Over 1,500 NHL Players Graduated from Quebec’s Pee-Wee Tournament
Since its inception in the early 1960s, the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament has become a significant event for young hockey players. Over 1,500 future National Hockey League (NHL) players have participated, demonstrating the tournament’s importance in developing hockey talent.
Historic Milestones of the Pee-Wee Tournament
The tournament has welcomed exactly 1,502 players into the world of professional hockey, averaging about 20 players per edition. The first participant to reach the NHL was defenseman Brad Park, who joined the New York Rangers in 1968. The most recent is Macklin Celebrini, currently making a mark at the Olympics with Team Canada.
Noteworthy Alumni
- Guy Lafleur
- Mike Bossy
- Wayne Gretzky
- Mario Lemieux
- Patrick Roy
- Brett Hull
These illustrious players highlight the tournament’s role as a launching pad for hockey careers. Julie Hamel, the tournament’s assistant director, noted that Quebec hockey fans eagerly recognize talent and take pride in saying, “I saw this player before they made it to the NHL.”
Exciting Current Highlights
This year, fans at the tournament can look forward to observing both past and present NHL talent, including:
- Joe Thornton
- Jonathan Marchessault
- Mike Matheson
- Max Pacioretty
- Maxime Talbot
- Alexandre Carrier
- David Savard
- Ed Belfour
- José Théodore
Patrick Dom, the tournament’s general director, emphasized the significance of having talented teams. He remarked on the impressive number of alumni who have made it to the NHL, a testament to the quality of competition at the event. The Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament continues to be a vital part of the hockey landscape, nurturing the icons of tomorrow.
