Kuujjuaq wins Toonik Tyme hockey tournament

Kuujjuaq took the gold away from hometown favourites the Iqaluit Senators in the annual Toonik Tyme hockey tournament Aug. 13.

Both Kuujjuaq and the Iqaluit Senators entered the gold-medal game undefeated in the 10-team round robin tournament.

But, despite a last minute push by the Iqaluit Senators, Kuujjuaq won the final 5 to 4.
Organizer Simon Adams said this year’s tournament drew crowds of 800 and an unprecedented number of Nunavik teams to Iqaluit’s arena.

All four Nunavik teams and two Nunavut teams made it to the five-day tournament’s quarter-finals. Kuujjuaq immediately advanced to the semi-finals, while Kangiqsujuaq defeated Quaqtaq in one quarter-final match and Rankin Inlet beat Kangirsuk in the other.

The Iqaluit Senators then went on to defeat Kangiqsujjuaq 6 to 3 in the semi finals while Kuujjuaq beat Rankin Inlet 4 to 2.

Kangiqsujuaq lost to Rankin Inlet in the bronze medal round.

Adams said the high-level of play inspired both Nunavut and Nunavik teams to play more tournaments together in the future.

Iqaluit’s Randy Qamaniq was voted the tournament’s best goalie, Nicol Towtongie of Rankin Inlet most valuable player, Kuujjuaq’s Alain Pilon best defenceman and Richard Adams of Kuujjuaq earned the most points in the tournament.