Jr. Pioneers Return Home From Quebec Tourney

(above) The Jr. Pioneers line-up in the former home of the NHL Quebec Nordiques



The Quebec City International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament is the largest ice hockey tournament in the world. Over 2,000 youth players (11-12 y.o. boys & girls) from over 16 countries compete annually. Held every February at the 15,000 seat Colisee Pepsi, it unofficially serves as the pee-wee World Championships.

The Junior Pioneers team from Denver had a very successful tournament. The team finished with an impressive 8-1 record, making it to the quarterfinals. They played four games in the winners bracket at the Colisée Pepsi.

Also representing Colorado hockey at the Tournament were the Colorado Thunderbirds pee-wee team and the Boulder Bison rebranded as the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche also made it the the quarterfinals. Their record was 7-1-2 [results], losing only to the eventual champion.

The players stayed with local families, played pond hockey, pin traded, visited the Valcartier snow park and experienced all the tournament had to offer. Proudly wearing the Crimson and Gold, they represented Colorado with pride and poise. The boys returned safely to Denver this weekend with a lifetime of memories.

In all likelihood a few players from these teams will suit up for the University of Denver six to eight years from now. For instance one of the players on the Jr. Pioneers is Brian Hawkinson the younger brother of 2013 DU recruit Brad Hawkinson. Ryan Korinek was the team's leading scorer with 2 goals and an assist in four games.

Players who have competed in this tournament in their youth include Wayne Gretzkey, Paul Stastny, Patrick Roy and Peter Senja.

3 comments:

vizoroo said...

Congrats to the Junior Pioneers!
8-1 is asuper showing.

Unknown said...

Boulder Bison Pee Wee AA also went to that tournament rebranded as the Colorado Avalanche. They likewise made it the the quarterfinals. Their record was 7-1-2 : losing only to the eventual champion.

http://boulderbison.pucksystems.com/

Great job - both Pioneers and Bison!

dggoddard said...

The Colorado Thurderbirds did very well also.