Jun. 24, 2026

This May, The North West Company proudly sponsored the annual Upingaaq Cup in Gjoa Haven, Nunavut, encouraging young players to stay active and connected through an action-packed floor hockey tournament.

Pictured above: Champions of the 2026 Upingaaq Cup (left); prizes and medals sponsored by The North West Company (right).

In 2024, community member and hockey enthusiast Matt Eleehetook introduced the Upingaaq Cup — “Upingaaq” meaning spring in Inuktitut — to revive a long-running street hockey tournament that had been on hold for nine years.

From May 8 to 10, the third annual tournament brought together six teams, engaging around 50 youth aged 13 and over. The event provided an opportunity for participants to stay active and build team spirit through friendly competitions at the indoor arena.

Winners and honorees received prizes at the end of the tournament, sponsored by The North West Company.

“Youth in the hamlet are excited for this Cup every year,” said Eleehetook. “I’m hoping to grow the tournament and maybe bring in players from nearby communities next year."