The Manchester Monarchs will welcome last season’s fiercest Atlantic Division rival to town Saturday and honor Canada on Sunday.

The Monarchs (3-1-0) host Worcester (0-3-1) at 7 p.m. and close the weekend with a 4 p.m. matinee against visiting Binghamton Sunday for Canadian Heritage Night.

The Monarchs and Sharks fought early and often in last season’s meetings, but the quicker Manchester roster might not lend itself to the same type of approach this time.

“They like to play an aggressive game, depending on who is in the lineup,” said Monarchs head coach Mark Morris. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see them try to intimidate. We’ve chosen to play a skill game with our makeup.”

The return of Dwight King will offer Manchester a blend of skill and power in one body. The Stanley Cup champion opted to sign an AHL contract and has been practicing all week to get in game-shape for this weekend.

“We’re looking forward to having Kinger in the lineup,” Morris said. “His big body and experience should be a great addition. He’s strong over the puck and makes a lot of plays.”

Manchester won’t be getting Jordan Nolan back for a while, however. Nolan has an upper body injury and will be out for a few more weeks as a precautionary measure.

As for Worcester, the Sharks will be looking for their first win of the season. Defenseman Matt Irwin (four assists) and right wing Sebastien Stalberg (three goals) are off to good starts.

The Sharks will be without defenseman Matt Pelech, who was suspended by the AHL for four games after leaving the bench to start a fight in a game against Albany on Saturday.

Binghamton is 3-1-1 out of the gate and will bring former Dartmouth product Hugh Jessiman to town. Jessiman has two goals to start the season.

Manchester will wear special Candian-themed jerseys on Sunday.