Oxford City Stars will kick-off the season with a trip to Swindon Wildcats in National League Division 2 on Saturday, September 8.

Stars’ first home game will be against Invicta Mustangs at Oxpens Road on Sunday, September 23 (6.15pm).

The league campaign also see Stars taking on the Basingstoke Buffalo, Bristol Pitbulls, Cardiff Devils, Chelmsford Warriors, Lee Valley Lions, Peterborough Island-ers, Romford Fury, Slough Jets and the Wightlink Tigers.

In the newly-formed National League Cup, Stars have been drawn in a group with Invicta Dynamos, Romford Raiders, Bracknell Hornets and Peterborough Islanders, with matches played home and away.

And for the first time since 2004, Stars will face their oldest rivals, Oxford University Blues, on Sunday, November 11 in a repeat of the first game played at Oxford Ice Rink.

Team manager Cliff Jones said: “Playing local rivals Swindon in our first league game of the season is a mouthwatering prospect, which should ensure that our players are fired up and hit the ground running.

“The level of ability in this league has risen over the past two seasons and expectations are that this will be an even more competitive competition than previous seasons.

“In addition to our league programme we also take part in the NIHL Cup, which will give us a chance to test ourselves against teams from the division above.

“After a long hiatus, we also have the return of the Town v Gown fixture.

“This game has a fine history and I’m sure it will capture the imagination of the public from Oxford and beyond.”