Thousands of minor hockey players have arrived in Ottawa and will begin taking to the ice today as the 18th annual Bell Capital Cup gets underway.

The sun rises on the start of the Bell Capital Cup hockey tournament at the Bell Sensplex. One of 10 Ottawa arenas playing host this weekend <a href="https://t.co/byN6otAGDn">pic.twitter.com/byN6otAGDn</a> —@amkfoote

Players from Canada, the United States and Europe are expected to take part in the four-day tournament, which will feature 262 teams playing games at arenas across the city.

Nine teams featuring players with developmental challenges will also take to the ice — the second straight year they've been part of the tournament.

Each division's championship game will be played at the Canadian Tire Centre.