Côte-Nord Hockey Championships: Fierce Competition and Community Recognition
Table of Contents
- 1. Côte-Nord Hockey Championships: Fierce Competition and Community Recognition
- 2. unexpected Challenges and Community Resilience
- 3. Celebrating Community Contributions
- 4. Looking Ahead: The “Toto” Festival
- 5. Regional Championships – Final results
- 6. Looking Ahead: National Championships and Player Advancement
- 7. How did the power failure in Mani-Umut impact the Côte-Nord Hockey Championships, and how did the community respond?
- 8. Côte-Nord Hockey Championships: Interview with Hockey Development Director
- 9. Interview: Jean-Pierre Tremblay, Côte-Nord Hockey Development Director
Teh Côte-Nord Hockey Regional Hockey Championships concluded on Sunday with a series of nail-biting finals held across the Guy Carbonneau and Conrad-Parent arenas in Sept-Îles, as well as the arena in Mani-Unumat. The competition showcased the talent and dedication of young hockey players from across the region,with several games decided by the narrowest of margins.
In a testament to the balanced competition, six of the nine finals in the single-letter minor hockey divisions were decided by a single goal, with two of those going into overtime. The intensity and passion on display highlighted the importance of youth sports in fostering community spirit and developing the next generation of hockey players.
One of the most exciting matchups was in the Junior A category, where the Basques de Sept-Îles secured a 6-3 victory over the Vikings de Baie-Comeau. Although the final score suggests a comfortable win, the Basques sealed the deal with two late goals into an empty net. The stakes were high, as a regional all-star team will be formed from the best players in this category to compete in the provincial AA competition, scheduled for April 17-20 in Mirabel. This provides an opportunity for these young athletes to showcase their skills on a larger stage and potentially open doors for future hockey careers.
Despite the Basques’ victory in the Junior A division, Baie-Comeau had a strong showing with four of their teams crowned champions. Notably, the M11 AA team dominated their series against the Basques, sweeping it 2-of-3. the Vikings of this category will now advance to represent the region at the Chevrolet Cup,the provincial championships,from April 17-20. their success serves as an example of the dedication and hard work instilled by coaches, parents, and the community.
unexpected Challenges and Community Resilience
The championships weren’t without their challenges. A power failure late Friday morning in Mani-Unam forced organizers to relocate two games to Port-Cartier. Such unforeseen circumstances often test the resilience and adaptability of event organizers. However,the quick thinking and collaborative spirit of the Côte-Nord hockey community ensured that the championships continued with minimal disruption.
In total, 56 teams participated in the regional championships, representing various divisions from M11 to M18 in the single-letter categories. This end-of-season event brought together champions from various tournaments, including the Fer-O sep-Îles tournament, the Baie-Comeau tournament, and the Gérald-Vaillancourt League, as well as teams from outdoor training programs. The diverse representation underscores the widespread enthusiasm for hockey across the Côte-Nord region, with even a team from Fermont making the long journey to participate.
The situation highlights the crucial role of adaptability and preparedness in managing large-scale youth sports events. In the U.S., organizations like the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) emphasize the importance of risk management and contingency planning to ensure the safety and success of events, from local baseball tournaments to nationwide competitions.
Celebrating Community Contributions
Beyond the on-ice action, the regional championships served as an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions of individuals who have dedicated their time and effort to the sport. Guy Solnier was honored during the official opening ceremony for his many years of involvement in the Côte-Nord hockey community. His dedication exemplifies the countless volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make youth sports possible.
Tshapi Jourdain was named the recipient of the Builder Bruno Jourdain-Hockey Côte-Nord award. Since 2015, this award has recognized a passionate and dedicated coach who has demonstrated unwavering commitment to minor hockey. jourdain’s involvement spans multiple communities, from Sept-Îles (2015-2022) to Maliotenam (2023 to present).
“His commitment, his leadership and his love of hockey make it an inspiring model for the whole community,”
said the Uashat Mak Mani-Unam minor hockey association.
Jourdain’s willingness to step in and fill coaching gaps,providing structured supervision for young players,makes him a valuable asset to the Côte-Nord hockey community. His dedication mirrors the impact of countless coaches across the U.S. who volunteer their time to mentor and guide young athletes, instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
The Association of Arbitrators of Sept-Îles also recognized outstanding individuals, honoring Raphaël Jomphe (Record), Éric Petitpas (recognition implication), and Maxime Bernier, who received the Harold Lemieux plaque for his years of dedication to officiating. These officials play a vital role in ensuring fair play and maintaining the integrity of the sport.
Looking Ahead: The “Toto” Festival
For the M9 teams in the region, the season isn’t quite over yet. They are invited to participate in the “Toto” festival, scheduled for April 5 and 6 in Sept-Îles. This festival provides a fun and engaging way for younger players to continue developing their skills and passion for hockey.
Regional Championships – Final results
| Division | Winner | loser | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| M11 B | Basques-2 de Sept-Îles | Vikings-3 de Baie-comeau | 5-3 |
| M11 A | Vikings de Baie-Comeau | basques de Sept-Îles | 3-2 |
| M11 AA (Series 2 of 3) | vikings de Baie-Comeau | Basques de sept-Îles | 5-0, 5-3 |
| M13 B | Predators of the Haute-Côte-Nord | Vikings-1 of Baie-comeau | 3-2 |
| M13 A | Macareux de Havre-Saint-Pierre | Vikings-1 of Baie-Comeau | 3-2 |
| M15 B | Blizzard of Fermont | Beavers of Pessamit | 7-3 |
| M15 A | Gauls of Port-Cartier | Macareux from Havre-Saint-Pierre | 3-2 |
| M18 B | Vikings of Bay-Comeau | N/A | 2 (OT) |
| M18 A | Vikings de Baie-Comeau | Basques de Sept-Îles | 3-2 (OT) |
| M21 (Junior) A | Basques de Sept-Îles | Vikings de Baie-Comeau | 6-3 |
Looking Ahead: National Championships and Player Advancement
As the Côte-Nord Hockey Regional Hockey Championships conclude, the focus shifts to the future for many of these young athletes. For some, it’s the opportunity to represent their region at the provincial level. For others, it’s about continuing to develop their skills and passion for the game. Organizations like USA Hockey offer a pathway for players to progress from local leagues to national and even international competition. According to USA Hockey, “Player development is about providing a positive, safe and age-appropriate habitat for players to learn and grow.” This emphasis on holistic development ensures that young athletes not only improve their hockey skills but also learn valuable life lessons.
The 2025 Chipotle-USA Hockey Girls & Youth National Championships will be held in various locations across the U.S. These championships provide a platform for the top young players in the country to showcase their talent and compete for a national title. “Every game is streamed LIVE, exclusively on USAHockeyTV.com,” offering fans and scouts alike the opportunity to witness the future of American hockey.This event is a parallel to the provincial AA competition in Mirabel, giving young players the opportunity to improve their games.
The success of the Côte-Nord Hockey Regional Hockey Championships serves as a reminder of the importance of youth sports in building strong communities and developing the next generation of leaders, both on and off the ice. It mirrors the efforts of USA Hockey to grow the sport domestically.
How did the power failure in Mani-Umut impact the Côte-Nord Hockey Championships, and how did the community respond?
Côte-Nord Hockey Championships: Interview with Hockey Development Director
Interview: Jean-Pierre Tremblay, Côte-Nord Hockey Development Director
Archyde News: Welcome, Jean-Pierre. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today to discuss the recent Côte-Nord Hockey Regional Championships.Can you give us your overall impression of the tournament?
Jean-Pierre Tremblay:
Thank you for having me. The championships were a resounding success! We saw amazing talent and passion from the young players, and the level of competition was exceptionally high this year. Several games were decided by a single goal,a true testament to the hard work these kids and their coaches put in.
Archyde News: The article highlights the dramatic Junior A final. What does this victory mean for the Basques de Sept-Îles and their players?
Jean-Pierre Tremblay:
Winning the Junior A category is a huge accomplishment. It creates an opportunity for the players to play in the provincial AA competition in Mirabel, which is a chance for them to showcase their skills which could open doors for future hockey careers! The Basques’ victory against a strong Vikings de Baie-Comeau team was a great finale showcasing the drive of youth hockey.
Archyde News: The championship also featured numerous close games, including several decided in overtime.What does this say about the current state of youth hockey in the Côte-nord region?
Jean-Pierre Tremblay:
It indicates a very balanced and competitive league, the skill is incredible. We’re seeing a high level of training and dedication across all age groups. The fact that many games went down to the wire is a sign of the hard work from all the teams, and it also highlights the importance of developing mental toughness in these young athletes.
Archyde News: The championships faced some unexpected challenges, such as the power failure in Mani-Umut. How did the community respond to these obstacles?
Jean-Pierre Tremblay:
The hockey community is incredibly resilient. We saw event organizers,volunteers,and the parents of the teams quickly adapt and find solutions. The speedy thinking and collaborative spirit of the Côte-Nord hockey community truly shone through. It showed how the community rallied, and how the whole hockey family came together for solutions.
Archyde News: Community recognition was a big part of the event. Can you elaborate on the importance of recognizing contributors like Guy Solnier and Tshapi Jourdain?
Jean-Pierre Tremblay:
Volunteers and coaches are the backbone of minor hockey.Their dedication makes everything possible.Recognizing people like Guy and Tshapi is vital. Guy’s long-standing involvement and Tshapi Jourdain’s commitment to coaching, especially in multiple communities, are inspiring examples of what defines the community. Their contributions inspire other volunteers and coaches.
Archyde News: Looking ahead, what are some key priorities for youth hockey development in the Côte-Nord region, and how do these championships contribute to that?
Jean-Pierre Tremblay:
Our priorities are always to support the players and promote the sport, ensuring children develop skills and improve their skills on ice! The championships are very important. They provide a platform for young players to showcase their skills and for our region to evaluate our overall progress. They also help with promoting the sport, and by extension, its benefits to overall development. The championships also help to build a strong community and support players.
Archyde news: for those parents or young people considering getting involved in hockey, what advice would you give them?
Jean-Pierre Tremblay:
Hockey is an excellent sport for young people. The skills they learn will benefit them on and off the ice. Hockey is not just about playing fast and shooting accurately. It enhances children’s agility with physical skills. (Ref. [1]: 15 physical benefits of playing ice hockey for kids). For parents: support your kids. For the kids: Have fun, work hard, and be part of a team. What are your thoughts? What do you think is the most critically important life lesson learned through youth hockey? Share your comments below!
