The 17 Ukrainian ice hockey players who arrived in Quebec City on Wednesday to compete in the pee-wee tournament had eyes swollen from the fatigue of the long journey when they finally stepped through the doors of the Videotron Center in the middle of the evening to meet greet their nine families, who applauded them upon their arrival.
• Also read: A Ukrainian team at the Pee-Wee tournament: a story worthy of a Hollywood film
• Also read: Quebec Pee-Wee Tournament: The Ukrainian team is officially present
But the tiredness seemed to dissipate a bit, giving way to broad smiles as the youngsters headed upstairs to see the huge arena where they will play their first official game on February 11th.
“It is really incredible! started Maksym, dressed in a coat with the image of the tournament, on which a flag of Ukraine is embroidered. It’s a chance for us to be here. »
An email that changed everything
Two hours earlier, the amphitheater lobby was slowly filling with foster family members, most of whom have children attending St. Patrick’s High School.
The excitement was palpable. The mothers we met were eager to meet their charges, who had only learned theirs
name Tuesday.
It hadn’t been difficult to convince her to embark on this beautiful three-week adventure. An email sent by one of St. Patrick’s High School’s hockey coaches got their hearts beating.
Photo Stevens LeBlanc
The Ukraine Pee Wee hockey team arrives at the Videotron Center on Wednesday February 1, 2023 for the Quebec International Pee Weekend Hockey Tournament. Diane Toy is excited to meet her young players who will be hosting.
“The full range of actions that we were able to take influenced us,” said Annie Hamel. It’s like someone gave us a pole so we can achieve something concrete. »
“Yes, we can send money to Ukraine. But there we have the impression that we can make a difference in their lives. »
Ukrainians who came to wait
It was not just the host families who were eagerly awaiting the young ice hockey players. Irina and her two boys, originally from Kyiv who arrived last August, came to welcome them with their Ukrainian flag.
“I know some will be going back there in three weeks, but the most important thing is that they live positively while they’re here,” smiled the lady.
The tournament’s general manager, Patrick Dom, was blown away by all the generosity shown by the people of Quebec since the announcement of the coming of the
Ukrainian peewee.
“I realize that Quebec is really special,” he said.
“Everybody Loves Her”
6,000 tickets have already been sold for the team’s first game against the Junior Boston Bruins.
A historical fact for the event, because the majority of spectators usually receive their right of entry on the same day.
And Mr. Dom expects to hit a full house, which would be a first for the tournament at the Videotron Center.
“What I’m afraid of, even if I don’t want to think about it too much, is coming back. But at least the message they can convey is that everyone loves them. Everyone loves them,” emphasizes Mr. Dom.
“If we can put balm on what they’ve been living as shit for a year, this will be it. »
Players sending a message of hope
“In the beginning it was an impossible mission. Now that we’re here, it’s a miracle on the ice,” Ukrainian delegation coach Yevgeny Pysarenko said on Wednesday.
Photo agency QMI, Joël Lemay
Yevgeny Pysarenko, the team’s coach
The past few weeks have not been easy for either young hockey players or Pysarenko.
A colossal task
It was necessary to bring together these young people, scattered in several European countries. Four of them were still in Ukraine a few days ago.
“We’re trying to explain to young people that this experience is something special, that it goes beyond hockey. May they send a message of hope to the whole world. That they are an example of strength, resilience and solidarity,” emphasized the coach.
Like his players, Pysarenko was tired from the long flights and car journey between Montreal and Quebec.
But while he was undoubtedly anxious to get back to his bed, he was also excited about what the team could expect over the next three weeks.
“Young people are excited,” he said.
A busy schedule
Pysarenko already knew that her schedule would be full. As is usual during the pee-wee visit to Quebec, young people visit the city’s main attractions.
They will also be training with players from St. Patrick’s High School at the school’s facilities over the next few days.
And the town of Shannon, where two host families live, invited them to play for free on their rinks, where out-of-town visitors usually have to pay an entrance fee.
Ready for a full house
There may also be Tim Hortons on the menu.
At least that’s what Mia, the daughter of Diane Toy, the mother of one of the foster families, has in mind.
Above all, says Pysarenko, the next three weeks will be emotionally charged.
Especially during their first official game on February 11, for which he expects a packed Videotron Center for the first footage of the tournament.
“We’re prepared for that,” he smiles.