Have mercy!
Karetakers follow same path to second JLM Calm Air Cup title
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
ARVIAT
The players on the Karetakers senior mens hockey team are going to start worrying anytime they don't start a tournament by being mercied.
Arviat's Harvey Jr. Taparti (4) is robbed up close by Whale Cove goalie David Oklaga during action at the JLM Calm Air Cup senior men's hockey championship in Arviat on Jan. 24. - photo courtesy of Pierre Ikakhik |
For the second time in the past five years the team was mercied in its first game at the JLM (Jon Lindell Memorial) Calm Air Cup tournament in Arviat, before coming all the way back to hoist the championship trophy.
The Karetakers defeated the Arviat Stars in this year's final by a 9-4 count to claim their second title.
The Rankin Inlet 'A' team defeated Whale Cove to take bronze at this year's event.
The tournament produced a crazy afternoon of hockey on Jan. 24, when both its semifinal games went into overtime.
The Karetakers got past Rankin 'A' 5-4 in their semifinal thriller, while the Arviat Stars squeaked past a scrappy and determined Whale Cove squad by a score of 3-2.
Jackson Lindell of the champion Karetakers said this year's tournament went very well.
He said he's happy to see Arviat doing such a good job in hosting the event.
"It's evident that they're used to hosting the event and they know what they're doing now," said Lindell.
"They've got to the point where they're trying to grow the tournament and find ways of making it better.
"It's obvious the organizers have kind of got it down pat now and that's just so good to see."
Lindell said the competition was very strong this year.
He said any one of the four teams that made the semifinals could have gone all the way.
"A puck bounces here or there for a team and the semifinals could have gone the other way very easily.
"It was good to see Whale Cove with a really strong team this year.
"The Arviat Stars always have a tough team and Rankin Inlet brought two really strong teams this year.
"It's really good for the town of Arviat to see that calibre of hockey, and you can't ask for too much more than both your semifinals going into overtime."
Lindell was among a large number of participants at this year's JLM to notice the crowds continue to get bigger and louder at the event.
He said there seems to be a lot of interest in the tournament now, and a lot of people are enjoying watching the games and feeling the excitement.
"Unfortunately, in the distant past the crowds in Arviat got a little rowdy at times and that kind of steered people away from the arena.
"But now the crowds are really supportive and understanding of the game, and they know how much it takes for each team to play as hard as they can over a weekend.
"As for our team, we saw nothing but smiles and support from the crowds."
Lindell said it really adds to the tournament to have the games broadcast on local radio with John Main commentating.
He said a lot people went on radio to express their appreciation over having someone announcing the game.
"It's the same in Rankin Inlet when David Ningeongan broadcasts the Avataq Cup games on local radio.
"He does a really good job, and I actually enjoy listening to it on the radio more than going to the arena because it's so packed during the Avataq.
"So, I can understand why people enjoy having the games broadcast so much in Arviat during the JLM."
The JLM Calm Air Cup is now the second biggest men's tournament of the season in Kivalliq.
Lindell said he's proud to see the tournament bearing his father's name reach this level.
He said it's been a truly wonderful feeling to see the event grow the way it has from year to year.
"My family can't thank the organizers and the town of Arviat enough for all they've done with the JLM.
"It's kind of hard to be always repeating ourselves but the feelings are always there.
"We told Gleason (Uppahuak) how much we appreciate his efforts, and that of all the volunteers, even if maybe we don't say it enough publicly.
"We'll never be able to touch the Avataq, but the JLM is very unique, well-organized and well-officiated, and a lot of guys look forward to it every year."
Uppahuak said he's very proud of how well this year's event went.
He said the tournament ran smoothly, with no major injuries or incidents.
"I was very happy with the crowds this year because they helped make every game special," said Uppahuak.
"It was just awesome in the arena on Sunday afternoon, with both semifinal games going into overtime.
"It was just like five years ago with the Karetakers; getting mercied in their first game, but then getting a little stronger each game they played on their way to winning it all.
"We owe a big thank you to our main sponsor, Calm Air, for helping make this tournament what it is, as well as our local retailers for providing the prizes for our raffle and the other help they give us."
