Local weather forecasts are predicting Moorhead to be blanketed in the season’s first snow, but whatever Mother Nature has in store for the hockey hotbed pales in comparison to the storm of talented hockey players that will descend on the Red River Valley this weekend.

The Big Pumpkin Peewee Tournament, presented, sponsored and hosted by the Youth Hockey Hub and the Moorhead Youth Hockey Association kicks off on Friday morning, marking the fifth season of the tournament’s existence.

For four years, Edina and Osseo-Maple Grove have rotated as Big Pumpkin champions, with the Leafbirds claiming the latest crown. Both teams have a solid shot at making this season's final, but for the first time are both located in the same half of the bracket, meaning there will be a newcomer to the Big Pumpkin finale this season.

With several teams in the running for that golden pumpkin, the field could be wide open.

Moorhead - A really talented group of defensemen...the hosts won't  be friendly.

Sibley - Likely the best PWA team in Minnesota will get a chance to make a statement.

Rochester - Their talented and large blueliners will be tough to penetrate.

Lakeville South - Tanner Ludtke and his gang of Cougars could be trouble.

Minot (ND) Wolves - Dawson McCann and Zach Nehring can take over a game.