The 18-year-old Chester native is coming off a season of junior C hockey in Liverpool.

 Like every other teenager, the world was his for the taking, life was good. And then the hockey stopped.

 "I had to take a year off because there was no hockey," said the now 21 year old, adding the Liverpool team folded. "I mean, I played some rec hockey but nothing serious."

 And then the rumours began swirling.

 There was going to be a junior C hockey team in his hometown.

 It almost seemed too good to be true.

 Sure enough, Mr. Page joined the team last year for its inaugural season.

 It wasn't quite the debut he was hoping for.

 The team finished the season 7-22-1.

 But, the buzz was back. There was hockey in Chester again.

 "It's awesome playing back here," he said. "I have family and friends who come to the games and, of course, I don't have to travel as much."

 And the fans don't have to travel as far to see high-quality hockey.

 "This is good, especially for the younger kids," Mr. Page said. "It gives them something to look forward to in hockey. It gives them people to look up to."

 Teammate Corey Young, a 19 year old from Hubbards who coaches a minor hockey team, said he couldn't agree more.

 "I coach a lot of young kids around here," he said. "It's great to play in a community where they can come see me play."

 It also helps validate what he teaches.

 "They can come to the games and see what it is they're being taught, they can see how it works."

 But the hockey isn't just for kids.

 "This is good hockey to watch," Mr. Page said.

 "Any junior hockey is definitely competitive," Mr. Young said. "The main difference between junior C hockey and junior A is the level of commitment. Junior C allows for players to go to school or have jobs."

 Indeed, Mr. Young was drafted by the Bridgewater Nauss TIM-BR Mart Lumberjacks of the Maritime Junior A Hockey League.

 "But there is no doubt this year we're a much more competitive team," he added. "Our goal is to win it all."

 Despite last season's disappointing record, this season's team has gotten off to a quick start following a roster overhaul.

 As of press time, the Clippers were sitting on a 5-2-0 record after seven games, good for third in their division.

 Hopefully, the community has taken notice.

 "Last year our big thing was [getting consistent] ice time," said coach Kerry Haley. "This year it's getting better because you can really see the people coming back."

 Team president Jehad Assaff said attendance is about 110 to 120 people per game, which is down from last season.

 Ultimately, he said he'd like to see about 300 people a game.

 "I think fans expected to see the same thing as last season," Mr. Assaff said "We had a big overhaul of our roster. The fans deserve and expect a winning team. And that's what we hope to give them."

 The fans will also see a lot more of the Clippers in the community.

 Last year the team was focused more on launching the organization.

 This year it really hopes to become part of the community.

 "You'll see us at community events more often," Mr. Haley said. "We'll also begin visiting the schools this month."

 For Mr. Page, he hopes this is the beginning of a long and prosperous relationship with his home village.

 "I live here and I'll hopefully be watching the Clippers for a long time."