The Joyful Mascot: Mousquiri
One of the defining features of the National M-11 Mousquiri Tournament in Richmond is, without a doubt, its cheerful
mascot, Mousquiri. First introduced at the 1975 tournament, Mousquiri was created to bring a more human and festive spirit to the competition. This year, the beloved mascot proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary.
The Richmond tournament was the first of its kind to introduce a mascot as a symbol of the event—an innovative move at the time that marked a major turning point in the tournament’s history.
Mousquiri was the brainchild of two key builders of the tournament, Gilles Fontaine and René Thibault, who were members of the organizing committee in 1975. Since then, many tournaments have followed Richmond’s lead, but Mousquiri remains a pioneer among sports mascots and one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in Quebec.
The Origins of Mousquiri
To create a mascot that truly reflected the spirit of the tournament, a drawing contest was held at Sacré-Cœur High School in Richmond. Among some forty submissions, a smiling wolf, drawn by François Vidal, was selected.
The mascot’s name was suggested by Louise Tremblay: “Mousse-qui-rit” (“foam that laughs”), which was later adapted into the now-iconic name Mousquiri.
The final step was bringing the character to life. The costume was designed and produced by the expert team from the Quebec Winter Carnival, ensuring a professional and unforgettable look.
A Central Role in the Tournament Experience
For the past 50 years, Mousquiri has played a vital role throughout the tournament. Always ready to make young players smile, the mascot entertains crowds, comforts those who lose, and reminds adults that hockey—especially at this level—is meant to be fun.
A true symbol of friendship and sportsmanship, the cheerful young wolf places great importance on his young friends, who return that affection year after year.
Special Attention for Young Players
Beyond appearances on the ice and in the stands, Mousquiri goes the extra 
mile by reaching out to participants before the tournament, often through a Facebook message to help them get ready for their stay in Richmond.
All players also receive a souvenir gift from Mousquiri. And, true to tradition, the mascot presents a birthday cake to any player celebrating their birthday during the tournament. This thoughtful gesture, greatly appreciated by both children and parents, happens an average of twenty times each year.
Behind the Costume
At first glance, playing the role of Mousquiri may seem easy—but it is anything but. The volunteers who bring the mascot to life must show remarkable energy and dedication.
From interacting with children and moving on the ice, to posing for photos and signing
autographs, handling a puck, dancing to upbeat music, performing spins, playfully teasing referees—and always keeping a watchful eye on the Zamboni—the role demands constant effort and enthusiasm.
An Iconic Mascot
Since 1975, Mousquiri’s popularity has inspired a wide range of memorabilia: jerseys, drawings, pennants, pucks, hockey sticks, pins, and many other keepsakes cherished by fans young and old.
A theme song for the Mousquiri Tournament was even composed—music by Gilles Fontaine, with lyrics by Carole Goulet-Thibault and Martha Hervieux—and it is played at every edition of the tournament.
Though Mousquiri may seem “older” at 50 years of age, he possesses a rare and magical quality: he never grows old. He remains forever the same age as the young players he welcomes each year, greeting them with the same boundless energy and joyful smile.
🎶 Theme song 🎶
Full song HERE!
Research: Guy Marchand