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INUVIK
The Crusaders and the Snipes battled for glory during the championship game of the lunch hour floor hockey league at Samuel Hearne Secondary School last week.

The Crusaders win the cup at the championship game of the lunchtime floor hockey league at Samuel Hearne Secondary School. They won the game 7-6 over the Snipes on Dec. 15. Front row from left: Dylan Ross-Kendi, Danny Kaye, Trent Gordon, Gary Harley, Tristan Sydney. Back, from left: Hugh Angasuk, Kane Elias, Travis Smith and Kayleigh Storr.

Exceptional goaltending by rookie Dylan Ross-Kendi led to the win for the Crusaders, who took the title 7-6 over the Snipes on Dec. 15. The Crusaders took the title after four months of playing.

"It feels good. We just have good players," said Crusaders captain Gary Harley. "(Goalie Dylan Ross-Kendi) did good. He's the best."

The Crusaders took an early lead, with a score of 4 to 1 halfway through the first period but by the end of the period the score was tied 4-4. In the second period the Crusaders took the lead 7-4, before the Snipes started their comeback by scoring on a power play and then on a penalty shot to bring the score to 7-6.

The Samuel Hearne gymnasium roared again with one minute left, as the Snipes had a final chance to score on a penalty shot, but Ross-Kendi continued his incredible showing and blocked the shot, giving the Crusaders the win.

This was the seventh year for the lunch-hour floor hockey league, started by teachers Al Gillis and Chris Gilmour. Eight teams played at least once a week, Monday to Thursday, during the lunch hour before the playoffs started in December.

The championship game is a huge deal: there are award presentations, player introductions complete with a spotlight and fog machine, the arrival of the RCMP who carry in the IFHL Cup, O Canada and ceremonial face off, cup presentations and even a ginger ale drink from the cup for winners. There's even a draft at the beginning of the year. Eight teams with over 100 students participate in the league, which is teamed up with a healthy food initiative that provides lunch for students. The goal is to combine a healthy activity with healthy eating.

"If we provide them with food and an activity, then they won't be late when they come back after lunch," Gilmour said. "We've noticed a direct correlation between attendance and the league. There's been a positive impact on a decision to come to school. They wouldn't come if it wasn't for the league."

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