travel to Milverton for the first time ever to face the 4-Wheel Drives.

The regular season wraps up with a return bout with the Thundercats on January 19 in Durham.