Ulster Elks host Pegasus in an EYHL derby clash at Jordanstown on Saturday afternoon.
The fixture marks the first time the sides have met since Pegasus were crowned Denman Shield champions with victory over their rivals in May.
That day goals from Sophie McDowell and Lucy McKee sealed the 2-1 victory for the Belfast side despite a brilliant goal from youngster Nieve Caldwell.
The home side come into Saturday’s game off the back of last week’s 2-0 win over UCC in Cork when two goals from Audrey Sawers and Gabriella Scott helped Joel Cathcart’s side bounce back from an opening day defeat against reigning champions Loreto.
Meanwhile, Pegasus have drawn both their opening games against Ards and Pembroke Wanderers, most recently losing on run-ins to the Dubliners.
A win for either side would likely see them move into the top three places and give them an early season advantage over the other for the playoff spots.
Ards are also in action as they host Dublin side Pembroke Wanderers at Londonderry Park.
The Ulster side have made a promising start to life back in the EYHL with two draws from their opening games.
Meanwhile, following a penalty run-in defeat to Pegasus on matchday one, the Co Down outfit overcame Old Alexandra despite having twice trailed in normal time.
Lucy McKee scored for Pegasus in their win over Ulster Elks in the 2023 Denman Shield Final
Forward Zara Malseed has been the highlight of her side’s season so far. Since returning to the club from Pegasus, she has netted three times this season and is likely to once again prove to be a threat on Saturday afternoon.
As mentioned, their opponents already overcame Ulster opposition last week, however, on the opening weekend, they suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat away to Railway Union.
There is one game in the Legacy Wealth Management Premier League as Lurgan host Queen’s University.
Both sides come into the tie in form with the home team having sealed recent wins over Banbridge and Omagh.
Meanwhile, the reigning champions have won their three opening games, scoring 13 goals in the process and are yet to concede.
The pick of their results came last week as they thrashed Belfast Harlequins 5-0 with strikes from Jodie Simmons (2), Megan Cochrane, Ellie Montgomery and Zoe Wilson.
The game also provides Simon Bell’s side a chance to go top of the table with early title rivals Portadown not in League action this weekend.
Elsewhere Lisnagarvey, Banbridge, Mossley and Omagh are all in Cup action this weekend as they compete in the Irish Hockey Trophy.