The Peewee Rural AA Provincials kicked off at the PCU Centre in Portage la Prairie with their opening ceremonies tonight. Portage Minor Hockey Association's President Peter Fedak says the opening ceremonies went very well.

"The opening ceremonies went really well. Graham Schindle was a fantastic master of ceremonies and it was a unique opportunity to have young Mr. Kostuchuk playing O Canada on the guitar. It's one of those great things to have the teams on the ice and see all of parents out there enjoying this unique experience which is a provincial tournament for Hockey Manitoba."

He notes the tournament consists of 10 teams and all of the players seem to be looking forward to getting on the ice.

"This is in pinnacle of the year for them. They have been waiting all year and working towards this. A lot of times regular season play is just practice time to get to provincials so I know they are all very excited to play in this. With the weather like this I think they are looking forward to having a great weekend and then move into spring and summer or whatever else they have on the way."

Fedak says he expects a great weekend of hockey and overall fun for the players.