Postcards From Quebec: Feb. 12-13

The Jr. Avalanche Pee-Wee team started its trip on Tuesday to Quebec City, Canada, where it will compete in the largest youth hockey contest in the world, the 60th annual Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament.
Due to a severe snow storm hitting the entire Northeast this week, the Jr. Avs saw their first sniff of adversity before the puck had even dropped. After landing in Washington D.C. for a layover, the team's next flight was delayed for 14 hours resulting in an unexpected night's stay in the nation's capital. It was then followed by a 4:00 a.m. wake-up call to catch the flight to Montreal and a near 4-hour bus drive to Quebec City.

Although exhausted from a grueling travel schedule, the Jr. Avs arrived in Quebec City on Wednesday excited and motivated to begin their 2-week adventure in Canada. The team originally had an exhibition game scheduled against the tournament host, the Quebec Remparts, however had to cancel due to the unforeseen circumstances. With the late arrival and shortened day, the Jr. Avalanche caught some tournament action at the Videotron Center, which gave the players it's first taste of youth hockey's biggest stage.

One of the many unique qualities of the world-renowned tournament is the opportunity for players to billet with host families. Members of the Jr. Avalanche got to meet their French-Canadian billet families for the first time at Érablière le Chemin du Roy, a sugar shack restaurant in rural Quebec. Players, families and billets enjoyed a traditional Canadian dinner along with interactive folk music and dancing to help break the ice.
"We got to have these really cool maple syrup popsicles and pancakes for dessert," said left wing Max Neumayr. "I also ate a meat pie for the first time with maple syrup, and that was weirdly delicious."
With the snow still falling, the team ended the night with a horse-carriage ride and headed home with their host families.

"I'm looking forward to practice tomorrow and its really cold here," Max added as the team will get on the ice for the first time in the morning, but look to stay warm in the blistering Canadian climate.
Check back daily to hear all about the Junior Avalanche's adventures both on and off the ice.