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Chicago Pee Wee Hockey Team Playing In Big Tournament In Quebec

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A group of elite 12- and 13-year-old hockey players from Chicago and the suburbs were heading to Quebec on Wednesday for the prestigious Pee Wee International Hockey Tournament.

"It means a lot to me. It's going to be a great experience," said defenseman Sean Behrens.

The Chicago Young Americans were the only team from the Midwest to make it to the tournament known as "The Q."

"It's one of the greatest tournaments, I think, that you'll ever play in," Kyle Kudrna said.

Teammate Trevor Taulien was predicting victory for their team, which is ranked No. 5 in the nation.

Asked how they got so good, Taulien said, "I think it's just hard work on the ice, and hard work off the ice."

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Right winger Jack Devine said it's thrilling to be able to play in the tournament.

"Being able to play at such a high level, and with kids from around the world," he said.

Hockey mom Diane Munoz said the parents are just as excited as the kids.

"This is like the most amazing experience they're going to have," she said. "All kids that have played in this tournament never forget it."

Played for more than 50 years, the tournament is part of the Quebec City Winter Carnival.

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