In some ways, the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament is a reflection of the NHL with its larger and smaller markets. Many teams don't have a lot of resources and have to find all sorts of nifty tricks to balance the budget and enjoy the experience to the fullest.
If for certain renowned clubs annual attendance at the tournament is a given, this is certainly not the case for all guests present at the large table in the Videotron Center.
Last November, the Forestiers d'Amos received the call they had been hoping for for twenty years when their place in the tournament was confirmed.
The great pride I felt at the good news quickly gave way to some concern.
“There is nothing like an opportunity like the Pee-Wee Tournament in Quebec. “It’s fantastic, it’s international,” emphasizes team manager Line Gagnon.
“On the other hand, it is an intense flash. We spend a lot of time working on it in the evenings and weekends. “We want families to have as little costs as possible,” she continues.
Big bucks
Leaving Amos to settle in Quebec for two weeks obviously requires a significant investment. Abitibi's long journey forces the team not to retreat home.
To reduce restaurant costs, the Foresters have opted to stay in four chalets in Stoneham, where meals can be prepared at a lower cost and daily laundry can be done.
Including the cost of games, lodging, meals, several souvenirs, a Remparts game and other area activities, the organization plans to spend more than $30,000.
“There are some things that are not mandatory, but it is part of the experience and culture of the tournament. When we leave Amos we want to experience the tournament to the fullest. We want the children to have good memories and be able to interact with other cultures,” notes Ms. Gagnon.
The Amos-Pee-Wees raised money in a variety of ways, including as baggers at the grocery store. PHOTO PROVIDED BY LINE GAGNON
Packaging, coffee, maple syrup…
The organization quickly developed a game plan so that no one left the tournament ruined. While the parents collected around forty donations and sponsorships, young players also took part in the joint campaign.
This included a weekend of packing at the supermarket and selling coffee, canned meat and maple syrup because one of the parents owns a sugar bush.
Even Golden Knights forward Nicolas Roy joined the war effort by signing a letter of commendation and participating in a promotional video.
In addition to balancing the budget, all steps were an ideal way to bring young people to the school of life.
“When I talk about it, I get goosebumps. We tell our young people that they are lucky, that they have an extraordinary opportunity and that we feel gratitude.”
“It allows us to convey to young people that they have a role to play in this. We involve them in the financing and tell them that they have to play a role on and off the ice by having an outstanding attitude,” says Line Gagnon.
Forestiers goaltender Rafaêl Santos proudly posed with Nicolas Roy of the Vegas Golden Knights, who helped promote Amos' arrival at the Pee-Wee Tournament in Quebec. PHOTO PROVIDED BY LINE GAGNON
Efforts are rewarded
In Class AA, the Forestiers d'Amos will have an unforgettable experience, especially when they take on the Vegas Golden Knights at the Videotron Center. In friendly games there are enriching cultural encounters with Austria and a team from Connecticut.
In addition to the moments on the ice, the little Pipi-Weis will remember all the efforts they made upstream.
“The city is proud to know that we will have a team in the Pee Wee Tournament. It’s a great moment for the young people in the team, even if it takes a lot of time and organization,” says Ms. Gagnon happily.
A great premiere for the Royal de Métabetchouan
The Royal de Métabetchouan recently won a tournament in Shawinigan and is looking to achieve a similar feat in Quebec. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PASCAL GIRARD
In his first ever appearance at the Quebec Pee-Wee Tournament in Class BB, the Royal de Métabetchouan enjoys the ecstasy but has to face reality. Participate, yes, but not at any price.
“We set a budget of around $10,000 and had to make decisions such as the memories that will form the children. The costs for parents must be minimized. We have made smart decisions and if parents want to invest more in large-format souvenirs, they can do so,” explains Pascal Girard, the manager in charge of the Lac-Saint-Jean team.
In other words, the players may not be wearing the tournament jacket and hat, but at the end of the day they will be there. However, we should not conclude that the young children of Métabetchouan will not have the highlight of the Quebec experience, quite the opposite.
“We are very excited to go to Quebec, but we look at it like we are a very small company and we don't want to empty our people's pockets either. The fundamental aim is to create beautiful memories for young people,” he adds.
Back and forth
To finance its presence, the Royal uses various business partners and sponsors who help lower the bill.
Packaging was also available for sale in local stores and tickets for competitions where participants could win, among other things, a signed Raymond Bourque jersey, a barbecue or even a gas voucher, or even pizzas at the local supermarket.
There's no wrong way to fund a first trip to the Videotron Center.
Métabetchouan's team will also not have the luxury of sleeping between the two games in Quebec, but will only be able to afford this little happiness on the final weekend of the tournament.
“We decided to go back and forth after our games. Win or lose, we also have accommodation booked from Thursday to Sunday for the final weekend. We are all ice hockey fans. So if we don't play anymore, it will only be to see games of impressive quality… but we will definitely play! “I’m not worried about our young people,” promises Mr. Girard.
About $3000 for each Grenoble Wolf Burner
The tradition continues in the case of the Brûleurs de Loups de Grenoble, who are preparing for another great adventure as part of the Pee-Wee tournament at the Videotron Center. PHOTO PROVIDED BY SOPHIE COLLOMB
For the Brûleurs de Loups de Grenoble, the tradition of the Quebec pee-wee tournament has been firmly established for decades and there is no doubt that it will stop, even if the bill for a visit from France continues to rise. high dimensions.
According to Sophie Collomb, manager and member of the team for 15 years, the observation has been particularly striking since COVID.
“We now calculate 2,000 euros per child for 15 days. “We are talking about an increase of 200 euros per child, simply because of the skyrocketing prices for airline tickets,” she emphasizes.
In Grenoble, corporate donations and parental involvement are the main financial factors for participation in the tournament.
“This year we received 15,000 euros ($22,000) from companies. We have never received so much. We have had parents who want to pay and do nothing else, and we have some who organize the sale of wine, king cake, beer, Christmas blocks, raffles, etc. All the money collected goes directly into the child’s envelope,” explains Ms. Collomb.
From generation to generation
Even if the bill explodes, there's no question that the Brûleurs de Loups will remain embarrassed at home.
“That is not an option. There is actually a hockey culture in the Alps. It’s not difficult for the children to make people aware of the importance of their project, especially when they point out that they are going to Quebec.”
“To be honest, it’s a dream for the children. You experience something special with the host families and when it's over, there are some who cry and don't want to go back to France. They live Quebec style, they eat Quebec style, they play hockey outside and think that’s how life is!” laughs the manager.
As a former ice hockey player, over the years she has seen families pass down the passion for Quebec's Pee-Wee tournament from generation to generation.
“Now there are parents who have taken part in the tournament and are starting to bring their children there. There are some who decide to quit or change sports, but they go to the pee tournament first before quitting hockey. They want to experience this tournament in the land of ice hockey.