The Markham-Stouffville Stars Girls U13 AA hockey team is making history this week as the first girls squad from Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario, to compete in a world-famous tournament. The group of 16 players is the only girls team from Ontario invited to the 2026 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.
The team is currently playing at elite arenas like the Videotron Centre during the event, which runs from February 11 to February 22, 2026. Head coach Scotty Howes is leading the players as they face international competition on a global stage.
Mayor Iain Lovatt recently highlighted the team’s achievement to celebrate the milestone with the community. The Stars were one of only 12 girls squads selected for the tournament from a pool of more than 40 applicants.
Local supporters helped the athletes reach Quebec through a GoFundMe campaign created to pay for travel and lodging. This fundraising effort ensured the team could participate in the historic youth event that often features future professional hockey stars.
