Inuvik’s curling teams are gearing up to make an impact at the Arctic Winter Games this March.
Two teams from town will represent Team NT at the games in Mat-Su, which run from March 10-16.
Flying the NT flag will be teams Willkomm and Wainman, the latter being the defending AWG champions.
And both teams know what they need to work on.
“You know how you slide out and then you push it a little bit at the end?” asked Jasper Willkomm of the team bearing his name. “Oftentimes when we push it we put it on a different trajectory, then we’ll miss the shot. So if we could just like push it and make it go perfectly straight we would miss a lot less.”
“Our slides aren’t super, super strong,” chimed in his brother Atticus. “So we have to add if it’s a hit or a heavy shot. So we’re working on our adds.”
Both teams have been hard at work perfecting their on-ice skills, particularly their in-game communication but also the timing of their throws.
The members of Team Willkomm said they’re particularly looking forward to a rematch with Team Yukon, though they will be facing off against different curlers this time around.
No matter, said Jasper. The Yukon edged Team Willkomm in two games decided by a single point, and the boys intend to make them pay.
“That’s our goal,” he said.
“Even though it’s not the (same) team,” said Atticus.
The boys are also looking forward to curling in a hockey rink that is being adapted for the games.
They’ve also set a team goal.
“Take home an ulu,” said Atticus.
“Even if it’s just bronze,” said Jasper.
For their part, Team Wainman said they’re looking forward to a repeat of their previous experience at the event.
“It’s going to be great just to be a team again,” said Brooke Smith.
After their last trip to the games, the girls are focusing on keeping cool in the face of competition.
“Just to stay positive,” said Tamara Bain.
“When we play our best,” began Alex Testart-Campbell.
“We have a chance,” finished Tamara.
In their bracket, most of the teams are making a second appearance, so the girls are eager to meet up with familiar competitors.
“So it should be some good games,” noted Reese Wainman.
They noted they would love to repeat their gold ulu success from last year.
“I think it’d be really exciting to get another gold medal, but also just the whole experience in general,” said Alex.
Grateful for the support they continue to receive from the community, the members of Team Wainman made their usual shout out to Kate Jarvis, all their parents and coach Nick Saturnino.
Team Willkomm wanted to give a special shout-out to their friend Ben Nadeau, who they say wants to get involved in the sport.
“He wants to join curling and maybe this will make him more encouraged if he’s in an Arctic Winter Games article,” said Jasper.