Terence Tootoo Memorial hockey tournament postponed
With threat of coronavirus, organizers push event back to November
Retired NHL player Jordin Tootoo, on the left, returned home to play as a special guest in the 2019 Terence Tootoo Memorial Tournament in Rankin Inlet, which is held annually in memory of his late brother. Here, Tootoo’s parents, Barney and Rose, dropped the puck at the tournament’s first game on March 8, where he faced off against Stephan Nukapiak. (Photo by Noel Kaludjak)
Rankin Inlet’s Terence Tootoo Memorial hockey tournament has been postponed until November, in light of the current coronavirus pandemic.
The decision to postpone was made by the tournament committee, in consultation with retired NHL player Jordin Tootoo, brother of the tournament’s namesake, Terence.
“The TTM has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts, we are putting the safety of Rankin Inlet first and will continue to do so,” states a letter signed by organizers Troy Aksalnik and Hamish Tatty.
The event’s raffle will also be extended until November, according to the letter, unless all tickets sell out. For 2021, the tournament will go back to being held in March.
This week has seen various high-level sporting events cancelled, including the postponement of both the National Basketball Association and National Hockey League seasons. The Canadian Hockey League has also put the remainder of its season on pause.
So the Coronaviruse must be kinda serious if it comes between the Kivalliq and a hockey tournament.
Stay healthy everyone.
Please no nasty comments! Prefer that everyone’s health comes first!