Saint-Laurent hosts one of Quebec’s largest minor hockey tournaments
Posted January 10, 2026 4:11 pm.
Last Updated January 11, 2026 3:51 pm.
Saint-Laurent is ready to “stick” it to the competition as thousands of young players take to the ice for the Flagship Annual Provincial Tournament, one of Quebec’s largest minor hockey events.
Over 2,000 players competing
This year’s tournament, running from Jan. 6 to 18, 2026, is the biggest yet. More than 135 teams and over 2,100 players are competing in more than 260 games across three arenas in Ville Saint-Laurent: Raymond-Bourque Arena, Cégep Saint-Laurent and Hockey Etc.
Players range from the M9 division to a Seniors category for ages 21 to 25, with each team guaranteed at least three games.
“It’s our 32nd annual provincial tournament,” said Lysanne Abelardo, director of marketing and sponsorship at Hockey Saint-Laurent. “We have teams from all over Quebec… It’s one of the biggest tournaments in the province.”
She said the tournament’s inclusive format is what makes it stand out. “We accept all levels from M9 all the way to seniors… every single level gets to participate at the same time.”
Opening ceremony kicks off the tournament
The tournament officially kicked off with an opening ceremony on Fri., at Raymond-Bourque Arena. Mayor Alan De Sousa and other local officials were in attendance.
Four girls’ hockey players served as flag bearers and masters of ceremony, while the national anthem was performed by a goalie from the M13C Titans, who played in the opening game immediately afterward.
Growth of girls and seniors hockey
The Seniors division continues to grow following its introduction last year, allowing teams from any region or association to compete.
Girls’ hockey is also expanding in Saint-Laurent, with the association now fielding two girls’ teams. The M15 La Force girls’ team recently made history by winning a national tournament in the Laurentides.
Young players embrace the experience
For many players, the tournament is about excitement, effort and pride.
Jackson Tran, a player with the Saint-Laurent Warriors M11 B, said he was “here to play to the tournament” and added, “I’m excited.”
Despite a loss in one game Saturday morning, Tran said he remained proud of his team. “I am really proud of my team because it played hard and we lost, but it was a good team,” he said.
Goaltender Adriano Zotti reflected on the team’s performance in that matchup. “I find we all played well. There were some moments where the other team outshined us,” he said. “We scored one goal and that was pretty fun.”
Zotti said he remains proud of his teammates. “I’m very proud,” he said, adding that his favourite moment was “probably when we scored our goal.”
Gabriel Saouaf, named player of the game in a Saturday morning matchup, praised his teammates despite the result. “I’m very proud of myself even if we lost because we played very well. I think my team played very well,” he said.
Coach focuses on effort over outcome
Saint-Laurent Warriors M11 B head coach Ioannis Segounis said the tournament atmosphere is what makes the event special.
“The kids, they’re just so excited to be here,” he said. “There’s so many people here, it just brings the whole arena alive.”
Segounis said his coaching philosophy centres on effort and enjoyment. “I always want the kids to work hard and have fun. And if we do that, we’re always successful.”
Win or lose, he said the focus remains on positivity and encouragement. “All you can control is how hard you work and make sure to put a smile on their face and encourage them.”
Community atmosphere
Organizers say the tournament relies heavily on volunteers and community support. Parent volunteers help welcome teams, distribute snacks, sell 50/50 raffle tickets and keep the event running smoothly from early morning until late evening.
“It takes a village to run a tournament this big,” Abelardo said. “We do it for the kids. We do it for the community. We do it to get everybody together.”
