It is the time of year junior hockey fans have been waiting all summer for.

Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League action returns this week.

The Saint John Sea Dogs will begin their six-game pre-season schedule on Tuesday night.

They will face the Charlottetown Islanders at the Garcelon Civic Centre in St. Stephen.

Saint John will also play home games at the Aitken Centre in Fredericton and at their home arena, TD Station.

Regular season play begins on Sept. 20 as the Sea Dogs host the Moncton Wildcats.