Benchwarmers hailed four-time champs
Ball hockey team continue mastery of championship with victory over Whale Cove
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
ARVIAT
The Benchwarmers ran their championship streak to four with a 14-4 bombing of Whale Cove at the Arviat Ball Hockey Championship this past month.
This year's event marked the first time an out-of-town team competed at the Arviat event.
The annual tournament was the idea of Pierre Ikakhik in 2013, and he continues to organize and fundraise for the event.
Ikakhik said excitement was at its highest level yet for this year's tournament, thanks mainly to Whale Cove's participation.
He said the crowds were also up, making the tournament a lot of fun for players and fans alike.
"It was a lot of fun having Whale Cove here this year and it looked for awhile like we might have a team from Rankin Inlet too, but they couldn't afford to make the trip," said Ikakhik.
"We hope Whale returns next year and we're looking forward to Rankin coming for the first time and, maybe, another community or two.
"The round-robin game between Whale Cove and the Benchwarmers was a one-goal game, but the Benchwarmers really gave it to them in the gold medal game."
The individual awards at this year's event saw Manuel Ukutak named most valuable player, Garry Jr. Kuksuk (King) best defenceman, Nipa Kuksuk best goalie and John Voisey of Whale Cove most sportsmanlike.
Ikakhik said there's a chance the 2017 tourney may have to be played outside, with construction on a new Arviat arena slated to soon begin.
He said he hopes to get permission to continue hosting the event in the arena, as he fears mosquitoes may ruin the tourney if it's held outside.
"We have to thank the Hamlet of Arviat for granting us a bingo slot to fundraise for our tournament. "We also have to thank the Kivalliq Inuit Association for its donation to the event this year.
"I'm going to do my best to keep the tournament going because I like helping young people, and giving the community another sports event to look forward to.
"I hope next year's ball hockey tournament is our biggest one yet."
