Photo: visitpenticton.com

Staff with the Canadian Sport School Hockey League are expecting the annual championships to have an economic impact of more than $3 million in Penticton this year.

The BDO CSSHL Championships begins on Friday, marking for the fourth straight year they've been held in Penticton.

The tournament generated $2.89 million for the city at last year's event — which was $1.17 million more than the year prior.

Chief operating officer Kevin Goodwin pointed out this year's tournament is three days longer and has 68 teams taking part — compared to 49 teams a year ago.

Goodwin added the female prep and varsity divisions will be taking part in the championships for the first time ever as well.

In total, about 1,250 student athletes will be playing at the event in Penticton between Friday and Mar. 18, when the championships conclude.

About 2,100 ticketed fans came out last year when the championships spanned seven days, Goodwin said. He's anticipating at least 2,500 to 2,600 fans will come out for this year's 10-day event.

The CSSHL will be holding the championships in Penticton until at least 2020, as it committed to a three-year term last spring.

Schedules and ticketing information can be found here.