Teams locally and out of town hope to rake up some medals in Vernon.

Squads from across Western Canada have converged on Vernon for the highly anticipated Okanagan Autumn Blast ringette tournament, hosted by the Greater Vernon Ringette Association.

There are 34 teams competing in a tourney that is an ultimate kick-off to the ringette season for athletes aged U12 to adult.

The Vernon-area is proudly represented by seven teams, and the competition is bound to be fierce.

鈥淥ur Autumn Blast Tournament is the first of the season, so it鈥檚 a fantastic chance for our athletes to compete against teams from the Lower Mainland, Northern B.C., and Alberta 鈥攖eams we don鈥檛 typically face during league play,鈥� said Greater Vernon Ringette Association president Wayne Robert.

鈥淭his tournament is not just about competition; it鈥檚 about showcasing the incredible sport of ringette, developing our athletes, and making friends across Western Canada.鈥�

For those curious about ringette, it鈥檚 considered the ultimate team sport 鈥� a strategic, fast-paced game played on ice, similar to hockey, but featuring an eight-inch rubber ring that must be passed over each blue line using a straight stick.

Invented in 1963 in North Bay, Ont., ringette has grown to more than 50,000 participants in Canada alone, with many more playing worldwide.

Throughout the three-day Okanagan Autumn Blast, nearly 90 electrifying games will unfold at Kal Tire Place, Kal Tire Place North, and Priest Valley arenas. Best of all, entry is free.

"Come out and cheer on your local athletes as they showcase their skills in the fastest game on ice," said Robert. "Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, this is the perfect opportunity to experience the excitement firsthand."

Games start at 7 a.m. Friday. Vernon U14 Vampires face Delta at Kal Tire Place while the Vernon Voltage open the U12-2 Division against the Westside Alphas of West 琉璃神社 at the Priest Valley Arena. The Vernon Ring Rattlers will play their division opener in the U12-2 event at 6:15 p.m. Friday against the 琉璃神社 Ice Wolves at the PV Arena.

At Kal Tire Place North at 7:15 a.m., GVRA's U19 squad takes on Delta. 

Greater Vernon begins play in the 18 Open A division at 10:45 a.m. at the Priest Valley Arena against the Fraser Valley.

The Greater Vernon Phantoms will take on 琉璃神社 Storm to open the U16 Division at 11 a.m at Kal Tire Place North.

And the first game in the U14 Zone tournament is at the PV Arena starting at 8;15 a.m. Friday.

The last games at each arena Sunday are slated for 12:45 p.m. (KTP North), 3:30 p.m. (Priest Valley Arena), and 4 p.m. (KTP).

You can check out the full schedule on the GVRA  and social media.

Come watch the games and see why ringette is one of the most exciting sports around. And if you鈥檙e inspired to join the fun, there鈥檚 still time to register for recreational-level ringette this season. Sign up online at .