Athletes, coaches, and mentors play significant roles in providing recreation during the dark and cold winters, and this year has seen some remarkable moments in sports. Here are some of the prominent sports stories from the North in 2025.
The Hockey Hall of Fame welcomed a significant addition when Coach David Clark’s gold ulu from Team Nunavut’s victory over Team Alaska at the 2023 Arctic Winter Games was inducted. This historic win marked Nunavut’s first gold in hockey at the tournament, making it a memorable achievement.
In a show of support for the Edmonton Oilers during their Stanley Cup championship run, residents of Whatı̀, N.W.T., garnered national attention. The Tłı̨chǫ community of 600 came together with watch parties, parades, potlucks, and a sea of orange jerseys to back the team, reflecting their deep hockey passion.
Making history at the Canada Summer Games, Nunavut sent both men’s and women’s basketball teams to compete in St. John’s. While the U17 women’s team did not secure any wins, they won over the hearts of spectators with their dedication and spirit.
Whitehorse Jays superfans, Harry and Léon Borlase, secured tickets to witness Game 1 of the World Series where they watched Toronto face off against the L.A. Dodgers. Their unwavering support for the Blue Jays earned them a place at this prestigious event.
At the Canada Summer Games, Uluhaktok wrestler Alison Grace Kemnek Kuneluk, who had only recently taken up the sport, impressed her coach and received recognition for her efforts. Her journey and achievements are a testament to her dedication and talent in wrestling.
These stories highlight the passion, dedication, and remarkable achievements of individuals and communities in the North in the realm of sports in 2025.