Elite Nunavut hockey player has sights set on professional career

Mykyla Allakariallak, a winger and team captain for the Edmonton Ice Blue under-15 AA team in the Alberta Female Hockey League, self-identifies as self-confident.

“I feel good playing,” she said in an interview. “I feel strong.”

The 14-year-old Iqaluit-born athlete said she never backs down from a challenge; makes the most of every opportunity; and shoots, shoots, shoots, which is probably why she is tied for first place in the scoring race in her age division with 20 points in 14 games as of Friday.

Allakariallak moved to Edmonton with her family at age eight; four days later, she found a boys’ hockey team to play on.

Mykyla Allakariallak plays elite under-15 hockey in Alberta. (Photo courtesy of Kristal Allakariallak)

She had already been skating since the age of two at Iqaluit’s Arctic Winter Games arena and joined her first hockey team, the Iqaluit Blizzard, at age four.

“It was so fun. I loved it,” she said of her early years learning hockey fundamentals in Nunavut. “Then once we moved to Edmonton, it started getting competitive. It was a new experience.”

And she loved that, too.

“I make sure it’s fun,” she said. “Sure, we want to win — but we have to be having fun.”

She brought that approach to her 2023/24 season with the Edmonton Black Pandas, also in the under-15 AA division in the Alberta Female Hockey League.

It was her first time playing in an all-girls league and brought her onto the ice with some of the best teen talent in Western Canada.

Last year, she also suited up with the Alberta Warriors to play in the invitation-only Battle at the Beach Rose Series Tournament in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Allakariallak’s side won against teams from across North America.

“There were a few overtime games but we ended up winning, which was super exciting,” she said.

Allakariallak hones her talent daily at Vimy Ridge Academy in Edmonton, a specialized school for high-performance athletes where she is in Grade 9.

In addition to her academics, she plays about six hours of hockey each week at school. Her school team recognized her as the top student-athlete award winner for October for her effort and conduct on and off the ice.

“I also have three practices a week (with Edmonton Ice Blue) and we do a team workout every week,” she added. “I am making sure I’m recovering properly, eating well, and stretching to reduce injuries.”

Mental preparation also figures prominently in Allakariallak’s routine, she said.

Her pregame ritual is to focus on the three weaknesses she felt in her previous performance, whatever those self-defined shortcomings might have been.

“I find it super helpful,” she said.

But she does not seek success alone.

“The big thing in my game is being a good leader,” she said. “I’m supportive, making sure the mood in the dressing room is light.”

Mykyla Allakariallak suits up for practice a decade ago at age four in a Washington Capitals jersey at Arnaitok Arena in Iqaluit. “A little part of my heart will always be with the Washington Capitals,” said Allakariallak. “Alexander Ovechkin is my favourite hockey player; always will be.”
(Photo courtesy of Kristal Allakariallak)

Once the puck drops, she leads by example.

“When I’m on the ice I try to be the hardest worker. Taking the puck to the net and trying to get as many shots as I can — so I can get those easy tap-ins,” Allakariallak said.

“I’m a good playmaker, as well as just setting things up for my teammates.”

While scoring goals, she envisions her long-term goal of playing at the under-18 AAA level next year. After that, she hopes to play National Collegiate Athletics Association hockey for a college or university in the United States.

“I feel like it’s a challenge I can achieve,” she said.

In about a decade, Allakariallak visualizes herself playing forward in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, a two-year-old league with teams in Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal, as well as several teams in the United States.

“That would be amazing,” she said. “It would be fantastic if I was able to play there.”