Rockin' in the U.S.A.
Rankin brothers lead junior boys curling team to AWG
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, March 19, 2014
RANKIN INLET/FAIRBANKS
Rankin Inlet has a family act at the Arctic Winter Games (AWG) curling rink in Fairbanks, Alaska, this week, with brothers Tyson and Kane Komaksiutiksak on Nunavut's junior boys team.
The brother duo of Tyson, left, and Kane Komaksiutiksak of Rankin Inlet are onehalf of Nunavut's junior boy's curling team at the Arctic Winter Games in Fairbanks, Alaska, this week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo |
The brothers are joined by teammates Connor Faulkner (skip), Arthur Siksik and Kevin Bussey (coach).
The team had a final AWG tune-up with a series of exhibition games in Winnipeg earlier this month.
Kane, 16, said the exhibitions were a great way to cap off an intense two months.
He said while the junior players are still fairly new to curling, they've come a long way in a short time.
"I'm pumped for my first AWG, getting to curl on better ice and representing Nunavut," said Kane.
"The games are special, with all the best athletes in Nunavut competing.
"I've never left Canada before, so, it's a good experience for me, especially getting to meet other kids my own age from all over.
"It's easier to stay in touch now, too, with today's new technology."
Kane said it's cool to be at the AWG with his older brother, but they only make up two of a fourmember team.
He said they've gone to hockey tourneys together, but it's a little different with two teammates instead 20.
"I'm lead and Tyson is the second, so we're sweeping together.
"It's easier with my brother because we work together well.
"Everyone's proud of us at home, and I know we've improved and will do better this time out."
Tyson, 18, said he's only been curling for about five months, but the team practised a lot so he could improve his shotmaking and sweeping.
He said this is also his first AWG, and he's looking forward to playing teams he's never seen before, meeting new people and getting to represent Nunavut.
"It's good to be going with my brother because of our teamwork, and we'll be sweeping together a lot," said Tyson.
"Having Kane with me will help me concentrate on curling and not miss home.
"I enjoy spending time with my little brother, hanging out in town or at a friend's house, going out on the land or curling together.
"I'm sure we'll have a good time at the AWG."
