Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

ARVIAT
Hockey excitement is reaching the boiling point in Arviat as its first major tournament in two years is set to begin this coming weekend.

It seems like forever to hockey fans in Arviat since KV Lindell received his gold medal from his mom, Nancy KaretakLindell, while Panniuq Karetak waited next in line during the closing ceremonies of the 2011 Jon Lindell Memorial hockey championship. - NNSL photo

The puck will drop for the Jon Lindell Memorial (JLM) senior men's hockey tournament on Jan. 17.

As of press time, the teams confirmed to compete at the 2013 event are four squads from host Arviat, along with Rankin Inlet, Repulse Bay, Whale Cove, Baker Lake and Coral Harbour.

It was 24 long months ago when Arviat hockey fans were thrilled by a classic championship game in 2011 that saw the Karetakers - a team comprised of family members of the tournament's namesake - defeat Rankin Inlet 76 in a shootout.

The 2012 JLM had to be cancelled when renovations at the Arviat arena went bad.

Organizing chairperson Gleason Uppahuak said the four-member committee will keep trying to get a tenth team until the last possible minute to keep the two divisions equal.

He said whether it's nine teams or 10, however, Arviat fans are going to see some great hockey.

"A couple of other communities would have liked to come, but, unfortunately, they're having financial issues just like everybody else," said Uppahuak.

"But we're really excited to have Repulse and Baker coming to this year's JLM, along with returning teams from Rankin and Whale Cove."

Uppahuak said lots of local people are talking about the JLM and looking forward to the teams taking to the ice.

He said the JLM also allows people in Arviat to see their friends and family members from other communities, and that's an important aspect of the event.

"Our recreation staff has been working very hard throughout the day and evening the past few weeks to clean the arena, put on fresh paint and put up new coat hangers.

"They're looking forward to this and they want the arena to look great for the players and the fans."

The Arviat arena has better sight-lines for the crowd since the renovations.

Uppahuak said fans now have a wider view of the ice from the bleacher area.

He said the JLM is also offering substantial prize money this year.

"We have five prizes, starting at $10,000 for the winner, and then $5,000 for second, $3,000 for third, $2,000 for fourth and $1,000 for fifth.

"We're able to offer this much thanks to the support we've received from the community, especially the hamlet.

"I expect the arena to be sold out for all the games.

"Our fans haven't seen good hockey in two years and they're ready for the JLM."

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.