Intrepides girls make history at Quebec Peewee Tournament

Tashi Farmilo

The M13AAA Outaouais Intrepides Girls Hockey Team has made history by becoming the first team from the National Capital Region to qualify in the girls' category for the prestigious International Quebec Peewee Tournament. Set to take place in February 2025, the tournament is a highly regarded event that brings together the best young hockey talent from around the world.

The team, composed of players aged 11 and 12, competes in the Peewee category of the Hockey Excellence League of Quebec and represents the Association Hockey Féminin Vallée de Gatineau (AHFVG). Seven of the team’s players hail from Aylmer, showcasing the area’s strong contributions to this historic achievement. Goalie McKenzie Deneault, in her first year of hockey with the girls' league, has demonstrated remarkable growth. Héloise Charbonneau, a reliable defender and second-year player, has played her entire career with the AHFVG and comes from a family deeply involved in girls’ hockey. Fellow defender Madisyn Gorgerat and forward Tessa Fleury, both first-year players, have similarly developed their skills entirely within the AHFVG. Joining them are forwards Léakim Côté and Ariane Gervais, the latter a second-year player, and defender Sienna Gagné, all of whom further highlight the depth of local talent within the team.

The coaching staff also reflects Aylmer’s deep roots in the sport. Assistant coach Véronic Pichard is from Aylmer, and three members of the coaching team previously played girls’ hockey in the region when the sport was just starting out. Their involvement is a testament to the continued growth and success of girls’ hockey in the area.

The Intrepides have excelled in provincial and international tournaments, but qualifying for the Quebec Peewee Tournament marks a new high point. This prestigious event offers young athletes a rare chance to compete on an international stage, allowing the Intrepides to showcase their skills, represent their region, and inspire future female hockey players.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our team,” said Shannon Byrne, the team’s manager. “It’s not just about competing at a high level but also about representing our region and showcasing the talent, passion, and determination of these young girls. Women’s hockey is growing rapidly, and this is a chance to demonstrate how far it has come in the Outaouais.”

As the team prepares for the tournament, they face financial challenges, including travel, equipment, and accommodation costs. A cherished tradition of the event is pin trading, where teams exchange custom-designed pins as symbols of camaraderie. The Intrepides hope to create a pin to proudly represent the National Capital Region.

To make this opportunity a reality, the team is seeking sponsorships and community support. Manager Shannon Byrne highlighted the importance of local backing, stating, “We’re so proud of the girls and what they’ve accomplished, but we need help to make this dream a reality. Supporting these athletes isn’t just about this tournament—it’s an investment in the future of women’s hockey.”

The Intrepides’ qualification is a landmark achievement for both the team and the National Capital Region, breaking barriers in hockey and highlighting growing opportunities for girls in the sport. Their participation in the tournament is set to inspire future generations of players.

To support the M13AAA Outaouais Intrepides Girls Hockey Team, visit https://www.facebook.com/ahfvg/.