Gratitude and goals for Iqaluit players competing in Ottawa
Two Iqaluit teams take on southern competition at weekend tournament
Jermiah Bailey-Mark of Team Piqsiq pursues the puck into the corner against the Pierrefonds Barons of Quebec, in his team’s first game of the 19th annual Holiday House League Tournament in Ottawa, Dec. 13. Team Piqsiq won 2-0. (Photo by Daron Letts)
Two Iqaluit hockey teams are competing in Ottawa this weekend at the 19th annual Holiday House League Tournament, hosted by the city’s West End Hockey League.
The action fired up Friday morning with a tight-checking game between the Iqaluit Blizzard and the Pierrefonds Marquis team from Pierrefonds, Que., in the under-15 B division. Iqaluit lost the hard-fought contest 4-1.

Inuki Wilman, left, and goalie Marc André Goupil, were part of a successful 2-0 finish for Iqaluit’s Team Piqsiq against the Pierrefonds Barons of Quebec on Friday. André was named star of the game for the shutout. (Photo by Daron Letts)
“We lost, but we had lots of fun,” said Carter Lewis, a defenceman for the Iqaluit squad. “We will continue to strive to win, and if we don’t, we’re having fun.”
Team Piqsiq of Iqaluit won its game decisively against Quebec’s Pierrefonds Barons in the under-15 A division.
The Piqsiq offence dominated in the first period but the team didn’t manage to score until the final six minutes of the second period.
They sealed their 2-0 win with a shorthanded goal in the final minute of the third period, after the Quebec team pulled its goalie to send out an extra attacker while Iqaluit killed a penalty.
Matoo Netser and Jeremiah Bailey-Mark scored for Team Piqsiq.
Piqsiq goalie Marc André Goupil was named Iqaluit’s star of the game in a post-game ceremony.
He said he felt “good” about the win, an understatement underscored by his wide smile.
Both Iqaluit teams are guaranteed three games during the tournament, which wraps up Sunday and is being played in Stittsville, a neighbourhood in Ottawa’s west end.
Regardless of the competition on the ice, the Iqaluit teams beat their first opponents, the weather forecast, with an assist from their sponsor Canadian North.
“We’re really grateful that everyone was able to arrive on time,” said Karliin Aariak, whose son, James Aariak-Shirley, plays defence with Team Piqsiq.
Forecasts in Iqaluit early Thursday called for blizzard-like conditions for later that day and Friday. The blizzard did not materialize, but the early departure provided peace of mind for parents.
“I was grateful I was already booked a day earlier,” said Shirley Williams, whose son, Tyler Williams, is a forward with Piqsiq.
Win or lose, players on both teams are scheduled to enjoy a National Hockey League game Saturday night between home team Ottawa Senators and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
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