It is the most prestigious junior tournament in world hockey, with 120 teams from across the globe taking part. England will have both U13 Boys and Girls teams entering this season.

Congratulations to everyone selected, and thanks to everyone who participated in the Quest for Quebec and gave our coaches such a tough selection job.

Rob Lamey will lead the coaching staff for the boys’ U13 team, while Josie Lamey is head coach for England U13 Girls at the event.

Rob said: “This was the most challenging squad and team selection I have probably had so far as a coach in the England programme.

“Having started the season with 67 kids after a successful Showcase event, trying to narrow this down to 18 players to take to Quebec was very challenging.  With many of the larger squad having experienced PO12s in the past, I felt as a coach that the players were more experienced and prepared for the Quest for Quebec process than ever before.

“Whilst this is challenging for me and my coaching team, it is great to see so many kids pushing for, not only the Quebec team selection, but also the squad for the remainder of the season.”

And what about the Quebec experience itself?

“Being a showcase event for the ENTP junior programme and pee-wee hockey globally, and having experienced this as a player, parent and coach, I can honestly say it is something that will remain with these kids for the rest of their lives,” said Lamey.

“Not only do you get to play in an arena as spectacular as the Videotron, but billeting with amazing local families, experiencing the culture of Quebec, visiting the famous snow park and outdoor skating trails and rinks is equally as memorable.

“We are super excited to see their reactions when they witness the scale of the arena for the first time – as I know I was blown away when I first saw it!”

Josie also had a difficult choice when making the final selection.

“As always, I felt nervous before the first selection camp this year, not really sure what to expect from our triallists,” she said.

“The first session pushed all those worries away, and we were so impressed by the standard of girls we had! Selection is always hard, and the girls made sure it was even harder for us.

“We are really happy with the group we have chosen for this special one-of-a-kind trip, and with three more camps before we travel, our aim is to bring them together as a group. We know that these girls will be competing for senior GB places in the future so building a strong bond between them now is our aim.

“Our team two years ago was unlucky not to win a game in the tournament, so we have a target to beat this time. Playing in an NHL scale rink is imposing, but whatever the results, our girls are going to make memories that will last a lifetime. It’s an honour to be involved in this step of their hockey journey.”

The teams travel from Heathrow on February 12, returning on February 25.