Bouchier U13AA Junior Oil Barons will travel to the international tournament in Quebec
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The Bouchier U13AA Junior Oil Barons will put on their skates at the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.
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This is the first team Fort McMurray sends to the tournament since the junior Oil Barons L. Robert Pee-Wee played in 1996 and 1997. This team includes now retired NHL player Scottie Upshall . The tournament will take place from February 9 to 20 during the Quebec Winter Carnival.
“Everyone is super excited to have the opportunity to represent not only the Bouchier Junior Oil Baron program or the Minor Hockey Association, our city, our region,†said head coach Tom Keca. “It’s a very prestigious tournament. This is one of the biggest tournaments in the world and for us to have the opportunity to participate, we hope to create unforgettable memories.
The tournament has featured many other notable players since its debut in 1960, including Guy Lafleur, Wayne Gretzky, Paul Coffey, Patrick Roy, Mario Lemieux, Austin Matthews and Connor McDavid.
The team are currently the only undefeated team in their league, with 13 wins and one draw. Keca reckons the team has scored over 165 goals.
“It’s a special group and they work extremely hard. We’re qualified, so I think it’s just a feather in their hat too, â€he said.
In the months leading up to the tournament, Keca said the team would host a lot of fundraisers and apply for grants. The team must cover the costs of flights, hotels, meals and various activities.
“It’s the experience of a lifetime,†he says. “We’re going to be focusing on the on-ice part, but there are so many other things that we want to participate in to make it a rewarding experience for everyone. “
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Steve Schreyer, president of the Fort McMurray Minor Hockey Association, said he was proud of the growth of the team and the players.
“They were really exciting to watch because they kind of started the year and where they are today. Getting accepted into these kinds of tournaments is something we should be proud of, we have a lot of talented players here, â€said Schreyer.
“I hope they are successful and can represent us in a good light and I hope we can welcome a few more teams there over the next few years. We haven’t been there for 26 years. So I hope we can continue this in a short time.