Barring a reversal of the current state of health regulations, the Saugeen Shores Winterhawks are set to return to the ice in October.

In a recent media release, it has been 18 months since the Winterhawks last played but as Ontario continues on their path to reopening the countdown is on for the Winterhawks' return to the ice.

"It has been a long haul, we've had the itch to get back out there for a long time, so it's a relief to see the light at the end of the tunnel," said Winterhawks President Gord Lamont.

The Winterhawks will play 20 games in 2021/22, said the media release, hosting 10 games at The Plex, along with 10 games on the road. A full schedule is expected later this month.

The team is currently awaiting further clarity on capacity and health and safety requirements before opening ticket sales, however, season tickets will remain fixed at $100 per pass, which includes admission to all regular season and playoff home games.

Single game general admission tickets will be $10 per person.

Training camp is tentatively set to open in September, dates will be dependent on when ice installation proceeds at The Plex.

Head Coach Ben Antler and General Manager Ryan Brown are excited to bring back a majority of the core of players who last took to the ice in 2019/20, with an exciting group of new recruits joining the organization.

Roster announcements are expected in the next few weeks.

"It's encouraging to us to see so many returning players committed to coming back and chasing down our championship goal," said Lamont.

All told, 13 teams have committed to playing in the WOAA loop this season, including the expansion Creemore Coyotes.