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Team Hamlet claims Arviat Corporate Challenge

Tournament seen more as just for fun these days, says organizer
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The Arviat Corporate Challenge champion Team Hamlet are, back row, from left, Donald Komakjuak (water boy), Cyril Komakjuak, Doyle Kigusiutnak, Mark Pameolik, Jackson Kablutsiak, Alexander Angalik, Douglas Ollie, Gordon Okoktok Jr., Abraham Irkok, Peter Nanauq Jr., Don Ikakhik and Cyril Malla. Front row, from left, Makayak Nipisar, Bruce Amarudjuak, Jimmy Ollie (goalie), Thomas Akammak, Billy Ollie, Jordan St. John and Romeo Ikakhik.

Team Hamlet went undefeated in claiming its second straight Corporate Challenge championship in Arviat earlier this month.

The Hamlet squad defeated Team Stores 12-2 in the championship game. Also competing in the event were Team Housing and Team GN/AEM.

Tournament organizer Gleason Uppahuak said the local tournament has lost a lot of its lustre over the years.

He said there's not much spectator attraction involved with the event anymore.

That's happened, I believe, because nowadays we have much more higher-octane hockey being played in the community,” said Uppahuak. “Having said that, this tournament has always been, traditionally, more for fun than competitiveness.

The players were happy with the tournament, however. It went well and it was a lot of fun. There were lots of laughs and lots of chatting between the players.”

Uppahuak said the tournament does get a little bit more serious as the playoffs roll around.

He said everyone plays to win, but the level of hockey can't match the calibre of that being played during the JLM (Jon Lindell Memorial), which attracts teams from across the Kivalliq.

It's all about fun and laughing the first three days, but, on the final day, we're all tightening our skates a little tighter. But, playoff hockey always has that effect.

Our champions, Team Hamlet, had 18 full-time players, so it was hard keeping up with them as the games wore on.

Every game was close until we'd hit about the midway point. A couple of teams, Team Housing and Team Stores, had three or four subs and Team GN had five or six subs, but Team Hamlet was rolling four lines, so it was hard to match them for the whole game.”

Uppahuak said it was the second championship in a row for the hamlet squad.

The tournament can really change from year to year, talent wise, so Team Hamlet's continued reign as champs is by no means guaranteed moving forward, he added.

The players always look forward to the event, but that spark of competitiveness isn't there anymore. It really is a for fun tournament right now.

But, we'll see what next year brings.”



About the Author: Darrell Greer, Local Journalism Initiative

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