From Canberra to Canada: Oscar Villegas and Diamantina chase ice hockey dream

But now Oscar Villegas and Diamantina Dowell will go from skating across the Brave Cave to playing in front of 15,000 fans in the biggest junior ice hockey tournament in the world.

The Canberra duo have been selected in an Australian team to tour Canada and compete in the Quebec Pee Wee Ice Hockey Tournament next year.

They will join more than 2000 players from roughly 20 countries in Quebec City, with successful teams earning to right to play in the Videotron Centre.

Dowell got her first taste of playing international hockey when she played in the Singapore Cup in 2017, but says playing in Canada is extra special.

"I'm excited to play on different rinks and having a different experience," Dowell said.

"I [also] can't wait to play on the outdoor ice rinks and meet my billet family. I love everything about ice hockey and making new friends along the way."

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Dowell represented the ACT at the Phil Ginsburg Tournament earlier this year, but Villegas missed out due to a broken collarbone.

They were selected by scouts from New South Wales who attend both local and national tournaments to fill the remaining spots on the Ice Crocs team.

Villegas and his family have launched a fundraiser on the Australian Sports Foundation because the Canadian tour costs more than $5000 per child.

Instead of writing a Christmas list, the 11-year-old forward has asked his family for money towards the month-long tour.

Villegas is excited to embark on his first international hockey tour and meet players from other countries.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the other players from all around the world," Villegas said.

"It's good because I can speak French as well, so I can speak with the Canadian and French team."

The Ice Crocs will begin their preparations in Canberra next month, before flying to Vancouver for a week-long training camp in February.

Villegas could get a chance to meet his ice hockey idol Antoine Roussel, who plays for the Vancouver Canucks in the National Hockey League.

"I'm excited because the team decided we'll fly from Sydney to Vancouver and then watch Vancouver play," Villegas said.

"We're also going to train with them. It means a lot to me because I've never been to an NHL game before. I want to play for Vancouver [in the future]."