MONTREAL — Quebec City officials are urging the public not to boo the preteen American hockey players who will be in town for a prestigious international peewee tournament that begins next week.
Mayor Bruno Marchand noted Tuesday that some Canadian fans have been booing the American national anthem at NHL and NBA games since U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose crippling tariffs against Canada.
He told a news conference that he understands the desire to "send a message" to the United States but stressed that ordinary American visitors — and especially children — shouldn't pay the price for their president's actions.
"Booing peewees, going after people who come here to visit, to spend money here in our restaurants, our hotels, our events, would be a very bad idea," he said.
Marchand added that tourism is important for Quebec City and he wants the players and their parents to feel comfortable and welcome. "Donald Trump is not the Americans, and the Americans are not Donald Trump," the mayor told reporters.
Isabelle Charest, Quebec's minister responsible for sports, said Wednesday that opposing teams should be shown respect and players should be encouraged. "Young hockey players have nothing to do with what President Trump wants to put in place," said Charest, who is a former Olympic speed skater.
Organizers of the Quebec City International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament posted a message to social media Tuesday encouraging people "to put geopolitics aside and encourage young people who have come from around the planet to realize their dreams."
Patrick Dom, the tournament's general manager, said dozens of U.S. teams will be visiting the city for the event, which kicks off next Wednesday. He's happy that Marchand, as well as members of the municipal opposition parties, are speaking out.
"Quebec City is a very friendly city, everybody loves everybody here," he said. "There's no need to mix up the political climate between Canada and the U.S. and minor hockey, and especially the kids coming from the U.S."
He said that for many of the 11- and 12-year-old players, competing in the tournament represents a major life goal.
Now in its 65th year, it will welcome 120 teams from around the world, including Austria, Czech Republic, England, Finland, France, Slovakia and South Korea, according to its website. In recent years, the tournament made headlines for welcoming young players from war-torn Ukraine. Many of the players will be billeted with local families, solidifying the spirit of international friendship, he said.
"They won't talk about politics, they'll have some fun, get to go to the sugar shack, be able skate outdoors, and have some great times with different people," he said.
He said an official opening ceremony will take place on Feb. 15, on a day featuring a match between a team from Quebec and one from the United States. He's hoping the crowd will not only refrain from booing but welcome each side enthusiastically.
"If we can cheer for them, it will be even better," he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 5, 2025.
Morgan Lowrie, The Canadian Press
