A single goal.
That was the razor-thin margin that propelled the Boulder Hockey Club 12U-AA squad to the opportunity of a lifetime the chance to compete in the 2025 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.
Boulder was among eight teams vying for the honor of representing the Colorado Avalanche as the Jr. Avs during the Avalanche International Qualifier in November. Facing elimination in the tournament’s final game, Boulder mounted a dramatic comeback. Trailing by two goals late in the third period, they pulled their goalie and delivered two clutch goals one at 18:28 and another at 19:18 to force overtime. After a scoreless first OT, Sieger Gilhooly sealed the deal with just 3:45 left in double overtime, punching Boulder’s ticket to Quebec.
The Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament is the pinnacle of youth hockey, featuring 120 elite teams from around the world. In its 64-year history, 1,385 alumni have gone on to play in either the NHL or the now-defunct WHA, including five current Avalanche players:
Current Avalanche Players Who Competed in the Quebec Tournament
- Miles Wood (Middlesex Islanders, 2007)
- Jonathan Drouin (Sélects du Nord, 2008)
- Samuel Girard (Lac-St-Jean, 2011)
- Martin Nečas (Chomutov, 2012)
- Jack Drury (Chicago Mission, 2013)
A Send-Off to Remember
Before heading to Quebec, the Jr. Avs were treated to two unforgettable days at Ball Arena, a celebration befitting their hard-fought journey.
On January 27, the young squad arrived to a jaw-dropping surprise the Avalanche locker room had been completely transformed into their own, complete with personalized nameplates, jerseys, and gear set up just like the pros. To top it off, they received custom-fitted home and away gear to keep a true NHL experience.
The excitement didn’t stop there.
Four days later, ahead of the Avalanche’s matchup against the St. Louis Blues, the Jr. Avs took to the ice at Ball Arena for their very own morning skate just an hour before the Avalanche hit the ice themselves. The team snapped a professional-style photo before heading to the locker room, where they met and chatted with Avalanche players. As a heartfelt touch, each Jr. Avs player handed a personal letter to their favorite NHL star.
That afternoon, they had the rare opportunity to sit down with Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland and sign contracts formalizing their commitment to representing the team with pride and sportsmanship in Quebec.
Their pledge read:
“By signing this contract, I commit to representing the Colorado Avalanche with honor while competing in the 2025 Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament. I will uphold the highest standards of teamwork, respect, and dedication, treating everyone I encounter coaches, teammates, opponents, referees, and billet families with integrity. I will work hard on and off the ice, and when wearing the ‘A,’ I will embody the values of the Colorado Avalanche: teamwork, sportsmanship, and discipline.”
Before the Avalanche faced off against the Blues that night, the Jr. Avs were honored in a pre-game ceremony, taking the ice for the national anthem soaking in the moment before capping off their unforgettable day by watching the game from a suite at Ball Arena.
Next Stop: Quebec
With memories of an incredible send-off fueling their spirits, the Jr. Avs will take flight for Quebec on February 10, with tournament play beginning on February 13.
Good luck to the Jr. Avs Colorado is cheering you on!
