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RANKIN INLET
A lack of experience didn't prevent Team Nunavut's junior boy's curling team from putting on an impressive showing at the Arctic Winter Games earlier this month in Whitehorse.

The Team Nunavut junior boy's curling team, Jamie Airut, David Kakuktinniq (skip), Kevin Bussey (coach), Brandyn Airut and Connor Faulkner, from left, raised eyebrows with their play at the Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse, the Yukon, earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Kevin Bussey

Although the team couldn't end Nunavut's streak of never winning a junior boy's match at the Games, team members Jamie Airut, David Kakuktinniq (skip), Brandyn Airut and Connor Faulkner of Rankin Inlet played at a higher level than their limited experience would suggest.

The four players picked up a curling broom and threw their first serious rocks this past December.

Coach Kevin Bussey said their competitors at the Games ranged in experience from two to five years.

He said some even competed at the national level.

"Most of them played 20-plus games of competitive 10-end curling, while our boys played one," said Bussey.

"The boys actually out-curled the opposition in two games, percentage wise, but had a couple of bad ends.

"Our skip, David Kakuktinniq, made the shot of the tournament when he delivered an almost impossible double-angled, raised take out.

"The whole building applauded him, including his competition."

Bussey said he heard the Nunavut curlers were the talk of the official's room for their ability on the ice - with marked improvement during the week - and their off-ice conduct towards the other players and officials.

He said he was extremely proud of the class and pride the boys showed in representing their families, community and territory.

"Silver medallist Alberta North presented our boys with a fair-play pin from the International Arctic Winter Games Committee for demonstrating an understanding of the philosophy of the Games and exemplifying the spirit of fair play.

"The award states they went above and beyond to demonstrate respect for each other and the community, and are excellent ambassadors for their sport and contingent.

"The Alberta coach has invited us to attend his annual junior boy's bonspiel next season, during which he would provide clinics and competitive games for them.

"Their performance was a wonderful boost for Rankin curling, and showed what we can accomplish with our remarkable athletes and a little work."

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