The Canad Inns Classic kicks off tonight at the Portage Curling Club with the Mixed Doubles event.

It's the second year for the Canad Inns Mixed Doubles Classic, and the field has grown for 2016. Curling Canada’s Mixed Doubles Program Manager Jeff Stoughton says some of Canada's best curlers are attending the event.

"Kalynn Virtue and Charley Thomas, Wayne and Kimberly Tuck -- they're past National Champions -- Olympic Medallist in Jennifer Jones and her husband Brent Laing. John Morris has won an Olympic Medal and he's coming with Rachel Homan."

Last year was the inaugural year for the mixed doubles event, and only featured Canadian curlers. Stoughton says they've opened up this year's event to include curlers from around the world.

"We've got the gold and silver medallists from the 2016 Mixed Doubles Championships as well. A team from Russia and a team from China, so there's some really good competition. It's going to show how some of our Canadian teams can stack up."

Stoughton adds the Canad Inns Classic is an exciting event, and encourages everyone to catch the mixed doubles action.

"It's definitely new to most Canadians, and come out to the Canad Inns -- The Portage Curling Club -- this weekend and take a look. It's pretty exciting and I think you'll enjoy your viewing of the game. It's a lot of fun."

The first draw is set for 6 p.m. tonight at the Portage Curling Club inside the Canad Inns Portage la Prairie. Last year's winners Rachel Homan and John Morris get going at 9. Get the full draw here, and the results are here.