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INUVIK
After a four-year absence, the E. Gruben's Tuktoyaktuk team has reclaimed the IRC Cup title in the 25th edition of the tournament.

E. Gruben's Transport Ltd. goalie Jason Nasogaluak was one of the stars of the IRC tournament over the weekend. - T. Shawn Giilck/NNSL photo

The E. Gruben's Transport team stormed through the tournament in a dominant fashion, eventually subduing the Inuvik Northwinds team in a dramatic 5-2 showdown on Feb. 17 to win the coveted A-division title.

Inuvik captain Greg Connell wasn't too torn up after the game.

"No, I'm not disappointed," he said. "A couple of breaks went to the other team, and it was close until the third period."

Goaltender Dan Blake, who held the Inuvik team in the game until the swarming offence of the Gruben's team broke it open, said "it was a good game."

"It was lots of fun. When you're a goalie, that's what you want: a chance to make stops and keep your team in the game."

While that loss may have broken hearts here in Inuvik, it was better news for the large contingent of fans that emptied out of Tuktoyaktuk on Feb. 15 to invade their southern neighbours.

The crowd roared in approval with every score as the Gruben's team went undefeated through the tournament and never appeared to be in any serious danger. A huge turnout of fans filled the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex every game, reinforcing that the tournament is one of the major sporting events of the year in the Mackenzie Delta.

The Tuk team opened the tournament Feb. 18 with an 11-7 win over the same Northwinds team they faced in the final, and toyed with the Paulatuk Storm on Feb. 16.

"They were all solid games and we worked hard," said Gruben's coach/manager Jackie Jacobson. "We really wanted to win."

Tuktoyaktuk Mayor Merv Gruben said the same thing Feb. 15.

"It's the 25th IRC Cup; we've got to win."

Jacobson said he sensed from the start that there was something special about the team.

"I've never had a feeling like this about a team," he said. "And we dedicated it to the people of Tuktoyaktuk."

The village has seen some hard times over the last year, said Jacobson, losing several members of the community, which inspired the team.

Jacobson was the also the key recruiter in bringing the tournament MVP to the Gruben's team.

Saskatchewan resident Codie Pedersen said his friendship with Jacobson, who is also the Nunakput MLA, brought him to the Mackenzie Delta.

"It's the first time I've been here," he said. "Jackie convinced me to come. We had a really good team.

"The style of hockey here is a little different," he added. "It's a bit rougher, but good."

Spectator Joyce Marie Blake predicted Pederson would be the MVP before the game ended.

"He's got the moves," she said.

The LJ Sabres team from Fort McPherson won the B division title earlier Feb. 17.

James Blake, 19, captained that team to victory.

"We tried for three years to win it," he said. "We finished fourth last year, and placed second a couple of years ago. It's just good competition."

He said he wasn't sure where he would be playing next year. He's considering making the leap to the A division, which is considered the highest level of competition.

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