One goal.
That was the difference between the Boulder Hockey Club 12U-AA team and a spot in the 2025 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.
Competing in the Avalanche International Qualifier in November, Boulder was one of eight teams vying for the chance to represent the Colorado Avalanche as the Jr. Avs in Quebec.
Trailing by two goals in the final game, Boulder mounted a dramatic comeback, scoring twice with their goalie pulled at 18:28 and 19:18 of the third period to send the game into overtime. After a scoreless first overtime, Sieger Gilhooly secured Boulder’s place in Quebec with the game-winner at 3:45 of the second overtime.
The Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament, widely regarded as the most prestigious event in minor hockey, features 120 teams from across the globe. Over its 64-year history, 1,385 players have advanced to either the NHL or the now-defunct WHA. Among them, five currently play for the Avalanche.
Quebec International Pee Wee Tournament Alumni Currently on the Avalanche Roster
|
Player
|
Team
|
Year
|
|---|---|---|
|
Miles Wood
|
Middlesex Islanders
|
2007
|
|
Jonathan Drouin
|
Sélects du Nord
|
2008
|
|
Samuel Girard
|
Lac-St-Jean
|
2011
|
|
Martin Necas
|
Chomutov
|
2012
|
|
Jack Drury
|
Chicago Mission
|
2013
|
The Jr. Avs enjoyed two unforgettable days at Ball Arena in preparation for their once-in-a-lifetime journey.
On January 27th, they arrived to a special surprise—the Avalanche’s locker room had been completely transformed into their own. Each player had personalized nameplates, jerseys, and gear set up just like the pros, along with custom-fitted home and away gear to keep.
And that was just the start.
Four days later, before the Avalanche faced off against the St. Louis Blues, the Jr. Avs took to the ice at Ball Arena for their own morning skate—an hour before the Avalanche’s practice. They posed for a professional team photo and soaked in the experience of skating on NHL ice. Afterward, they met Avalanche players in the locker room, exchanged stories, took a group photo, and handed out heartfelt, handwritten letters to their favorite players.
That afternoon, the Jr. Avs returned to Ball Arena for a special meeting with Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland. There, they signed contracts pledging to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, teamwork, and discipline while representing the organization at the 2025 Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament.
Before the Avalanche faced the Blues, the Jr. Avs were honored on the ice and stood alongside the team for the national anthem. To top it all off, they watched the game from a suite, celebrating their upcoming adventure in style.
Best of luck to the Jr. Avs as they head to Quebec on February 10th, with their first game set for February 13th!
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