A new team and a new look, but the goal remains the same.

Looking to repeat as WMBL champions, but this time as the Swift Current 57's, the team will open their season Thursday night when they host the Moose Jaw Miller Express.

"To have that target (on our back), it's awesome," said Bodie Cooper, one of Swift Current's five returning players. "I think a couple of teams will try to load themselves up with really good players to make sure we don't repeat, but I know we will come out ready to play and take it to them as well."

The Swift Current franchise is beginning their first season as the 57's this year, having retired the nickname 'Indians' during the offseason.

Trading in the blue and red colours for green and orange this year, returning pitcher Bobby St. Pierre is excited about the re-branding.

"I think it's pretty cool that we get to be a part of the first team as the 57's," he said. "I'm looking forward to starting something new."

St. Pierre has been tabbed as the 57's Opening Day starter Thursday night.

Last season, including playoffs, St. Pierre finished with a 10-3 record to go along with a 2.23 ERA.

"Obviously, a repeat is in the back of your head but I think just starting the season off strong, getting a good group of guys together and winning games is more important," St. Pierre said.

Along with St. Pierre and Cooper, the 57's will also return Relief Pitcher Aidan Goodall, 1st Baseman Kyle MacDonald and Outfielder Thomas DeBonville.

There will, however, be plenty of new faces as well.

Despite every single player not being able to get to Swift Current in time for the home-opener, Head Coach Joe Carnahan is confident that they will all contribute when given the opportunity.

"A lot of the new guys that we have coming up are from some very successful college programs," he said. "They are going to know what it takes to win, and what it takes to prepare every day to give us the best opportunity to win each night."

First pitch between the 57's and Miller Express is scheduled for 7:05pm from Mitchell Field.

Prior to the start of the game, the team will honour all of Swift Current minor and high school sport teams that won a league or provincial championship over the past year.

Following the contest, Swift Current will have Friday off before hosting Melville on Saturday.