A new chapter opens up this weekend for Bermuda's hockey players.

The new season gets underway on Saturday and Sunday with pitches at Saltus and Warwick Academy playing host to the matches.

The ultimate aim remains an artificial pitch at the National Sports Centre, but Hockey Federation President Mike Elton said that both these new venues offered the Island's hockey players a much superior playing surface than the previous long time home of hockey, the old National Sports Club.

"Deciding to run our leagues at split venues this season has created challenges, however, our administration has done an excellent job," Elton said. "Firstly liasing with the schools to secure the venues and then planning for the fixtures, scheduling match umpires etc.

"On behalf of our members, I express our gratitude to the respective school principals, Nigel Kermode, Bob Lennox and also Margaret Hallet last season at Montessori.

"These schools have offered field hockey a lifeline -a playing field, otherwise our sport would be in a dire position."

Elton said the efforts of the Federation's executive board, together with a "clear thinking, progressive management committee", representing all 12 clubs, along with the umpires committee had provided the sport with a solid foundation "for effective stewardship and planning".

On Saturday competition in the men's league starts for five clubs, BCS Panthers, Chameleons, Police Rebels and Upstarts, and for seven clubs , Bluebirds, Canaries, Cardinals, Orioles, Ravens, Swallows and Swifts, in both women's A and B leagues.

"In the men's league defending leagues champions Chameleons will start favourites to retain their title, based on their squad of experienced and skilled players," said Elton. "They continue to set the standard in terms of commitment, teamwork and disciplined hockey.

"However, hockey enthusiasts can look forward to a serious challenge from Rebels if their talented squad can develop a cohesive pattern of team hockey."

Last season saw the emergence of BCS Panthers, the "youth" team.

"They put all teams on notice with their gutsy performance in the end of season knockout cup, only bowing to Chameleons after a titanic struggle," said Elton. "Upstarts built up a solid squad last season and if they have retained and perhaps expanded this then they can also live up to their name and can definitely test any team.

"Police so often have the potential to promise much, but consistency in terms of numbers and at times, the impact of police shift duties saps their team of key players. They always give 100 percent."

In the ladies A league Swallows have dominated in recent seasons.

"Their standard sets the bar for Bermuda ladies hockey and the team that can get on top of them can expect to be crowned champion" said Elton. "This season, however, sees them possibly without a coach and minus a few key players either through club transfers or persons leaving the Island."

The A league is strengthened in terms of overall numbers by the inclusion of Orioles, back after two seasons absence, and last season's new club, Ravens, who through growth and aggressive recruitment have assembled a squad that may surprise.

"Bluebirds, Cardinals and Canaries are more than capable of taking the battle to the champs," said Elton.

In addition last season's knockout cups saw the emergence of a group of talented youngsters in the Swifts team.

"They will definitely benefit from the improved playing surfaces this year," the President said. "Hockey supporters can expect some surprises ahead in the most competitive ladies A league for many seasons."

In the ladies B league, again it is Swallows club defending the league title. "Consistency and commitment from all their squad members has been a hallmark of Swallows' strength and the other clubs are fully aware of the challenge ahead if they expect to rest the title," Elton said. "The ladies B has gone down to the wire for the past two or three seasons and this season looks no different."

Bluebirds and Cardinals can be expected to seriously challenge, meanwhile Ravens, with a season under their belt, a strengthened squad, including an A league team, may just be the team to celebrate longest come season end. "Orioles with their `old heads' and Canaries, like Swifts with young talent coming through will ensure that their respective teams' colours are flying high too!" said Elton.