Project North has been bringing hockey equipment to the North for over 12 years. And in 2020, Covid‐19 didn’t stop Project North and partners Scotiabank Hockey Club and Canadian North Airlines from giving 25 sets of new hockey equipment each to three communities in Canada’s Arctic: Kugaaruk and Qikiqtarjuaq in Nunavut and Inuvik in the Northwest Territories.
Jeremy Rupke, Scotiabank Hockey Teammate, hopes the equipment helps more kids experience the game they love and inspires the next generation of players in Inuvik, Kugaaruk and Qikiqtarjuaq.
President of Project North Michelle Valberg shared just before Christmas that it was Joy to the North’s first virtual give. Special thanks to all partners and teammates, including Lanny McDonald, Natalie Spooner, Phil Pritchard and Coach Jeremy for being part of Joy to the North.
Here, photos of some recipients of the hockey equipment in Kugaaruk and Inuvik. Qikiqtarjuaq will distribute their new hockey equipment once they have opened the community ice rink.
Kugaaruk hockey players L to R: Kayla Inuksaq, Carla Inuksaq, and Rihanna Inuksaq. © Coach Emma Connell 
Samantha Lennie and Alianna Gruben get ready for a game with some pre-game stretches in Inuvik. © David Stewart 
Kugaaruk female hockey team members take to the ice for the first time in over 15 years after receiving 25 sets of new gear from Project North. © Coach Emma Connell 
Kugaaruk Goalie Carol Inuksaq. © Coach Emma Connell 
Debbie Dillon’s first skate with her new gear in Inuvik. © David Stewart 
William Gruben “hustling” in Inuvik. © David Stewart 
Alianna Gruben, Gordon Hoover-Bernhardt, Nicholas Kuptana and dad, Kyle Kuptana with William Inglangasuk in the stands in Inuvik suit up with their new gear. © David Stewart 
Lanny McDonald speaks virtually to the hockey kids in Inuvik during Project North 2020. © Chris Smith 
Kugaaruk hockey players sport new hockey gear. L to R: Martha Inuksaq, Charlene Niptayuk, Jenna Nartok, and Lucylynn Nalungiaq. © Coach Emma Connell
Check out the video recap from the communities:
