 It's that time of year again, the Paul Bunyan International Youth Hockey Tournament is back for its 29th year and features 16 teams in four divisions at four different arenas in the Bemidji area. The tournament, which began in 1988, has previously brought in teams from all over the world including Russia, Canada and Norway. This year teams are coming from all over Minnesota as well as Wisconsin and four teams from North Dakota. Not only is the tournament a success by producing NHL level talent, organizers say it also offers a valuable experience for the current kids on the ice. Well, it's really a unique experience because a lot of times they just go to a tournament and they play their games and then go sit in a hotel room. Here we have all these activities for them to do ahead of time with the opening ceremonies and then tomorrow between pool play and the bracket play there's a down time that they have to have for the rest period and so during that period we have a spaghetti feed at the Bemidji Community Arena followed by a skills challenge. Bemidji is the biggest hockey town in northern Minnesota and central, north central Minnesota and it's a school break so it gives an opportunity for people to come and watch a different type of hockey. The tournament began tonight with the opening ceremonies and pool play which will continue into tomorrow. Bracket play and championships will be held on Sunday and all championship matches will be played at the Sanford Center. More information about the tournament can be found at www.PaulBunyanHockey.com. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.