The 16th International Icebreaker tournament goes this weekend with eight female teams taking part in the action.
This Nelson Blueliner-hosted tournament is the oldest women’s advanced-intermediate female event still going in the Kootenays.
Blueliners have invited Spokane Women’s Hockey, Whitefish Wailers, Fernie Hustlers, Trail Chix with Sticks, Nelson Thorman Drillers, Vernon Vixens, and Kelowna IceDragons.
The Blueliners are defending champions, but Trail and Fernie are previous winners and the rest of the field are strong contenders.
The Blueliners are returning from successfully defending their championship at the Vernon Checker’s tourney late last month with decisive victories over teams from Calgary, Prince George and Kamloops.
Attendance to the Icebreaker is free. The consolation final goes Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Nelson and District Community Complex and the final is slated for 2:45 p.m.