The Yarmouth Mariners are heading to their first national championship.

The Mariners open the Centennial Cup in Manitoba on May 11th against the Brooks Bandits.

Yarmouth won the MHL championship over Edmundton last month, their third in franchise history.

But this will be their first Centennial Cup appearance, as the former Eastern Canadian Junior A championship, the Fred Page Cup, no longer exists.

Head Coach and GM Laurie Barron says they’ve been enjoying their victory, but know a big challenge lies ahead.

“A lot of work to be done getting ready for the trip. Now we’re seeing who some of our opponents are, so we’ve been busy practicing and looking at video, so it’s definitely been a busy time,” said Barron.

With such a long lay-off, Barron knows his team is ready to go.

“I think most of us are wishing we left today. We got through surprisingly quickly, quicker than even I anticipated. We’re healed up, we are having high-tempo practices on the smaller ice surface at Mariners Centre, we’re resting up and ready to go.”

The Mariners won 12 straight playoff games to secure the MHL Cup, and were greeted by hundreds when they arrived back from Edmundston with the trophy.

All games will be streamed on the big screen at Mariners Centre.

Yarmouth Mariners Centennial Cup Round Robin Schedule (ALL TIMES ATLANTIC)

Thursday, May 11th vs. Brooks Bandits (AJHL) 5:30 p.m.
Friday, May 12th vs. Timmins Rock (NOJHL) 5:30 p.m.
Monday, May 15th vs. CCHL, 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 17th vs. Terrebonne Cobras (QJHL) 5:30 p.m.