IGLULIK
When everyone in a household owns a Pittsburgh Penguins jersey, as Richard Amarualik's family does in Iglulik, that probably qualifies them as hardcore sports fans.

Richard Amarualik has been a fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins since the Mario Lemieux era of the 1980s and '90s. Amarualik was thrilled to see his team win another Stanley Cup on June 11. - photo courtesy of Richard Amarualik

But when their sons have middle names associated with past or current Penguins players, well, they have certainly exceeded most people's limitations.

"We're a Penguins family," said Richard, whose sons bear the names Tyler Lemieux, Cody Crosby and Dave, also known as Malkin.

Richard, his wife, Susan, and his children cheered on the Pittsburgh squad all season and throughout the playoffs. Growing up playing hockey himself, Amarualik began to root for the Pittsburgh club primarily due to one very talented player.

"It was mainly because of Mario Lemieux," he recalled. "He's right-handed and a Canadian-born player. I'm a right-handed shooter and I wanted to be like him, but I'm much smaller."

The Penguins' road to the Stanley Cup this year took them through Columbus, Washington, Ottawa and, finally, Nashville. Amarualik said he was concerned about the Blue Jackets and Capitals in particular from a competitive standpoint. Ottawa was a tough opponent for an additional reason.

"I have so much respect for the Senators because I have family members in Ottawa and some of my family members here in town were cheering for the Senators," said Amarualik, who has seen Pittsburgh play a few times while passing through Ottawa.

With a 2-0 win over Nashville in Game 6 of the finals on June 11, the Penguins collected their second straight Stanley Cup and the fifth in the franchise's history. Adding a third consecutive title next season is a distinct possibility, in Amarualik's opinion.

"They will have a good chance. (Defenceman Kris) Letang will probably be back by then," he said of the injured blueliner who missed this year's playoffs with a herniated disc in his neck.

Amarualik said he joked with his friends that he would be willing to suit up for the Penguins to help them on defence.

"I would really love to try out," he said. "I know I wouldn't make the cut but it would be awesome to stay around for a game or two with them."

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