It’s a big day on the calendar for the MHL.

The draft takes place tonight, and the defending champion Yarmouth Mariners have been busy preparing.

Their first pick will come in the second round, 15th overall.

Head Coach and GM Laurie Barron says they’ll take the best player available.

“We’re not really looking to say we’ll take five forwards, or five defense or two goalies, we’re definitely looking at the best player available in that spot,” said Barron.

Yarmouth already chose defenseman Dawson O’Connell from West Pubnico as a territorial selection.

The Mariners also picked up the Fred Fox Award as Hockey Nova Scotia’s Male Team of the Year.

Barron says it’s a feather in the cap for the players.

“The organization getting recognized for that is big. It’s the first time we’ve ever won that award. Very proud and honoured to be able to put our name on it.”

As far as trade talks go, Barron wouldn’t be surprised to see movement over the next 24 hours.

He already pulled off a blockbuster last week, acquiring four players from West Kent for veteran Reid Vos.