DISCOVER OUR HISTORY

Small Tournament became a big one

After more than 60 years of existence, the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament is still a place of unforgettable encounters and memorable souvenirs where thousands of players aged 11 and 12 come defend the colors of their teams. The great names of hockey such as Brad Park, Guy Lafleur, the Gretzky and Howe brothers, Mario Lemieux, Patrick Roy, Steven Stamkos and much more have all participated in this event at one point in their career.

Others, like Jean Béliveau, Maurice Richard and Gordie Howe watched from the stands.

Founded in 1960

The tournament was founded in 1960 by Gérard Bolduc. In its first edition, 28 teams and about 20 000 spectators took part in the tournament.

Tired of bringing his team at Goderich in Ontario, he wanted his city to be the host of a hockey tournament. It’s in the spirit of conviviality that Gerard Bolduc decided, in 1959, to create a pee-wee hockey tournament in Quebec City. The tournament was integrated with the festivities of the Carnaval de Québec which takes place during February.

The biggest names in hockey

One of the first well known players that played in the NHL is Brad Park .

Guy Lafleur played 1960 to 1964 editions. For three years (1962-1964 ), he was Pee-Wee tournament ALL STAR scoring a total of 64 goals. For a long time, he held the best individual performance of the Pee-Wee Tournament in Quebec City. Ten years later, during a single participation, a kid named Wayne Gretzky managed to thwart the goalkeepers 26 times.

Carnaval de Québec... Coupe Amérique

During the first years, the tournament took place amongst the other activities of the Carnaval de Québec. However, in 1977, they ended their partnership. In 1980, M. Légaré creates the Coupe Amérique and, the year after, the Coupe Québec, the Classe International and the Coupe Internationale merged together.

In 1984, Manon Rhéaume is the first girl to participate. She was the goaltender who protected her team's net.

In 1989, to the astonishment of all, Russian and Japanese teams take part in the tournament.

50th edition

To celebrate the 50th edition of the tournament, a legends hockey game was organized. Presented at the Colisée Pepsi February 21st of 2009, the players who participated in the game marked the event in their own way. Some have known exceptional careers in the National Hockey League, and others had great success in the junior hockey leagues and the professional minor leagues. Throughout the years, a lot of players that played in the tournament had successful careers. Indeed, in 2013, about 1050 players who played in Québec during the event played in the NHL or WHA.

In 2011, the tournament welcomed a hockey team from Australia. Oceania was the 5th and last continent to participate in the competition. Two teams from Africa and a couple from Asia already participated in earlier editions of the tournament.

2016, a record year!

In 2016, the tournament entered the Videotron Center. This year was a record year in terms of assistance with a total of 236 279 fans. A colorful opening ceremony was organized for the occasion.

More than $2 Million to the Patro Roc-Amadour Foundation

In addition to letting thousands of kids live the dream, the tournament has always had the Patro Roc-Amadour foundation at heart. In 50 years, the tournament donated more than 2 133 000$. It is in the Patro Roc-Amadour that the tournament has its Temple of Friendship. In it, you can find photos and trophies that have marked the tournament's history.

In 1960, there were 20 000 spectators that encouraged the kids during the tournament. In 1999, a new record was set and 211 178 people came to encourage the players. How can young players rouse so much passion and emotions? The secret of its longevity resides in THE SPIRIT OF THE TOURNAMENT!