The Whitehorse Huskies will open their season this weekend with a brand-new captain.

Evan Campbell, 25, now holds the honour, taking the C from defenceman Jared Tuton, who is currently living in Grand Prairie, Alta.

The Huskies, sponsored by Nuway Crushing Ltd., open their season this weekend with two games against the Whitecourt Wild. Games are set for Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 4:15 at Takhini Arena.

Campbell said the team is raring to get their latest Coy Cup chase underway.

“I think they’re pretty good,” the newly minted captain said of his team’s chances of battling for the senior AA trophy in Terrace, B.C., next March.

“I had a chance – when I played for Fort Nelson a couple years ago – to see the level of play in the Coy Cup, and there’s no denying our forwards and our team have lots of experience.”

Last season, Campbell and long-time sidekick Kane Dawe led the Huskies offensively as the team finished the regular season 8-0.

In addition to last year’s high-powered offence, the Huskies will have a brand-new line this year, featuring longtime junior stars Joe Densmore and Ted Stephens, alongside former pro Kevin Petovello.

“There’s been so many hours spent in the boardroom all summer and fall just to get us up to this point,” said head coach Mike Tuton.

“We’re excited to get the boys on the ice and show off what we’ve done so far.

“The product that we’re putting out there is going to be perhaps one of the best teams that we’ve had in Whitehorse since they brought the Allan Cup home (in 1993).”

The senior hockey team won’t be at full strength for opening weekend, with star centre Adam Henderson on the shelf and Jared Tuton tied up in Grand Prairie.

But the Huskies won’t be the only team missing some key pieces.

The Wild will be missing three of its top six blue-liners, and at least three more regular forwards.

Approximately 20 Wild players are slated to make the trip to Whitehorse this weekend, said Whitecourt GM Mitch Ternan.

Two players, winger Matt Moffat and goalie Kirk Irving, are former pros on a young squad made up of largely former junior players.

“All of our team is excited about coming up to Whitehorse for the weekend,” Ternan said. “I don’t believe anybody has been there before and at least two members have family in the area.”

Following this weekend’s series, the Huskies will host two more teams for two-game series in the new year, GM Matt King told the Star.

The North Island Capitals will be in town Jan. 8 and 9, while the Powell River Regals will battle the Huskies Jan 22 and 23.

The club is hoping to pack the rink for their home opener this weekend.

“There’s nothing prettier than a packed Takhini Arena to watch some local guys,” said coach Tuton. “I’m excited for people to come out and see what we’ve done.

“We want to make this a community event and have everyone enjoy themselves.”