The Yarmouth Mariners leave for Manitoba tonight.

They’ll travel to Halifax to board a flight to the Centennial Cup.

Fans lined up for pictures and autographs from the players at a rally Saturday at Yarmouth High School.

Mariners co-captain Kieran Burke says the community always supports them.

“It gives us a lot of courage going out there to a tournament where some might view us as the underdogs. It’s definitely huge, and helps a lot,” said Burke.

Burke adds, they’ve been working hard in practice and feel ready for the tournament.

Mariners forward Reilly Mayne says they’ve been studying the other teams.

“We’ve been taking it upon ourselves to take a look and watch those games that have been happening since we finished early. We should have a jump on them, if plans go right,” said Mayne.

Reflecting on his four years as a Mariner, the Newfoundland native says he’s found a second home in Yarmouth.

The Mariners start off against the Alberta-league champion Brooks Bandits on Thursday at 5:30 our time.

The bus leaves Mariners Centre tonight at 6.