24th annual Bell Capital Cup returns to arenas across Ottawa

Puck drops for Bell Capital Cup The hockey stars of the future are lacing up at rinks across Ottawa until New Year's for the Bell Capital Cup. CTV's Josh Marano reports.

Two-hundred and fifty minor hockey teams from six countries around the world are taking to the ice for the 24th annual Bell Capital Cup.

Open to youth hockey teams ages 9 to 13 from across the world, more than 4,500 kids will play games held at various rinks across Ottawa and Quebec until New Year's Eve.

For Isaac Charpy, it's about redemption after his team from Almonte lost in the finals of last year's event. While he has his eyes on the prize, he knows that it's still about having fun.

"I like hockey the best out of any sport, and I would play hockey all day, every day if I could."

Most of the young players who took to the ice Friday morning are stepping into familiar territory having played in previous years.

"I was in here last year and we have so much fun," said Beckett Last on the U11 Kemptville Royals. "Just love the tournament all together."

It's an event that has grown in size and culture according to general manager Mark Sluban. Teams from around the world are playing in the tournament such as Chinese Taipei, Korea, Austria, and the reigning division A champions from Slovenia.

"It's an overall experience. Win or lose, everybody here that come out to Ottawa has a great time," said Sluban.

"We have the best awards, we have the best trophies for player of the game," he added. "We go all out, we give them the full on experience with the live music and then all that stuff off the ice that you don't get when you go to minor hockey tournaments."

This is also the first year that the Bell Capital Cup has welcomed sledge hockey players, something Sluban says is important for growing the game as well as emphasizing inclusivity.

The championship matches will take place on Dec. 30 and 31.

The full schedule of Bell Capital Cup events can be found on its website.

CTV News is a division of Bell Media, which is part of BCE Inc.