A COLORFUL 63RD EDITION

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release

Quebec City, January 10, 2023 – The Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament is proud to unveil the program and new features for its 63rd edition! Inauguration of the girls’ division, huge contest for sports associations and , visits from NHL stars, silent auction and other surprises will please everybody!

Everything you need to know about the 2023 edition:

1- Tournament hightlights

In post-pandemic mode, we are happy to announce that we are returning to normality with the arrival of 120 teams, including 70 new teams that have never participated in the Tournament, 33 teams hosted by billeting families (a figure far exceeding our expectations) and 15 different countries. A team from Kazakhstan will even make its debut, a first in the history of the tournament.

Ukraine will also be there. "We are really excited to be able to give an extraordinary experience to these young people who are going through a difficult time given the current situation in their country." expresses Michel Plante, president of the Pee-Wee Tournament.

Here is the list of participating countries: England, Austria, Canada, South Korea, United States, France, Hungary, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Switzerland and Ukraine.

2-Inauguration of the Girls Division

For the first time in the history of the Pee-Wee Tournament, we will welcome an all-girl division, made up of 12 teams from Canada, USA and Europe. We are proud to announce that this girls’ division will be presented by our loyal partner: JANES. Janes will allow these players to live an experience beyond all expectations in this historic first at the Pee-Wee Tournament.

“We believe what gets celebrated grows and we want to be agents of positive change to grow the game together,” said Joanne Stencell, Head of Sponsorships, Sofina Foods.  “That is why we created the Janes’ ALL IN program: to ensure that women’s hockey gets the attention it deserves.”

« I am very proud of the creation of the girl’s division at the Pee-Wee Tournament thanks to the partnership with Janes.  It will be a great springboard for the players and for women's hockey. This journey will greatly help the development of players while inspiring them to believe in themselves and in their dreams. They are about to experience unforgettable moments in Quebec, » says Caroline Ouellette, Janes spokesperson and Olympic Gold medalist.

The Girls’ division inaugural celebration will take place on Sunday, February 12, 1 p.m. For the occasion, the game will be exceptionally refereed, timed and even announced by women. It will oppose the As of Quebec and Atlantic Selects.

Here is also, for the first time, the official logo of the girls’ division. Each girl will proudly wear this logo on their helmet to symbolize this historic premiere.

3- Show your colors contest presented by Janes: $10,000 to be won

On February 12, the Capitale-Nationale sports association that has managed to gather the most people (a minimum of 50) at the Videotron Center, but above all to STAND OUT the most on site, will win the big prize, i.e., $10,000 in cash and an annual support service offered by the ULSCN. During this day, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., every person presenting themselves at the box-office with clothing or accessories of their association colors will benefit from a reduced rate.

Details and registration form here:

 https://www.tournoipee-wee.qc.ca/fr/page/concours/affiche_tes_couleurs.html

4- Media contest: 2023 NHL Stadium Series, $5,000 at IGA and $5,000 at Tanguay

The Tournament FINALLY returns to normal in February and for the occasion, we wanted to spoil our fans. This is why we have set up sublime contests offering huge prizes to be won, thanks to various partnerships. Indeed, from January 17 to 20, TVA viewers will be able to note the daily clues in order to win the grand prize: Attend the 2023 NHL Stadium Series game in Raleigh, North Carolina. The package for two includes: tickets to attend the Capitals vs Hurricanes game, plane tickets, hotel, $1000 in expenses + a subscription for 4 people for the Pee-Wee Tournament.

We also invite people to listen to WKND 91.9 and enter the contest starting January 30 to win nothing less than $5,000 in gift cards at IGA and $5,000 to spend at Tanguay. Good Luck to everyone!

5-Visit of great NHL stars

Great hockey stars will come to meet the fans and sign autographs at the Remax PO Vear space on February 11-12 and 18. Visiting times will be confirmed later on our website and social media. Stay tuned!

6- Presence of NHL players and public figures

NHL players or public figures will be present at the tournament as coaches, parents or chaperones. The complete list of their names and relationship with the team can be found on our website.

7- Silent auction

The silent auction featuring jerseys autographed by great NHL players will finally be back this year. Fans can come and bid on the jerseys on February 11-12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. AND February 14-15 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., directly at the Videotron Center. Here is the complete list of the 18 autographed jerseys that will be available:

8-Pee-Wee Beer

An excellent beer in the colors of the Tournament will once again be available this year thanks to SNO Microbrasserie Nordik. It will be available in limited quantities at the Microbrasserie SNO located in the Grand Marché de Québec on January 10 and in all IGA des Sources in Quebec City starting January 16.

See the IGA des Sources branches here: https://igadessources.com/succursales/

Cheers!

9- Mascot day

On Saturday, February 18, we will receive, to our delight, a lot of mascots for Mascot Day. A perfect day for making beautiful family encounters.

10- Guy Lafleur Trophy

As Guy Lafleur was one of the greatest players in the history of the Pee-Wee Tournament, it was inevitable for the organization to find a way to honor the Blond Demon. A new trophy will therefore see the light in February, the Guy Lafleur Trophy. It will be awarded each year to the best player in the final of the AAA class, the best category of the tournament.

From February 8 to 19, come encourage the next generation in large numbers!

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About Sofina Foods Inc.

Sofina Foods Inc. is the parent company of Janes and is a privately-owned Canadian company headquartered in Markham, Ont., dedicated to providing great tasting, high-quality food products for consumers. As one of the nation's leading manufacturers of primary and further-processed protein products for both retail and food-service customers, Sofina Foods has a broad portfolio of branded and private-label pork, beef, turkey and chicken products. Sofina's family of branded products includes Cuddy, Lilydale, Janes, Mastro, San Daniele, Fletcher's, Vienna and Zamzam. Sofina Foods currently operates 16 HACCP-approved manufacturing facilities, three hatcheries, three distribution centers and employs close to 5,000 people. To learn more about Sofina Foods, please visit SofinaFoods.com.

Source : Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament