The Markham-Stouffville Stars Girls U13 AA team is set to participate in the 2026 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. This is the first time a girls’ team from Markham-Stouffville has made it to this prestigious international event. Only 12 girls’ teams were chosen this year, with the Stars being the sole representative from Ontario. Founded in 1960, the Quebec tournament has showcased future NHL legends such as Wayne Gretzky and Auston Matthews. The team is currently fundraising through Go Fund Me to help with travel and tournament costs. Coach Scotty Howes urged community members and local businesses to contribute so they can make this trip happen. When play begins in Quebec City next February, the Markham-Stouffville Stars Girls U13 AA squad will be making history for their organization. From February 11 to 22, 2026, the team will take part in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. As one of the largest and most respected youth hockey events globally, it will mark the first occasion that a girls’ team from Markham-Stouffville has secured a place on its renowned ice. The Quebec tournament attracts over 115 teams from around the world every year. In 2024 alone, participants came from 18 different countries, earning widespread acclaim within the hockey community. NHL. com refers to it as “the premier youth hockey event in Canada,” while the Atlantic Hockey Federation calls it “legendary,” highlighting “some of the top talent in the world.” This year, only 12 girls’ teams were selected for participation in the 2026 series. The Markham-Stouffville Stars U13 AA are proud to be Ontario’s only representatives after being chosen from more than 40 applicants. Four teams from Quebec received automatic entry, while two spots were reserved for clubs from Europe, making for tough competition. “This is a historic moment for our organization and these sixteen girls,” said Head Coach Scotty Howes. “Being selected as the only girls’ team from Ontario to compete at this level is an incredible honour. Our players have worked extremely hard to get here, and they’ve earned the right to represent Markham-Stouffville, the GTA, and Ontario on one of hockey’s biggest youth stages.” The Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament was founded in 1960 by Gérard Bolduc and has long been a platform for players aspiring to reach high levels of youth hockey competition. Its alumni list boasts NHL icons like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Auston Matthews-names that highlight both its reputation and role in nurturing future stars. For Howes, this selection serves not just as recognition but also motivation. “When we submitted our application, we knew competition would be fierce,” he stated. “To be chosen from over 40 applicants shows just how skilled these girls are playing right now. They’ve proven themselves throughout this season, and this selection confirms their dedication towards improvement.” In preparation for what lies ahead, the Stars will maintain rigorous training focused on skills development and teamwork chemistry. However, alongside their practice routines comes another challenge: raising funds needed for travel expenses. The team has started a Go Fund Me campaign aimed at covering travel costs along with accommodation during their stay at the tournament-a significant financial hurdle for families involved. Organizers are reaching out for support from residents as well as local businesses so they can turn this “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” into reality for both players and their community. “We’re asking our community to help make this dream possible,” Howes remarked. “Any support-whether it’s a donation or sponsorships from local businesses-or simply sharing our story all makes a real difference for these girls who’ll proudly wear Markham-Stouffville across their chests come February.” If you wish to support them in reaching their $4,500 fundraising target through Go Fund Me donations can be made directly via their page. Businesses interested in sponsorships or contributions can contact team manager Julie Rose at (416) 319-8559. “Every contribution helps us get these girls to Quebec City so they can concentrate on what they do best-playing hockey,” House added further emphasizing importance of contributions made towards achieving goals set forth by these talented young athletes competing against some of world’s best U13 talent-it’s bound to leave lasting impressions while inspiring them elevate games even higher moving forward.” Cover image provided by and used with permission from the Markham-Stouffville Stars Girls U13 AA team.
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