LEWISTON — The accolades for the Lewiston Maineiacs and the team’s players continue to roll in.

The most recent honors bestowed upon players came this afternoon when a pair of 16-year-old skaters — defenseman Dillon Fournier and forward Christophe Lalonde — learned that they’d been selected to represent Quebec at the World Under-17 tournament held annually following Christmas.

“We’re very happy for them,” Maineiacs’ coach J.F. Houle said. “They both deserve it. They’ve both played very well this year, and they’ve proven they’re among the best in the province, no question.”

Fournier, the No. 1 overall selection at this summer’s QMJHL draft, has two goals, four assists and is a plus-10 while skating on the team’s second defensive unit alongside 20-year-old Olivier Dame-Malka.

“He’s been steady, and he hasn’t played like a rookie,” Houle said. “There’s a reason he was our No. 1 pick.”

Lalonde may not flash the stats, even as a forward, but Houle said that for him, it’s not necessary.

“He’s one of those players, he doesn’t have to do it with points,” Houle said of Lalonde. “He’s one of those players with a lot of grit, and he’s very good defensively. He rarely loses a battle along the boards. He’s a hard-worker.”

Houle will miss the players after the Christmas break. The tournament, which is in Winnipeg, Manitoba, this year, begins on Dec. 29 and runs through Jan. 4. The Maineiacs have a home-and-home with Victoriaville on on Dec. 28 and 30, and a home game against Drummondville on Jan. 4.

But, Houle said, for the players, missing the time is well worth it. He’d know. Houle played for Team Quebec, as well.

“You get to play with the best players from your province, and you get to play against the best players at your age in the world,” Houle said. “It’s an honor to represent your province. I’m proud of the guys.”