The first home game, the first derby, which games are planned across the festive season so your folks know when not to pop round - and the road trips that become weekends away.
The launch of the fixture list - weeks in the making and tweaking - also marks the countdown to the 2022-23 ice hockey campaign.
The puck doesn’t drop until early September, but the schedules are a big step closer to a return rinkside .
Here’s our hot takes on the games you need to see:
The puck doesn’t drop until early September, but the schedules are a big step closer to a return rinkside .
5. Fife Flyers: 8 games to see this season
Hockey weekend ahoy! Belfast v Fife Flyers Date: Saturday September 17 or Sunday February 5 Okay, Flyers’ record across the Irish Sea is pretty rubbish, but it matters less when you get to enjoy a long weekend in this amazing city. You have two options, unless you fancy a Thursday jaunt just days before Christmas. Thought not… Treat yourself to an overnight stay, some sightseeing, a few beers … and the hockey forms part of a fabulous road trip. Who knows, maybe the team will serve up one of their top road games and deliver a win to make that sailing slightly less queasy should the winds start to blow! Pic: William Cherry/Presseye Photo: William Cherry
6. Fife Flyers: 8 games to see this season
Manchester Storm v Fife Flyers Date: Sunday, October 30. There have been more than a few big-stakes games down in the north-west over the years. And as soon as you mention Altrincham you automatically go to that sensational OT winner from Carlo Finnuci which took Fife into the play-off finals weekend - captured so beautifully in this photo. You have to earn your wins down in Alty. Storm will come at you relentlessly and there isn’t any hiding place on their tight ice pad. PIc: Mark Fernie Photo: Dean,Rose
7. Fife Flyers: 8 games to see this season
Hogmanay Hooley: Fife Flyers v Belfast Giants Fife Ice Arena, December 31. What, no Clan? There’s probably a good reason why the obvious Scottish derby and full house has been bumped, and Giants handed a wretched journey on Hogmanay, but most fans can’t think of one off the bat. The rink will still have a buzz … just not the one we all anticipated Pic: Jillian McFarlane Photo: Jillian McFarlane
8. Fife Flyers: 8 games to see this season
Christmas Cracker: Fife Flyers v Dundee Stars Fife Ice Arena, Tuesday, December 27 One of five games in ten days, leaving just enough time for the players to digest their turkey and trimmings - the sport really knows how to pack ‘em in! - and the first on home ice after Santa has been and gone. The teams also meet in Dundee on Boxing Day if you need an excuse to avoid spending more time with the rellies. Always a lively atmosphere at this time of year, and a fair chance of back to back wins too! Pic: Jillian McFarlane Photo: Jillian McFarlane