Philly Leader

Founded 64 years ago, the Quebec Pee-Wee Tournament is a significant event for young hockey players. Many NHL players have participated in this tournament during their early years. Current Flyers players Cam York and Tyson Foerster are among those who once played there. York recalled his participation as a member of the Anaheim Jr. Ducks in 2014, shortly after turning 13.

"It was exciting. It's a pretty special thing to get to do," York said on January 29, 2024, just before he and Foerster met with the Flyers Quebec Pee-Wee team following a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

This year, York and Foerster met again with the kids from the 2025 Flyers Pee Wee squad at Wells Fargo Center after a game against the Washington Capitals on February 6. The young players were warmly welcomed by fans when introduced by the public address announcer.

Rob Baer, Flyers Senior Director of Community Relations and Hockey Development programs, highlighted why this tournament holds such significance: "Every year is something new to look forward to because we get to see a different group of young players experience the tournament on and off the ice. Tournament alumni look back on it as one of the best experiences of their youth hockey day."

"Even the players who've gone on to play professionally are reminded immediately, when they see the excitement and enthusiasm of the kids, to how they felt when they participated years earlier," Baer added.

Longtime Flyers star Simon Gagne played in this tournament in 1993 in Quebec. Recently traded former Flyer Joel Farabee was part of Buffalo Jr. Sabres squad. Locally born NHL players Mattias Samuelsson and Cayden Primeau represented Flyers Quebec Pee Wees previously. Lauren Hart's son Bek Hart-Carmichael was on last year's team.

Meanwhile, Flyers Warriors are participating in this weekend's Gateway Classic. They are an affiliate in USA Hockey sanctioned Warrior Hockey program for U.S. military veterans with VA's disability rating criteria.

On Friday, they will face Saginaw Warriors followed by matches against Michigan Warriors at 11:30 a.m., then Nebraska Warriors at 4:15 p.m., under head coach Brad Marsh.