Following a season-opening six game road trip, the Thunder Bay North Stars are back home.

The Superior International Junior Hockey League squad welcome the Wisconsin Lumberjacks this weekend, which will the Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay night on Friday, in celebration of 50 years for the organization.

Members of the club are able to wear their t-shirts to get free admission into the game.

Director of Business Development Mike Tallari says this will be a new experience for a lot of their players.

“A lot of the new kids haven’t even played in Thunder Bay yet, they haven’t even stepped foot in the Gardens,” added Tallari. “As many know, the Gardens has one of the best atmospheres in junior hockey out there, so they’re excited to get back in the home barn after living on the road.”

Aside from the game itself, there will be plenty happening at the Gardens on Friday including introducing the players, unveiling the new jerseys and giving fans a look at the new score clock in FWG.

“It’s so awesome for the city and so great for the facility,” explains Tallari. “If the clock is used to full potential, it’s first class, it’s going to be like being in an NHL arena. Instant replay, there’s five cameras throughout to rink, there’s a 360 degree camera right under the score clock which you can zoom right into a seat. There’s so many fun things you can do. It’s going to add to the whole experience.”

Under current restrictions, North Star games will have limited capacity.

In a statement to Acadia News, General Manager of Community Services Kelly Robertson explains what this will look like:

“Fort William Gardens is set to open Friday as planned.  North Stars and LU Games are anticipated to be able to operate at up to 50% capacity – 1,696 for fixed & accessible seats. We have multiple entrances at this facility to facilitate active screening to comply with provincial requirements. There will be additional staff in place to complete active screening. This facility also offers larger, common public areas that allow for increased capacities to maintain 2 m physical distancing.”

Game time Friday and Saturday will be 7:30 p.m.