The second most popular tradition behind Christmas, at this time of year, the Mac's Major Midget Hockey Tournament is all ready for their 37th go round this holiday season.

The organizers held their media conference Wednesday at the Westin Hotel showing off the players from the host teams.

CFR Bisons Captain and veteran of last year's Mac's, Kyle Gordon says the tournament can be a grind if you're not prepared.

"This year our schedule lined up so we play the first four days. And it's something most kids on our team haven't done before. But the vets, we played seven in seven last year. For new kids it's definitely a different experience than what you think. I remember last year I was like, it's just four games, I'm not going to get that tired, but you do playing consecutive games."

Rocky Mountain Raiders Captain Nicolette Seper and her teammates are ready for the Mac's as they look for their first shot at a title. Photo - Russell Skeet.

Nicolette Seper is playing in her third and final Mac's Tournament for DeWinton's Rocky Mountain Raiders girls team and says she wants to go out with a win.

"I think we have a pretty good shot this year. I like our pool, two of the other teams in it are in our league too. We've played them before and I think we have a pretty good shot."

The Bisons open the tournament Boxing day against the Yorkton Maulers at 12:45 at the Father David Bauer Arena.

The Raiders girls take on the Vancouver Island Seals at 2 o'clock the same day at the Flames Community Arenas just off Crowchild Trail.

The tournament wraps up New Years Day.

The Bisons will also play a pre-tournament game at the Okotoks Centennial Arena Wednesday, December 23 at 7 o'clock against the Austrian National U-18 Team.

Here's the schedule for both teams:

Foothills CFR Chemical Bisons:

December 26, 12:45pm - Bisons vs Yorkton Rawtec Maulers - Father David Bauer Arena.
December 27,   2:30pm - Bisons vs Ontario Avalanche - Max Bell Arena.
December 28, 11:45am - Bisons vs Lloydminster Bandit Pipeline Bobcats - Father David Bauer Arena.
December 29,   5:15pm - Bisons vs Caribou Cougars - Max Bell Arena.

Rocky Mountain Raiders Girls:

December 26, 2:00pm - Raiders vs Vancouver Island Seals - Flames Community Arenas.
December 27, 2:30pm - Raiders vs Lloydminster PWM Steelers - Max Bell Arena #2.
December 28, 7:30pm - Raiders vs St. Albert Slash - Max Bell Arena #2
December 29, 2:30pm - Raiders vs Fraser Valley Rush - Max Bell Arena #2