The allure of Chateau Champlain and the rest of old Montréal proved too much for the Ascension Astros boys' hockey team in Bay Roberts to resist, as they will be travelling to the Québec City for the Canadian Cup March 15-18.
The Canadian Cup is an international tournament hosting teams from Canada, the United States of America and Europe.
"For the past number of years, we have taken the boys on a trip," said Astros' coach Paul Gosse.
After considering other tournaments in Detroit and Toronto, this year's trip will be to the home of the National Hockey League's Canadiens.
"The boys are looking forward to it," said Gosse.
This won't be the first time that the Astros have taken part in the Canadian Cup. They've had some success there as well.
"Two years ago, we went to Montréal and we won and came back with the trophy," the coach noted.
Team building
Gosse said tournaments like these are good at bringing teams closer together.
"It's a good team-building exercise," he said.
Although, the Astros aren't generally lacking team chemistry, but it will help the team should they have the opportunity to play in the provincial high school tournament.
There is also a chance to witness some of the French-Canadian culture abound in the city.
"It's all part of the experience," said Gosse.
While in La Belle Province, the Astros will also be checking out a Canadiens game at the Bell Centre.
There won't be a lot of time for the team to partake in much of the "cultural experience" but there will be a chance to "see some of the landmarks," according to Gosse.
"We'll be playing hockey everyday, so there won't be that much time," he said.
Gosse said the trip will be a good experience for the players on his team.
"It'll be something they'll remember for the rest of their lives," he said.
nmercer@cbncompass.ca
