A NEW-LOOK Oxford City Stars get the 2022/23 season under way this weekend.

Simon Anderson’s side visit Slough Jets in their NIHL Division 1 South opener on Saturday (6.30pm), before hosting champions Streatham Redhawks in the Britton Cup the following evening (6.15pm).

Stars retained just 11 players from last season, so their 24-man squad is packed with reinforcements.

The Oxpens outfit are aiming to improve on last term’s eighth-place finish and Anderson is raring to go.

The head coach said: “We want to take the club forward and get stronger year on year.

“We’re pumped and can’t wait to get started this weekend.

“We hope to see loads of fans packing out Oxpens and helping make the difference.

“We want to give everyone a team to be proud of.”

Stars have also undergone a revamp off the ice in recent months.

Anderson returned for his fourth stint as head coach in May, two months after Shane Moore became head of hockey operations.

They are joined on the staff by netminding coach Greg Blais, while there is plenty of experience in the playing squad.

Fans’ favourites like Dax Hedges, Ross Miller and Joe Edwards have all re-signed, with experienced campaigners Shannon Taylor and Brad Watchorn arriving this summer.

Stars have also added a wealth of exciting youngsters, such as goal machine Josh Abbott and Bristol Pitbulls trio Joseph Llewellyn, Tom Stephens and Aaron Moody on a two-way deal.

“When Oxpens is rocking there aren’t many better places to be,” said director Greig Box Turnbull.

“Giving everything a refresh has galvanised the club.

“We’ve recruited well and everyone’s excited to see what the squad can do.”

There is another team to look out for this season, with Oxford Rising Stars playing in NIHL 2.

The development side are designed to act as a bridge between Stars and the club’s junior set-up.