Despite losing all their exhibition matches and two out of their initial three season games, the team’s lack of bonding time may have contributed to the rough start. However, what followed was exceptional and resembled something out of a dream.

Their first triumph came in December 2022 when they became the Monteuil Tournament Champions. This win was a turning point for the team, and it gave them the confidence they needed to push forward. But it was the LHLL League Winners title in March 2023 that truly showcased the strength of the team’s bond. They finished first out of 21 teams, a remarkable achievement that was made possible because of the trust and support they had for one another.

In April 2023, the Laval Senators became the Laval Regional Champions, earning their place in the prestigious Chevrolet Cup. This tournament brought together the best teams from across the province, and the Senators made it to the quarter-finals, a testament to their skill and hard work.

The playoffs were the ultimate test of the Senators’ ability to work as a team, and they rose to the occasion. They beat out the top teams to win yet another championship, and it was a moment of pure joy and emotion for both the players and parents.

The bond that the players and parents formed on and off the ice was truly special. Parents were seen crying after the last match, a testament to the emotional connection that had been formed. The leadership of Head Coach Steve Santos and his staff was pivotal in unifying the team and establishing a culture of trust, respect, and encouragement.

The 2022-2023 M11 AA Laval Senators will be remembered not only for their remarkable victories but also for the bond they formed with one another. It was a season that showcased the power of teamwork, and the incredible impact it can have to triumph.

Players:

2 HUNEAULT, XAVIER
3 RENAUD, ZACK
4 QUESNEL, NICOLAS
6 ALMEIDA, DANTE
8 MARTINEZ, DANTE
9 CRISTOFARO, NOAH
10 SANTOS, NICHOLAS
11 ST-YVES, HUGO
12 MONDOUX, TAM-HUY NGUYEN
13 PANAGOPOULOS, NICHOLAS
14 DUCHESNE, ALEXANDRE
15 DE BEAUMONT, JUSTIN
16 BOUTIN, ZACK
19 VIEIRA, LEANDRO
22 DI CIOCCO, ADRIANO
31 TAN, DOMINIC
33 MOREAU, BASTIEN

Coaching Staff :

SANTOS, STEVE
CRISTOFARO, DAVID
TAN, EDWARD
BOUTIN, DAVID
QUESNEL, HUGUES
HUNEAULT, David

L’article Laval Senators M11 AA Team : A Dream Season est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

It was the first time that event took place in Laval.

Three matches per day were scheduled between the teams of Stephen F. Austin, Quinnipiac, Montana State, UNCG, MTSU, and Hofstra.

“We know Montreal and Laval are basketball fans,” said Emilio Zaga Mendez, brand manager at Evenko. “We hope it becomes a recurring event every year.”

MTSU Stands Out

All six teams played three matches during the weekend.

MTSU was the only perfect team, winning its three matches. It first defeated Hofstra by a score of 64-54, then registered a convincing 75-63 victory over Stephen F. Austin the next day. The team concluded its weekend by winning a close 72-71 battle against Montana State.

Quinnipac and Hofstra finished the weekend with two wins and one loss. Hofstra also signed a 72-70 win in the game between the two teams, despite a late comeback from Quinnipac. It was also the last game of the event.

The other three universities competing, UNCG (1-2), Stephen F. Austin (1-2) and Montana State (0-3), all when back home with negative records.

Those were sanctioned games by the NCAA. They will thus influence the qualification of each of those teams for the post-season tournament.

translated by Alec Brideau

L’article Place Bell Brings Many Smiles with NCAA Basketball Showdown est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

An inspiring story of that second block is Isabelle Campagna’s one, who’s coaching Laval’s girl softball team.

Campagna knows her sport very well, having played softball for about 20 years before becoming a coach about five years ago.

She developed a sense of attachment to the Jeux du Québec at a very young age, when her father took her to see the 1985 edition, in Charlesbourg.

“I was dreaming of participating in the Jeux du Québec since then,” Campagna said. “I told myself I was going to be a volunteer in Laval in 2020, that I was going to experience the event a different way. Because of COVID-19, it was postponed twice. Also, last year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen.”

When the 55e Finale des Jeux du Québec – Laval 2022 was rescheduled to this summer, Campagna set herself the goal of coaching the women’s softball team, with her daughter then being eligible to play.

“For the past year, through all the treatments, it’s been my goal to be in a good enough shape to participate in the Jeux du Québec,” Campagna said. ” I told the doctors, nurses and everyone I’ve met that I was going to do anything possible to be where I am today. »

Furthermore, Campagna’s father is a volunteer for the 55e Finale des Jeux du Québec, making him the third family member involved in the event.

click here to read the article in French

L’article Involved in Softball Despite Cancer est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

Some important people of the Jeux du Québec were there to share their thoughts of the event so far. Among them was Marc DeBlois, executive director of the Organizing Committee of the event.

“Athletes will remember that first block for a while,” DeBlois said. “It was in fact our priority. We’re having a solid team.”

Christopher Skeete, MP for Sainte-Rose for the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ), was also at the press conference. He talked about the sport’s importance in the development of a young person. He also wanted to thank all the volunteers of the 55e Finale des Jeux du Québec – Laval 2022.

“It’s something to be able to see those athletes having fun, but also to see them becoming better citizens through sport,” Skeete said. “I also have a special mention for volunteers. They’re smiling, they’re dedicated. There is a volunteer who stayed up for seven hours on the opening ceremony day. It’s the kind of community effort that brings life to a city. That’s my greatest pride.”

Executive director of Sports Quebec, Isabelle Ducharme, said she was impressed by the quality of competition sites.

Second block

L’article Jeux du Québec: Recap of the First Block est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

The evening was hosted by Émilie Duquette and Alexandre Despatie, both of whom played the Jeux du Québec at a younger age. They were impressed by the energy of all the young athletes present for the ceremony.

THE SHOW

Laval has reserved a light show for the athletes and parents at Place Bell, offering impressive laser effects and rhythmic music. Former Laval athletes were also at the opening ceremony to celebrate the start of the competition.

Gymnast William Emard had the honor of lighting the flame of the 55e Finale des Jeux du Québec. Emard participated at the Jeux du Québec, and now competes at the international level, with the goal of participating in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

L’article An Emotional Opening Ceremony est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

It took place at the Horizon Jeunesse high school, in Auteuil.

For the occasion, the 161 athletes, 41 coaches and companions, as well as the seven missionaries of Laval’s region met with Mayor of Laval Stéphane Boyer, and President of Sports Laval Geneviève Cossette.

“I just want to congratulate you on getting to where you are today,” Boyer said during the region’s meeting. I’m sure you are as excited as we are to be at the Jeux du Québec. […] We’re counting on you to make us shine. We want to show the other regions that we’re the best.”

“You can really be proud of that journey you’ve accomplished,” Cossette added. “As a mother of two girls practicing sports at the pre-national level, I know how much time you’re putting into training. […] For some athletes, it’s just the start of an amazing career. For others, it’s an unforgettable experience during which you’ll meet new people, create new links. Live it to the fullest.”

Cossette also took a moment to recognize the work of the parents, who get involved in helping their children participate in various sports competitions.

Ambassador

Gymnast Félix Dolci could not be at the region’s meeting. However, he still shared a message to the young athletes in a pre-recorded video.

“I’d like to congratulate you all for having surpassed yourselves throughout the year in order to be here today, and play the Jeux du Québec,” Dolci said.

Let’s remember that Dolci is the most decorated athlete in the history of the Jeux du Québec, but also Canada Winter Games. He participated twice in each of these competitions, winning a total of 18 medals.

Preparation and COVID-19

The rest of the evening was to prepare Laval’s athletes for the provincial competition, which will begin on Friday, July 22.

They’ve been informed on how to proceed when arriving on the site, and how their schedule works when it comes to mealtimes and bedtime.

Athletes will have to be tested five days before the start of their competition block, as well as the day before the competition.

They’ll also have to do a daily rapid test. If an athlete eventually tests positive for COVID-19, he will then be placed in isolation, before leaving the site facilities with a family member.

translated by Alec Brideau

L’article Laval’s Region Meets One Last Time Before the Jeux du Québec est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.