Banbridge begin their quest for a first Kirk Cup success since 2019/20 when they host Kilkeel at Havelock Park.
Having lost the last three Finals to rivals Lisnagarvey, it is the one competition that has evaded the side in recent seasons.
The EYHL team have been out of action since November, last winning 6-2 away to Annadale, a result that saw them win for a fourth game running.
With 12 League goals this season, they are led by Philip Brown, who will likely be the main threat for his side again, while youngsters Adam McKee and Max Nicholson are also set to feature.
Hoping to cause an upset, Kilkeel come into the tie in fine form themselves having won their last two outings and also have plenty of goal threat amid their ranks, with David Finlay and Jordan McCartan netting eight between them this campaign.
At Comber Road, Lisnagarvey begin their title defence with a home tie against Premier League side Instonians.
Unbeaten in the competition in the last three seasons, the hosts come into the tie as heavy favourites against their Premier League opponents.
Furthermore, Erroll Lutton’s side have been in blistering form this campaign, winning nine of their 10 League games and having already comfortably beaten Premier League leaders Cookstown 5-2 in the Anderson Cup.
Third in the Premier League, Instonians have had a solid start to life in the division following their recent relegation but come into Saturday’s game looking to end a poor run of form.
With just one win in their last four, the side have lost ground in the title race, despite Ben Palmer netting three in his last two games.
Now in Cup action, Adam Louden’s side will be hoping to cause an upset and end their recent run.
Pegasus and Ulster Elks go head-to-head for a third time this season as they contest their opening game of the Denman Shield.
The tie sees a repeat of last season’s Final which saw Pegasus come out on top with a 2-1 win at Comber Road.
However, it is the university side who have prevailed in the sides’ League meetings which saw a 3-3 draw in September followed by a 2-1 win for Elks at the beginning of December.
That day, a Katie McKee strike for Pegs wasn’t enough to seal a home win as goals from Lucy Craig and Shannon McNellis sealed victory for Joel Cathcart’s side and ended a run of five games without a win over their Belfast rivals.
The home side are also out to end a run of six games without a win in normal time, last winning 1-0 away to Railway Union in October.