The championship banner is now hanging from the rafters at Mile One, and that means it’s back to business for the Newfoundland Growlers.

The Growlers are back on the ice tonight for a rematch against the Reading Royals, after splitting the weekend series.

Last year’s playoff MVP, and hometown boy, Zach O’Brien says it’s good to be back after the short summer, but that’s a good thing in this business as they were able to do something special last year – bring home the province’s first professional championship.

Following this morning’s pre-game skate, O’Brien said they have another special group this year, with a lot of new, young and fast talent.

He says the banner raising was a special moment. “It’s definitely something I didn’t think would ever happen in my career,” says O’Brien. He says to have all of his family and friends here for the championship and the banner raising was special.

O’Brien says there is definitely a target on their backs, no matter who they play. He says having the target on their backs makes it fun, and it’s going to be a challenge every single night. They’re all competitors, and they’re all looking forward to it.

Puck drop for tonight’s game between the Growlers and the Royals is 7 p.m.