QUEBEC CITY – The annual International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament in Quebec City attracts thousands of people from around the world and this year, it welcomed them to Quebec’s new hockey stadium.
After nine days of games, it was the Colorado Avalanche and the Chicoutimi Saguenéens who faced off to see who would go on to the championships, and who is out of the tournament.
At the final whistle, it’s the team from Quebec that moves on to compete this weekend.
“Our first game was a bit hard, but we came back from last. Our second game, we played well and now we’re here,” said the team’s goalie, Mareck Jean, happily.
The annual tournament is in its 57th year, and has a new home; 120 teams from 16 countries are playing in Quebec City’s new Centre Videotron.
“It’s a real buzz, I would say, from the kids, the players to the staff, to our volunteers and even to me. It’s brand new,” said general manager Patrick Dom.
The 12 day tournament draws 2,200 players, and even more spectators.
Organizers said the tournament brings $17 million to the city.
It also attracts a long list of celebrities, like supermodel Elle Macpherson, whose stepson is playing with a team from Detroit.
“He’s playing hockey because it builds his character and that’s what’s so important,” she told Global News.
Back in the locker room, the teams know exactly what she she’s talking about.
“Losing is not easy, but as a coaching staff, we’re extremely proud of them,” said Colorado head coach, Sean Leonard.
“To play against some of those teams, it’s good experience. It will make them better hockey players.”
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