A PeeWee Player's Ultimate Adventure

Overnight sensation...of lack of sleep

2/11/15

On a busier than usual Wednesday night at SFO, the San Jose Jr. Sharks 12AAA team and coaches gathered to begin a journey to a tournament.  Not just any tournament but one that will provide

memories for a lifetime for each and every player.  They are facing sub freezing temperatures to participate in the 56th Tournoi International De Hockey PeeWee, the ultimate experience in a PeeWee player's career.  Over 2000 players from more than 15 countries descend upon Quebec City from February 11th to 22nd  The Jr. Sharks are only one of four California teams to earn a berth in this year's tournament.  The Jr. Sharks are the lone representative for Northern California.

The team at SFO

Captain Dave

Two brave coaches, Curtis Brown and Robert Savoie took on the task of trying to get fifteen 12 year olds from California to Quebec City on a cross country red eye flight.  9 hours and 2600 miles later, the group arrived mostly intact; some bags didn't make the flight. However, by that evening, all baggage was delivered and accounted for. The weather was around 3 degrees Fahrenheit and light snow flurries. Definitely a bit brisk but "refreshing".  The group was greeted by Dave, our team's billet family captain. He gave the boys a brief intro and some instructions.  The gear bags were loaded into a truck and boys were shuttled to the arena.  Games were already underway.  This event is definitely a huge production that involves the community of Quebec City.  I can't even begin to give you a guess on the number of volunteers and staff involved.  Several hundred would be a conservative guess.  The games played at the Pepsi Colisee definitely are set up like a junior or pro game; the fanfare, music, announcements and sound effects make it so special.  I can see now why this is considered a top experience in any young player's"career".  As the players settle in for a long wait for the billet families to arrive, there was plenty for them to do.  Eventually fatigue from the long travel kicked in and the players were getting anxious for their local families to come and get them.  As I witnessed the arrival of each family, it can only be described as opening a Christmas present.  There is the anticipation and finally the excitement of meeting the billet parents.  The California parents, coaches took off for the hotel after that.  By the way, Thursday was also Coach Curtis's birthday...Happy Birthday Coach!  

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