Experience of a life time for Derek Fontaine and Vincent Roy
Two young hockey players from Huntingdon have been enjoying a unique experience since last Wednesday at the 57th Québec International Pee-wee Hockey Tournament.
Derek Fontaine, a power forward, and Vincent Roy, a versatile defender, are contributing to the success of the Grenadiers du Lac Saint-Louis pee-wee AA who won their 2nd match on Sunday at the world's biggest pee-wee hockey competition.
Fontaine, the team's best scorer, scored the only goal for the Grenadiers in their 1-0 win over the Noir et Or de Mortagne, on Sunday at the Centre Marcel-Bédard in Beauport. Derek took a wrist shot from the top of the crease that beat out goalie Charles Gignac at 7:52 in the first period.
Very strong for 12 years of age, Derek Fontaine is impressive on the rink at 5' 9'' and 165 pounds. He uses his size to help him score goals. "Derek is our power forward. His work in offence helps us to win. Félix-Olivier Beaudin and he have played well together since December," said Benoit Fortin, head coach for the Grenadiers on board the bus that was taking the team to the Centre Vidéotron last Tuesday evening.
Asked by Le Journal about participating in the Quebec Tournament for the first time, Derek stated that he had been thinking about it for several weeks. "I'm excited and nervous at the same time. It's a little more stressful than usual," he admitted. "I'm confident we'll do well in Quebec. We have a good coach, a solid team spirit and a group that works hard. We should be able to win our part of the game," hoped the young man.
For defenceman Vincent Roy, it is a blessing to have his dream come true at the Québec Tournament. The Huntingdon hockey player fractured his ankle before the beginning of the season and that is the main reason he switched from the Grenadiers AAA to the AA team.
"It was good for us. Vincent plays excellent hockey. At the Anjou Tournament, he was one of the best defence players. He started again to be more focused on offense," praised coach Benoit Fortin.
On the way to Quebec City, Vincent Roy was excited at the idea of playing at the Québec Tournament on the Centre Vidéotron ice. "I've been more motivated since finding out I was going to Québec. This will be my best experience in hockey. It's the highest calibre hockey in the world," he stated.
Translated by Cathleen Johnston