Coral Harbour teens hoist Terence Tootoo Memorial Cup

The Terence Tootoo Memorial Cup took over Rankin Inlet last weekend and for the first time in its quarter century of competition, teens took over centre ice.

This year’s tournament, which ran from Feb. 18 to 22, replaced the former men’s competition with an under-18 contest.

The Terence Tootoo Memorial Cup is now a trophy representing under-18 hockey excellence. (Photo courtesy of Troy Aksalnik)

“It went fantastic,” said tournament board chair Troy Aksalnik of the decision this year to shift to younger players.

“We were getting a lot of compliments from the fans saying they’re so happy the tournament’s for youth now.”

Held annually in Rankin Inlet, the tournament honours the memory of Terence Tootoo, a Rankin Inlet hockey player who died by suicide in 2002. He was the elder brother of Jordin Tootoo, the first Inuk to play in the National Hockey League.

Seeing as there previously was no youth tournament in Rankin Inlet, Aksalnik said he and Jordin Tootoo decided to pivot the focus this year as a way to connect with younger players.

Teams from Rankin Inlet, Whale Cove, Arviat and Coral Harbour took part.

Jordin Tootoo was unable to attend due to prior commitments, Aksalnik said, but shared a video message with players before the tournament.

“Play fair, play hard, play for each other,” Tootoo said. “Go out, score goals, and have fun.”

The Coral Harbour North Stars took his advice by taking charge in the third period of the final playoff game against home team Rankin Rock on Sunday.

Connor Eetuk scored for Coral Harbour in the final five minutes of play, putting his team up 4-3. Robert Ell sealed the deal two minutes later with an insurance goal, giving Coral Harbour its 5-3 win.

“I kept pounding into the boys to keep up the pressure and play as a team with no trash talking,” said Coral Harbour coach Tooma Natsiq Sr. “They played their game.”

Team Todd from Rankin Inlet won 3-2 against Arviat to earn third place.

In addition to the 75 under-18 players, a second tournament featuring 50 under-13 and under-11 players also showcased young athletes’ talent.

“It was a fast-paced, hard-hitting hockey tournament,” Aksalnik said. “We had full crowds from the first game right to the end.”