ARVIAT
One of the hottest senior men's hockey teams in the Kivalliq will try to take its on-ice magic to another level his season.

Arviat hopes to ride its hockey hot streak to championship glory at the Adult Safe Hockey Network's North American Championship in Regina, Sask. Above from left: Tyler Tattuinee, Josh Tartak, Harry Kusksuk - NNSL file photo

Arviat's main senior team has captured two Jon Lindell Memorial (JLM) crowns and one Avataq Cup during the past two seasons.

Capturing the 2014 JLM earned the squad the right to make its first appearance at the Adult Safe Hockey Network's North American Championship in Regina, Sask., this coming May of 2015.

Arviat received its official message of acceptance for the tournament this past month.

Team spokesperson Gleason Uppahuak said most of the players are already pumped for the international event, but there's two other tournaments they have to focus on before worrying about Regina.

The team will be going for a three-peat at January's JLM on home ice - which could be a lot more difficult if Naujaat (Repulse Bay) makes its promised first appearance at the event - and will be trying to recapture its Avataq glory in Rankin Inlet from March 11 to 15.

"It looks like they intend to start us in the B Division at the North American Championship," said Uppahuak. "We get to go to this because we won the 2014 JLM. That's the way we're going to keep doing it going forward.

"So whatever team wins the 2015 JLM this coming January will have the right to go to the North American Championship the following year, if the players want to."

Uppahuak said there will be a few changes to the lineup that won the 2014 JLM before heading to Regina.

He said it's always difficult making such decisions, and knows there's always a chance some feelings may be hurt in the process.

"We'll be taking about 80 per cent of the players who were on our 2014 JLM team to Regina.

"But, we are looking at replacing a few of our younger guys with more veteran players.

"It's not, really, all about who's a better player.

"We're going to be away for about a week and it's easier if all the players are working and, you know, can bring extra cash to cover their meals, travel and whatever else may come up."

Arviat is being supported in its travel to Regina by Calm Air.

Uppahuak said the Hamlet of Arviat also deserves credit for supporting the JLM every year in the community.

"Our main sponsor, Calm Air, is giving us a good deal on our airfare to Winnipeg and we really appreciate it. From there we'll have a five- or six-hour bus ride to Regina, which should bring back some good memories of our junior years.

"We also appreciate all the support the Hamlet of Arviat has given the JLM over the years, as well as hockey in general in our community."

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