Hamilton team bound for the world's largest pee-wee hockey tournament.

Hamilton's Steel triple-A team has been invited to the Quebec International Pee-wee Hockey Tournament and will open at the Videotron Centre against the New York Rangers; assistant coach Jeff Toole, who has lived with neuroendocrine cancer for nine years, called the opportunity a meaningful moment for him and the players.

The Hamilton Steel triple-A team learned recently that they will take part in the Quebec International Pee-wee Hockey Tournament. The event is widely regarded as the premier minor hockey tournament and draws teams from around the world. Many prominent NHL players participated in the tournament when they were boys. For the 12-year-old players this will be a first experience on a much bigger stage, and it is also especially significant for an assistant coach who has faced a long illness. Key details: - The Hamilton Steel triple-A team received an invitation to the Quebec International Pee-wee Hockey Tournament. - The tournament guarantees every team at least one game at the Videotron Centre; the Steel's first scheduled game is on Friday afternoon against the New York Rangers. - The event draws teams internationally and has featured future NHL stars such as Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Auston Matthews and others. - Assistant coach Jeff Toole has been living with neuroendocrine cancer for nine years and has undergone multiple surgeries and treatments; he says coaching has been a positive outlet. - Players reacted with excitement and said they were energized by the news, while some acknowledge the size of the crowds will be a new experience. Summary: The invitation gives the young Hamilton players a rare chance to perform on a global youth-hockey stage and will include at least one game at the Videotron Centre. For Jeff Toole, the opportunity is personally meaningful after years of medical challenges, and the team will begin play with a Friday match against the New York Rangers.