The Fort McMurray Oil Barons are kicking off their new season at home.

The MOB are taking on the Grande Prairie Storm in the first of a doubleheader on Friday.

Head Coach Bob Beatty tells Mix News he’s expecting a tough match as both teams look to start the season with a win.

“We know they have an excellent hockey club that’s well-coached and certainly it’s going to be a formidable opponent, we’re not taking anything lightly.”

The team is looking quite different from last season after two coaching changes.

They also lost multiple key players including top scorer Reed Morison and Captain Tanner Miller.

Beatty says their defensive game will most likely be their biggest strength.

“Our goaltending is solid, we have a strong d-core, and we’re going to have to score by committee.”

The MOB take on the Storm at the Casman Centre with puck drop at 7:30 p.m.