Rankin Inlet gets hockey tournament season rolling with Powerful Championship
Under-13 hockey teams from around the Kivalliq region competing over weekend
Agnico Eagle Arena in Rankin Inlet, seen above, is hosting the Powerful Championship over the weekend. The hockey tournament is for teams under 13 years old. This year, eight teams from the Kivalliq will play. (File photo by David Venn)
The hockey tournament season is returning to Nunavut as Rankin Inlet is set to host the 2024 Powerful Championship for under-13 teams this weekend.
“A lot of talent from out of town is coming, so I think a lot of these games will be close. I’m excited,” said tournament organizer A.J. Curley.
Eight teams are competing this year, in two divisions.
The ‘A’ division includes Coral Harbour, Naujaat, Baker Lake, Arviat and Rankin Rock Black. The ‘B’ division is made up of Rankin Rock White, Rankin Penguins, Rankin Rock U11 and a team of players from both Chesterfield Inlet and Arviat.
Tournament action runs from Friday afternoon until Sunday. Interdivisional round-robin games are set for Friday and Saturday, then the playoff will be held Sunday.
The games are being played at Agnico Eagle Arena.
Organizing the tournament and dealing with challenges like flight delays can be a hassle but in terms of the hockey itself, “it’s always been good,” Curley said.
The goal of a tournament like this is to brings youths from Rankin Inlet and other communities together for fun and competition, Curley said.
“[It’s] to make memories, make new friends, connect with others and ultimately have a good [tournament],” he said.
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