The Shelburne Muskies are raring to go and ready to hit the ice.

With just over a week before they kick off the 2009-10 season, the Fish have already signed the bulk of their roster and only have a few tough choices to make to fill the final few spots.

Last season ended on a sour note for the Muskies. Down three games to none in the WOAA Northern Division final to the heavily favoured Saugeen Shore Winterhawks, Shelburne rebounded to force a seventh and deciding game which they lost on a questionable Hawks powerplay goal late in overtime.

Looking to avenge that loss, and claim a title that should have been theirs, has brought most of last year's team back for another shot at a championship.

A number of familiar faces including Sean Connor, Chris Greer, Kevin Tuckey and Luke Downey will be back up front wearing the blue and white this season. Anchoring the defence will be blueline stalwart's Matt Lougheed, John MacArthur and Warren Sly.

Both brother connections, Josh and Zac Duerden, as well as Brad and Doug Horan, will also be returning to the Shelburne lineup this season.

Rob Senay will be again taking up position between the pipes and will be joined this year by rookie Mike Tardiff.

He replaces Adam Clarke, who is working down east but may return part way through the season.

Jeff Burr and Tristan Fairbarnes are a couple of new faces already been signed to fill the few vacancies for forwards..

Burr, a native of Markdale, comes to the club after spending last year in Minnesota playing NCAA hockey, while Fairbarnes, no stranger to the senior ranks, joins Shelburne having spent last year with the Whitby Dunlops.

Both coach Joe Bakes and general manager Peter VanAlstine are excited about the team's prospects and out look for the season ahead.

Each acknowledges that the way last season ended has left a sour taste in everyones mouth and, to a man, the guys that are here in camp are guys that will not settle for anything less than a championship.

Muskie captain Sean Connor says that nasty leftover is one they need to harness, "to keep that bitter taste in our mouth and use it for fuel to drive us this season."

If the team is to guarantee success this year, one area they will have to address is penalties. In 2008-09, Shelburne lead the league by over 200 minutes in penalties and not only does the coaching staff know that is something that has to change, but also the players themselves.

Connor echoes the sentiments of the coaches on that subject knowing, as do all the players they need to stop taking so many penalties.

Changes in the league rules, in particular adoption of the one fight - game misconduct practice under the OHA standard, will also have an effect on many of the perennial leaders of the penalty parade.

Sitting third on the list for most penalty minutes last year, fan favourite Luke Downey knows he will have to adjust his game but looks forward to the challenge. His plan for this year is to "go out every game, work hard and keep positive." because after "stewing all summer about the way (last season) ended, we all really want to redeem ourselves this year.

And that road to redemption starts next weekend, Saturday October 17th at 8 p.m. in the familiar confines of the Centre Dufferin Recreation Centre.

That night, Shelburne will be hosting Ripley for their season opener before heading out for a six-game road trip that won't bring them back to Shelburne until November 21st for a game against Durham.

For complete schedules, stats and updates on the Muskies, check out the team website at www.shelburne- muskies.com