The 2005 Washington Little Capitals have been invited to play in the 59th Quebec Peewee International Hockey Tournament, the most prestigious minor hockey tournament in the world.  Last year, more than 210,000 spectators came to watch teams from 15 countries compete over 12 days in what is widely known as the “Pee Wee World Championships.”

“I am extremely excited that our 2005 team was selected to participate,” said Little Caps hockey director Dan Jablonic.  “This tournament goes far beyond a handful of hockey games over the course of 11 days. It is an enriching cultural experience which includes billeting with a local family for the entire visit, interacting and socializing with peers from all over the world, exploring and absorbing all Quebec City has to offer including their own CARNAVAL and playing hockey games in front of crowds of 5,000-10,000 spectators. This experience will provide memories that will last a lifetime.”

Coach Nick Carso played in the tournament when he was a pee wee Little Cap, and is excited to return for the first time as a coach.  “As a former WLC player, it was one of the best youth experiences of my life. I remember stopping in Drummondville and playing two games against a local pee wee team then going to a QMJHL game on one of the nights.  The billet experience was great, I got to play pond hockey every night at the neighborhood rink and playing the home of the Nordiques (yes they still were around) was unbelievable.   I am so happy and grateful that I get to participate as a coach in the tournament, but also that the players that I have worked with over the past two years also get to have this experience.”

Some of the greatest players in NHL history have competed in the tournament, including current super stars Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid, and Sidney Crosby, as well as legends such as Wayne Gretzky, Patrick Roy, Mario Lemieux, Doug Weight, Guy Lafleur and former Little Cap Jeremy Roenick.

Indeed, Roenick recalls fondly his time in Quebec.  “In one game, I scored eight goals,” Roenick remembers. “The tournament record was nine goals, set by some kid named Wayne Gretzky. It was a very cool experience, especially for kids from Washington, because that was as close to the craziness of being a pro at that age.”

Now, the 2005 Little Caps get to experience that same craziness.  

The cost of attending the Quebec tournament is enormous, so in the coming weeks the 2005 players will be working hard to raise funds for their Quest for Quebec.  The players will hold bake sales and Taco Night at Kettler, and will also be selling special Little Caps merchandise, including Little Caps blankets and other items, as well as Christmas wreaths for the holidays. We encourage everyone to support the team in this incredible experience.  If you would like to purchase a wreath or blanket, please contact 2005 team manager Jen Bainbridge at jenbainbridge63@gmail.com