ARVIAT
Things are buzzing for the upcoming JLM (Jon Lindell Memorial) Calm Air Cup senior men's hockey tournament in Arviat, with one team reportedly importing more talent from a neighbouring community to permanently dethrone the Arviat Stars as the strongest hometown squad.

The 2016 JLM Calm Air Cup senior men's hockey champs are the Karetakers. In the back row, from left, are Jamie Roach, David Clark, Jordan St. John, Max Kotokak Jr. and Patrick Tagoona. In the middle row, from left, are Keenan Lindell, Alfred Voisey, Albert Netser, Robert Karetak, Wayne Kusugak, Charlie Karetak, JL Tagoona and Panniuq Karetak. In the front row, from left are Jonny Boy Karetak (stick boy), Amauyaq Lindell, Nancy KaretakLindell, Jackson Lindell and Robert Alareak Jr. (team assistant). They will be looking to defend their title and capture a third tourney championship in Arviat this coming month. - NNSL file photo

2017's JLM Calm Air Cup will feature eight to 10 teams from across the region. Official invitations to the event were sent across the Kivalliq this past month, with one notable exception.

Tourney organizer and Arviat Stars player Gleason Uppahuak said an invitation wasn't sent to Naujaat, because word on the street indicates the Arviat Kings are recruiting six to eight of Naujaat's best skaters for their squad.

He said Naujaat star forward Rodney Taparti, a hockey icon in the Kivalliq, confirmed the majority of Naujaat's top players would be playing with the Kings.

"The Kings seem to be focused on trying to beat our team, the same old Arviat Stars, so we'll see what happens," said Uppahuak.

"It seems to be causing lots of hype in the community, with a lot people saying they hear the Kings have a really good team.

"I love the rivalry between the Kivalliq teams, so this is only different because both teams are in Arviat.

"There's no hate, or anything like that, it's just all about loving the competition."

Uppahuak said two Rankin teams have also been invited, so Arviat probably won't be the only community with a heated rivalry between two of its own teams.

He said the defending champion Karetakers - viewed as a regional team representing the family of the tournament's namesake - won't just quietly go away because one or two teams are stacking their rosters.

"We had two unbelievable semifinal games during last year's tournament, and this one is shaping up to be even better.

"We also had bigger and louder crowds last year, and that's going to be better next month, too, because all the games are going to be free to watch.

"The hamlet is looking after all the expenses and decided it wanted free admission to all the games.

"So we hope to see very big crowds for every game, with playoff Sunday being jam packed all day."

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