The Airdrie Techmation Thunder will not rest until they are Heritage Junior Hockey League (HJHL) champions.

Having bowed out of the North Division Finals last season, the boys are on a mission to come out and dominate the league this year.

"I think every step is always that you have got to learn to compete everyday, every practice, and knowing that this league is so tight, if you take a night off, you're not going to succeed," said Gord Ziegler, President of the Airdrie Techmation Thunder.

Randy Buckle will return to the coaching staff after leading the Thunder to the North Division Final in his first year as head coach.

The Thunder will be without the services of veterans Dane Gallant, Parker Georgson, Trevor Strong and Tyler Perkins, who all played crucial roles in the team's success over the past few seasons.

"You can never replace good kids and great athletes but always there's somebody coming up to step into those roles, so we're pretty confident with the kids that are coming up," said Ziegler.

The boys will open up the season with an exhibition match with the Okotoks Bisons on Friday, September 9th.

The Red Deer Vipers will come to town for the Thunder's home opener Friday, September 23rd, at Ron Ebessen Arena.

For updates, fans are encouraged to follow the Thunder on Twitter and Facebook.