If you have never seen the Stanley Cup up close and personal, head to Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre this weekend (March 30 -April 2) for a glimpse of the Yelnats cup.

The midget hockey team tournament is celebrating 17 years this year, and what a tournament it will be.

What started off as an eight team tournament has grown to 24 teams with roughly 700 players hitting the ice over the four day period.

Ron Sabo, committee member, says the tournament was created as a last hurrah for players in minor hockey,

"What it is, they wanted to celebrate graduating players. These will be their last games that they play in minor hockey for the different associations. So what happens is all the graduating players are called to the ice on their last game and their recognized and presented a keepsake of their minor hockey journey."

Also unique, the tournament encompasses multiple level tiers who come together for their love of the game.

"We've got tier one, tier three, and tier 5/6- tier 5/6 is basically our house teams in Cochrane."

Six local teams will partake with others coming from all over Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and this year, even Ontario. 

"It's got to be one of the major tournaments in Western Canada and maybe even Canada. It's a sanctioned tournament, so it's on Hockey Alberta website and that's where a lot of teams pull their tournaments from to see what they want to enter."

More than just great hockey, Sabo shares the tournament has raised substantial funds over the years.

"Over the years, I am sure we have raised $100,000 for Cochrane. Some of the things we have done is we've donated to the Jumpstart Hockey Program, the Kimmett Foundation, Rock the Waves, and over the years we always donate back to the Spray Lake Sawmills- they're on a tight budget so they've always got a wish list of things they like."

Yelnats have been responsible for contributing toward the sound systems in the arenas, a cage where kids can take shots in Totem 3, and hockey stick racks in the dressing rooms.

Sabo couldn't say enough about the support they receive from the local business community for their continued sponsorship.

If you are looking to see some great hockey starting today at noon (March 30) head to any one of the Totem arenas this weekend.

A full schedule is below.