The Yarmouth Mariners are ready for the regular season.

Puck-drop is Friday night at Mariners Centre against the Campbellton Tigers at 7 p.m.

Last year, Yarmouth missed the playoffs for the first time in nine years, they have nine returning players hoping to get the team back to the postseason.

Fourth-year Mariner and Yarmouth native Jared Pitman says he’s excited to get going.

“As a hometown kid, it’s just awesome to see the fans here, and how loud they can get. It’s great to have other local guys on the team this year too, so hopefully we can put on a good show,” said Pitman, who finished second in team scoring last season with 24 goals and 57 points.

Local defensemen Dawson O’Connell of West Pubnico and Lucien Doucette of Wedgeport have also made the team, along with Yarmouth’s  Noah Muise in goal.

Pitman calls the Mariners are a youthful group, who showed what they can do in two preseason wins.

“The young guys put on a show in the two wins (6-3 over Valley last Friday and Saturday), so we’re hoping they can keep that up through the season.”

Pitman leads the list of returnees that include goaltenders Keegan Warren and Carter Arnold, defenders Loic Mburanmwe and Ben Manos, and forwards Justin Garneau, Nash Coffin, Ryan Loveless and Liam Duquette.

The Mariners also host Summerside Saturday night.