Exciting finish at Nunavik’s Sikulik Cup hockey tournament
Winners in 3 divisions awarded cash prizes
More than 100 fans jam the arena in Inukjuak on Sunday for the Sikulik Cup open men’s final. Kangiqsujuaq took home the trophy and $25,000 with a 5-0 win over Inukjuak. (Photo by Dominique Gené)
The Inukjuak arena was buzzing with noisemakers and cheers Sunday night for the championship game in the open men’s division of the third Sikulik Cup hockey tournament.
The event brings together teams from across Nunavik to compete in open men’s, women’s, and 30+ men’s divisions. It has been held every two years since 2023 but was moved to this year because of upcoming arena renovations.
The three divisions were introduced to expand opportunities for women, who have fewer tournaments, and to bring older men back to the rink, said Jobie Kasudluak Jr., the event’s main organizer.
“After all, this tournament is really to relive the memories and to make new ones,” he said.
This year, 10 teams competed in the open men’s division, seven in the women’s and four in the 30+ men’s. The competition ran from March 25 to 30.
In the open men’s final, Kangiqsujuaq defeated the Inukjuak 1 team 5-0 to take home the Sikulik Cup, which came with a $25,000 prize. By finishing second, Inukjuak 1 was awarded $10,000.
Inukjuak entered two teams in that division — Inukjuak 1 and Inukjuak 2 — to even out the pools, Kasudluak said.
In both the women’s and 30+ men’s divisions, winning teams were awarded $15,000 while the second-place finishers got $5,000.
In the women’s final, Kuujjuaq defeated Kangiqsujuaq 2-1.
In the 30+ men’s division, Kuujjuaq again emerged victorious, knocking off Salluit 7-0.
The tournament was supported by several regional organizations and local businesses, including Makivvik, Kativik Regional Government, Pituvik Landholding Corp., and Northern and Co-op stores. The municipality’s recreation department assisted with rentals and transportation, Kasudluak said.
Air Inuit also offered 30 per cent off on flights to spectators and a 50 per cent discount for players.
Kasudluak, who played in the 30+ men’s division, said from now on he’ll focus solely on organizing the tournament.
“It’s a bit too exhausting. I want this tournament to run better than me winning games,” he said.
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