The Sports Edition

Whitehorse Rapids Club recently held a training camp with coach Maggie Qi, who coaches the national team at the oval in Calgary. Photo credit: Heinz Ter Voert

3 Sports Kicks High... published by 8 Meet Team ... 9 AWG 2012 Sport Schedule... 2 News 2012 Whitehorse ULU News 3 As Chef in her second Arctic Winter Games, Tracey Bilsky sees this Games as presenting awesome opportunities for Team Yukon’s younger athletes, “You know what I am most excited about this time My hope for is that there are so many new par- ticipants. For a large majority of every athlete our team this is their first Arctic comes down to Winter Games. And so I think what we’ll see from that is just a experience, ...if lot of newness and excitement and innocence and energy.” they feel good But she also has her eyes on about their some hopeful veterans to the Games. “I also get excited about experience, then the athletes that have trained hard and are going to perform well. I think that is Like Holly Bull and Fabian Brook more important from cross-country skiing. We’ve got a couple of figure skaters than winning. Rachel Pettitt and Bryn Hoffman who will show well. We have Rachel Kinvig, she’s a dog musher. their feet as far forward as possible This will be Kinvig’s third Games has a very practical origin. If ice fishers kneeling down on the ice all the team, such as the coaches and she’s never lost. She’s always Arctic Sports Kicks High heard a crack they would jump up and athletes. And we’re also the won gold. She carried the flag in Meet the Chef-de-Mission the closing ceremonies at the last How the Games of the North lured me from the South and as far out of the way as link between the AWG International possible. Head of Team Yukon serves as link between the host Committee.” Games.” by JESSE DEVOST For Bilsky, however, it’s about In my office, I cleared an society and teams, coaches and athletes, and the “It’s a fun job because you have optimistic amount of space in to make sure everything is looked having the right attitude. Whether AWG International Committee a new, upcoming athlete or a top I was first exposed to arctic Yukon’s team as well as a athletes and everyone will get to front of me in anticipation of after like the food and accommo- sports during the lush and rainy competitor in the upcoming Arctic see the best of the sport at these sailing clear across my cubicle and by AISHA MONTGOMERY dation and all the logistics that performer, she looks forward to seeing all her athletes enjoy their green winters of my childhood on Winter Games, his enthusiasm for games – it’s really exciting for all into future Arctic Winter Games have to go on to make sure the Hornby Island. Through some the sport is infectious. of our athletes,” says Josh. glory. On my knees and with the Don’t be fooled by her title. As It’s no small job overseeing 340 of As current executive director moment of a competition. “My athletes are well cared for and quirk of electromagnetic broadcast, “I love it because it’s not A lot of the sports have been most concentration I’d mustered the Chef-de-Mission of Team Yukon’s finest young athletes. But of Sport Yukon, the role of Chef- hope for every athlete comes down have a great experience.” CBC North was the only channel against any one person – it’s more played at potlatches for generations all day, I flung myself forward and Yukon about the only thing Tracey Bilsky makes this difficult task de-Mission is a natural fit for to experience, their experience And, Bilsky has gathered up we picked up on our ramshackle against yourself. There’s a lot of – it was a place where many I love it because was actually pretty surprised that Bilsky won’t be doing during the seem so easy with her positive Bilsky, but she considers her role within it…when it comes down to some reliable help along the way. “I TV antenna at the time. sharing of tips amongst people could get together, share I didn’t crash headfirst into a upcoming Games is the actual outlook and obvious love of ath- as Chef an honour, and not a role it if they’ve learned something it’s not against have an assistant, Peter Cassidy, Fascinated by the feats of competitors and it’s a super their games and compare how filing cabinet. cooking of meals for her athletes. leticism. A born and raised she takes for granted. “Essentially about themselves, if they feel good and for AWG I’m allowed 10 other strength and agility from this friendly environment. At the same they did them. any one person – My feet miraculously landed Since 2010, Bilsky has been Yukoner herself, Bilsky’s love of the role is that you are the head of about their experience, then I people who are considered my mis- exotic, northern land (and a little time it’s really difficult and you Some athletes focus on a few under me and there was no searing focused primarily on her role as sports started early as a figure the team,” said Bilsky, “You’re the think that is more important than sion staff. They are all given sports. cabin feverish) my sister and I end up using muscle groups you sports but Josh does all of them. it’s more against pain from my body. I had done it! I Chef-de-Mission of Team Yukon. skater in Faro. link between the host society and winning to me, as a Chef.” We all have our role.” would dangle small objects from never thought you had.” He will be competing for the all- yourself. completed a successful kneel jump! my bunk bed and mildly injure Remembering my childhood around athlete’s title as well as in I traveled about the length of a ourselves trying to kick them up exploits, I ask him: “what would a the individual events. stapler. through the rain clouds, hoping beginner like me experience if I “The appeal is that it is Feeling like I should stop while that maybe they would break gave it a try?” something different – you can see tells me. We’ve used a ball of I’m ahead, I recalled Josh’s invite to through and let in the sun. It was “You would probably find it most other sports just about any socks tied to the ceiling once for visit one of Team Yukon’s practice Ge� your a lot of fun. pretty tough,” Josh comments. time but this is something special high kicking and with some of the sessions the following week. Perhaps This kind of situation, I’m now “It’s hard to get the jumping – the cultural aspect is strong and jumping sports, you don’t need I’ll stop by and learn more than I Game�Ticket� realizing, is probably how a lot of techniques correct for starters but these sports have been played for any equipment at all.” ever would have accomplished in the arctic sports originated (well, once you learn – and there’s a lot hundreds of years – people watch Back at my office after we my bedroom as a kid or as a middle- All Games tickets (Sport, Culture & Ceremonies) are available perhaps not in the Gulf Islands or of little things to know, you’ll get and they wonder if they could do chat, I’m realizing that what I aged office worker. at Sportslife in the Hougen Centre, 3rd & Main Street. with physics defying TV reception, better and have a lot of fun.” it because many of the sports are really want to do is step away More than anything, I’m but you get my idea...) These sports are extremely actually very simple in concept.” from my computer and actually excited to see the best of the sport Cultural tickets are also available at The Yukon Arts Centre. About 30-odd years later popular in the arctic communities, Over the course of our try something – while a button up compete at the Arctic Winter Out-of-town? Call the Games office at 867.393.2012 for tickets. (which equates to a few days ago), Josh tells me. There are events conversation, I’m getting really shirt and khakis aren’t the ideal Games. Get your tickets for Arctic I’m in Whitehorse chatting with happening all winter across the keen to try something. garb for the two foot high kick or Sports early. They are one of the Josh Carr. Josh looks like one of North, but the biggest event for “What do you need to do some the arm-pull, why not bust out a most popular events in the games those guys who could be the star Arctic Sports is at the Arctic of these sports?” I ask. little kneel jump in my cubicle? for good reason. athlete in just about any field of Winter Games. “The great thing is that they The Kneel Jump, where the More information on Arctic play but he has chosen arctic “It’s kind of like our Olympics are really simple and you can athlete (or office worker) kneels Sports can be found at: awg2012. AWG Office: 308 Wood Street, Whitehorse, Yukon, ph. 867.393.2012 sports as his passion. As coach of – the games will draw the top improvise if you need to,” Josh on the ground and then jumps to org/en/Sports/ArcticSports.aspx

On behalf of Mayor and Council, I’d like to welcome all athletes, yukon energy keeping tradition in play coaches and visitors to Whitehorse for the 2012 Arctic Winter Games. We wish you all the best in your competitions and hope you enjoy your time in our city. Sincerely, Bev Buckway Mayor City of Whitehorse 4 ULU News Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games ULU News 5

Women (under age 19), along with performance when the games took others arriving to give it their best as Malachi LaVallee and Levi gold or silver every year except their coaches, believe in the game of place in Kenai, . “Our at the 2012 Arctic Winter Games. Johnson who play with intensity 2010 when Yukon beat Alaska 4-3 Give a Cheer for the Home Team! hockey and its importance to sport Midgets will be a very fast and But the games are also about and can be difficult contenders. It in the semis to sneak into the gold Get ready to make some noise: Team Yukon brings hockey to home ice development for ’s youth skilled team, and should have a sportsmanship, building mutual will make for exciting hockey.” medal game,” Bouchard said. “We across the North. good chance of winning the gold,” respect for each other as hockey All of the coaches are hoping lost 2-0 to Alberta but happily Hockey is by KAREN KEELEY Brennan outlined the roster for Brennan added. “We’re excited for players and individuals, and nur- for gold medals but the ultimate took home the silver.” the Midgets this year. The team them, and their drive and energy turing leadership skills that will goal is for the players to enjoy the The games are held biannually Canada’s game. Hockey is Canada’s game. It’s We wonder: Was it a goal? A that the Yukon Amateur Hockey three teams, established the crite- features strong goaltending from to represent Yukon at the games bode well for these young players experience as it may be their only across Canada’s North, bringing It’s played on played on frozen ponds, rutted penalty? Out of bounds? That Association, as the sport governing ria for player selection through a Patrick Soprovich and Nigel in Whitehorse.” today, and into their future years, chance to represent Yukon at their athletes, coaches, support person- gravelled streets, beat-up asphalt same wonderment will happen body, is responsible for Team fair evaluation of their skills, and Sinclair Eckardt. Offensively, Riley Bantam team coach Barry whether they continue to play level of play. The added bonus is nel, volunteers and cultural ambas- frozen ponds, and in community rinks across the during 2012 Arctic Winter Games Yukon. once the trials were over, the final Pettitt will be a key player, as well as Blisner is ready too. hockey or not. playing in front of their friends sadors together to celebrate sport rutted gravelled country. As spectators, we eagerly when young and talented hockey “As a committee, we worked teams with their alternates were Mike Hare. Veteran third-year “There are probably six or Fellow coach Jamie Cairns works and family in Whitehorse. excellence. Hockey was one of the anticipate the puck drop and then it athletes chase their own dreams on hand in hand with Whitehorse chosen at the end of January. The Midgets Brad Koprosky and Michael seven guys who make up the core with Blisner to prepare the Bantam “We want them to realize what ten sports selected for the inaugu- streets, beat-up begins. The smack of sticks, the a quest for hockey gold. Minor Hockey last summer to alternates are there in case of injury Skookum will lead defence. Coaches of our team,” Blisner said. “We team against tough competition. to expect, give them the best to ral games in 1970 and it is still quick acceleration followed by President of the Yukon Amateur select the coaches,” Brennan said. or illness, but of course we hope Jay Glass and Kirk Gale previously have second-year Bantam forward “The Arctic Winter Games is a succeed and make a great chal- going strong. asphalt and in twisting and turning of bodies as Hockey Association and Sport co- “Jim Stephens is the AWG co- that doesn’t happen.” coached the 2010 Canada Winter captain Dylan McQuaig, and assis- short tournament with only five lenge for the gold medal,” Blisner For the 2012 Arctic Winter community rinks solid blades skim the ice, a snap chair Walter Brennan is as excited ordinator and has spearheaded the Team Yukon Hockey’s Midget Games team. tant captains Alex Hanson and or six games and then it’s over,” concluded. Games Hockey schedule go to wrist-pass up through the middle, as the players and coaches making work to date. With his leadership, Men (age 17 and younger), Bantam The Midget Men’s team is hop- Kole Comin, who are not only said Blisner. “First and foremost, The Junior Women’s team has awg2012.org/en/Sports.aspx for across the country. and the whistle blows! up Team Yukon. Brennan tells us we’ve selected the coaches for all (age 14 and under), and Junior ing to repeat its 2006 gold medal great scorers, but exceptional Jamie and myself work with the a number of returning players practice and game dates. Medal leaders as well.” players to have them stay focused, who cut their teeth at the 2010 games begin on Thursday, March The smack of The Bantam’s defence is led by making sure they know what to Arctic Winter Games and 2011 8 with the gold medal games slat- second-year assistant captain expect in terms of intensity and Canada Winter Games. The team ed for Friday, March 9 for the sticks, the quick Marcus McLeod, and first-year level of play.” is captained by Dana van Vliet Junior Women, and Saturday, acceleration Bantams Jack Blisner and Nick Blisner tells us it’s very tough from Haines Junction. Tamara March 10 for the Bantam and Dobush. Coach Blisner is expect- to judge the competition for any Greek from Whitehorse is a strong Midget men’s teams. followed by ing strong play from all three if the Arctic Winter Games tournament contender, as are Marsh Lake’s Walter Brennan feels that all twisting and team is to be successful. Goaltenders as they don’t get a chance to see Jocelyn Wynnyk, and the Junction’s three teams making up Team Josh Tetlichi and Devon Troke will the competition beforehand. In Sierra Oakley along with Emilie Yukon for hockey will be strong turning of bodies tag-team the net. past years, Alaska and Northern Nugent and Lynsey Keaton from contenders and he’s hoping for as solid blades “Most of the players currently Alberta were strong, and Blisner Whitehorse. home fans to have all three com- live in Whitehorse although Dylan expects that same level of intensity Coach Louis Bouchard expects peting for gold despite strong skim the ice, McQuaig has ties to Haines Junction in Whitehorse again this year. for the Junior Women’s team to be competition from Alberta, Alaska, and Bodie Elias to Old Crow,” “But in reality, or in the medal rounds. At the 2010 N.W.T. and Nunavut. a snap wrist-pass Blisner said. “The fact we will all be N.W.T. could be the teams to beat games held in Grand Prairie, “I know Team Yukon will show up through the staying together for a week presents so we’re looking at any team as a Yukon’s team took home a silver up strong and give us excellent some challenges in terms of prepa- possible gold medal opponent,” medal, the first medal ever for the hockey,” Brennan said. middle, and the ration but overall, that is one of the Blisner added. “To be successful Yukon’s Junior Women’s team. “Whitehorse fans of all ages will whistle blows! aspects of the games the kids will we will need our core group of Twelve players from the 2010 really have something to cheer always remember.” guys to be our best players, and to team have returned this year. about. Imagine, their kids playing That, and the friendships made continue to play a physical game. “Team Alberta and Alaska are on home ice. It doesn’t get much not only with each other but with We have several big players such always the favorites having won better than that.” Photo credit: LOUIS BOUCHARD, Junior Women’s Coach Photo credit: BARRY BLISNER, Bantam Coach Yukon’s Junior Women engaged in the play during a game in 2011. Yukon Bantam Team celebrating their tournament victory in Summerland, BC. 2011.

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OFFICIAL A division of SUPPLIER The sta and management of Standard Bus Contracting Yukon would like to wish one and Whitehorse Tle’Nax T’awei Group all a true Yukon experience while competing in the 2012 Arctic Winter Games BEVERAGES AND FOODS 867-667-2273 Coca-Cola Since 1886 6 ULU News Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games ULU News 7 Table Tennis Deconstructed Oh, table tennis, we hardly know you! by BRIGITTE PARKER

So, you think you know every- their own paddles or rackets. They thing about table tennis eh? Well, buy blades and handles comple- let us surprise you with a few menting their style and glue the interesting facts and myth busters red and black rubbers onto the and shine some light on this often blades to assemble the racket. maligned sport. Serious players also buy special table tennis shoes that are light It’s A Noun, It’s A Verb, with flat rubber soles. This allows It’s A Trademark! the athletes to move fast during play. Through the years, the term ping-pong has taken its place in A Serious Workout our common vocabulary. As a noun, it refers to a game resem- The lower players are to the bling tennis but played on a table table, the easier it is to return the with a different ball. As a verb, it ball. This means lots of squatting explains a quick back and forth and crouching in front of the table movement or the rapid transfer tennis table. As a result, athletes from one locale, job, etc. to anoth- develop large thigh and strong er. More importantly, the term gluteal muscles. Players also Ping Pong is a trademark held by acquire quick reflexes through Parker Brothers who marketed practice. According to a local their new Ping Pong game in the coach Zara Bachli, table tennis is 1890s as “indoor tennis”. The also a mental game. She says, Song”. And of course, search able to smash the ball at speeds Has Come A Long Way! game was named for the sound when two experienced players are “ping pong tricks” on YouTube exceeding 100 miles per hour or the ball makes hitting the paddle well matched, strategies and tac- and prepare to be amazed! to put up to 9,000 rpm spin on it In the days when the sport was and the table. The Ping Pong game tics are used to tire or synch out too! unregulated, all sorts of strange served as the basis for today’s the opponent. Oh and check this Wields Diplomatic Power materials were used to create rack- table tennis sport. out: Jacki Bellinger and Lisa Voted Most Popular ets. Early table tennis paddles were “Ping pong diplomacy” refers Lomas set a Guinness World made of cork, cardboard, or wood to an exchange of table tennis Table tennis is the most popu- It’s Not A Game, Record in 1993 by hitting 173 covered with parchment, cloth, or players between the USA and lar racket sport in the world and It’s A Sport! balls between them in 60 seconds! leather. Stranger more innovative China in the 1970s. The event ranked second overall in terms of Talk about reflexes! ideas included using thick sponge, This is a popular myth because marked a thaw in US-China rela- participation. Over 10 million pure wood, or sandpaper as paddle it is easy to start playing ping tions and paved the way for the players compete in sanctioned Oozes Pop Culture Cool! surfaces. Later, ‘pimpled’ rubber pong. It is common for beginners, first-ever presidential trip to China tournaments each year. and lightweight balls became the with reasonable coordination, to Table tennis is alive and well in by American President Richard norm. By the way, contrary to immediately enjoy a match on their pop culture. There are plenty of Nixon. Has A Quirky History popular belief, table tennis balls basement table. Often this level of movies featuring table tennis. Originating from England, table are not hollow. They are slightly play is mistaken for the whole Who can forget the spectacular Has Olympic Caliber Game scenes in Forrest Gump when tennis was initially an after-dinner pressurized with a gas. sport of table tennis. Yet so much Table tennis became a full parlour game played by the upper- more can be done with a table ten- Forrest becomes an international medal Olympic sport in the 1988 class during the 1880s and 1890s. We hope you have gained a nis ball! Spins, power loops, chops, table tennis star and tours China. Summer Olympics in Seoul. Then, the game was known as new appreciation for table tennis. floats, smashes, drives, blocks and In the last decade, there has been China, Sweden and South Korea “Flim-Flam”, “Wiff-Waff” and Check out the local table tennis pushes. Check out the action dur- three movies specifically on table are currently the world superpow- “Gossima” and was played on din- club by coming to open practices ing the AWG and gain an appreci- tennis: Ping Pong (2002 – Japan), ers in international table tennis. ing room tables divided by a row of on Sundays from 1:30 to 3:30 pm ation for the skills, techniques and Ping Pong Playa (2007 – USA) and Top players are endorsed by shoe books, using cigar box lids as rack- at Whitehorse Elementary School strategies used by high-level table Balls of Fury (2007 – USA). “Ping and apparel companies just like ets and champagne corks as balls. and trying your hand at a little tennis athletes. pong” sounds are sampled in about a dozen songs, including Beastie other professional sports players. Oddly, table tennis was banned in racket action. Adults and youth Some Assembly Required Boys’ 3 Minute Rule and Enrique A modern table tennis match at the Soviet Union from 1930 to aged 8 and up are welcome. Join Iglesias’ Do You Know?, which is the elite level lasts on average 1950 because it was believed to be the club’s Facebook page “Yukon Table tennis players assemble also known as “The Ping Pong about 30 minutes with top players harmful to the eyes. Table Tennis”. Ajunngigiarlutit means Good Luck in Innuinaqtun - one of several languages spoken by our Northern peoples. ATCO wishes Ajunngigiarlutit to all Arctic Winter Games athletes and participants.

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NWI_4066_AWG_Ulu_News_Thank_You_Security_Team_Ad.indd 1 12-02-10 4:14 PM 8 ULU News Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games ULU News 9 TEAM YUKON SPORTS SCHEDULE JRF Junior Female, JRM Junior Male, JVF Juvenile Female, JVM Juvenile Male, MF Midget Female, MM Midget Male, JRMX Junior Mixed, JVMX Juvenile Mixed, BM Bantam Male, IF Intermediate Female X – Competition Day O – Weather/Alternative Day For detailed sport schedules, visit AWG2012.org

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY EVENT VENUE MARCH 4 MARCH 5 MARCH 6 MARCH 7 MARCH 8 MARCH 9 MARCH 10 OPENING CEREMONIES Centre 6:00PM Mount Sima X X X O ARCTIC SPORTS Vanier Catholic School X X X X X Porter Creek School X X X X X X F.H. Collins School X X X X X X Alpine Skiing Cross Country Skiing Soccer Speed Skating – SKI Grey Mountain X X O X X O Mitchell Kaitlynn JRF Bull Holly JRF Armstrong Kelcy JRF Bramadat Avery JVF Klassen Emily JRF Grey Mountain Mitchell Tayler JRF Hynes Adrienne JRF Austin Maya JRF Janowicz Anna JVF Slater Rasheeda JRF BIATHLON – X X O X X O Richardson Samantha JRF Peters Kaite JRF Hoffman Bryn JRF Joe-Hudson Jamie JVF Clarke Heather JRM CROSS COUNTRY SKIING Mount McIntyre X X O X X Boorse Lyndsey JVF Sagar Nahanni JRF Kitchen Marika JRF McLeisch Jamie JVF Fortune Donald JRM Club, Mount McIntyre Hawes Abby JVF Bray Trevor JRM LeGrow Kristen JRF Milner Hannah JVF Hoffman Shea JRM CURLING X X X X Storey Josephine JVF Brook Fabian JRM Peters Maria JRF Parker Aimee JVF Fortune Kathryn JVF DENE GAMES Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre X X X X X Hawes Charlie JVM Seal Reid JRM Pettitt Rachel JRF Ponsioen Mikaela JVF Wirth Hanna JVF Henderson-Pekarik Marek JVM Fuerstner Cambria JVF Schneider Taylor JRF Wilson Teaghan JVF Lovell Daryn JVM DOG MUSHING Mount Lorne Maintenance X X X O O Schimer Sam JVM Painter Zoe JVF Coaches Lori Austin, Michelle Gorczyca Wintemute Samantha JVF Ritchie Michael JVM FIGURE SKATING Canada Games Centre X X X X X Coach Yves Titley Paul Eliza JVF Coach Arnold Headstrom Ritchie Christopher JVM Thomson Heather JVF Chaperone Natlie Taylor Coaches Phil Hoffman, Stacey GYMNASTICS Polarettes X X Banks Megan JRF Deuling Marcus JVM Irish Brendan JVM Pennington Arctic Sports Coyne Reena JRF HOCKEY (ALL) Canada Games Centre, Takhini Arena X X X X X X X Londero Luke Mclean Caelan JVM Peters Kendra JRF Jensen Trygg JVM Martin Foreste Seal Andrew JVM Lee Sam JVM Table Tennis Canada Games Centre X X X X X X X Venasse Caitlyn JRF Gullison Alysha JRF Rivard Anna Brook Maggie MF Marks Allan JVM Coach Catherine O’Donovan Musil Whitney JRF Mount Sima X X X X O Simon Duran Gee Alexis MF Muir Malcolm JVM Zheng Alex JRM Whalen Jesse Hynes Natalie MF Schroff Timber JVM SNOWSHOEING Shipyards Park X O X O X Hockey Rajab Abed JRM Coaches Teena Dickson, Josh Carr Schier Hannah MF Stacey Kieran JVM Blanchard Natalja JRF Janssen Grace-Anne JVF SPEED SKATING Canada Games Centre X X X X X Cash Simon MM Torgerson Chris JVM Dewhurst Adrianne JRF Syed Sana JVF Hogeboom-Burr Ian MM van Randen Luka JVM TABLE TENNIS Selkirk Elementary School X X X X X Badminton Eby Linsey JRF Gonder Kyle JVM Kishchuck Michael MM Coach Ed van Randen Jawannatum Montong JRF Greek Tamara JRF Idrees Ehsan JVM Canada Games Centre X X X X X Sagar Elias MM Keaton Lynsey JRF Djearam Afsal JRM Burgis Samantha JRF Coaches Kevin Murphy, Zara Bachli Coaches Alain Masson, Amanda Yukon College Parker Casey JRM Logan Madison JRF Dorosz Emily JRF X Day off X X Deuling, Nick Stratis Merkel Teneesha JRF Chua Shermaine JVF Galloway Camille JRF Canada Games Centre Nothstien Tshayla JRF Volleyball CLOSING CEREMONIES 6:00PM Knickle Emily JVF Kelly Jaylene JRF Baxter Corey JRF Nugent Emilie JRF Jensen Peter JVM Culture Lanigan Megan JRF Brown Rowan JRF Oakley Sierra JRF Syed Mustafa JVM Power Kate Miller Carolyn JRF Greenway Courtney JRF Pitts Jolene JRF Coach Ken Frankish Vanderbyl Grayson Milner Brittany JRF Henney Samantha JRF Fraser Mairi Sandulak Ashtyn JRF Spenner Chyanne JRF Paul Morgan JRF New Erika JRF Basketball Fraser Breagha Wilson Emily JRF Nielsen Brooke JRF Tirrle Tessa VanVliet Dana JRF Blanchette Jenna JRF VanVliet Savannah JRF Coach Charly Kelly Palamar Kiana JRF Whitehorse Home Hardware Building Centre Dickson Teah JRF Beatty Odessa Smeeton Kelsey JRF WoodWalker Hannah JRF Amirault Mike JRM Fortune Robyn JRF Manager Breanne Leschert Smith Anna JRF Wynnyk Jocelyn JRF Banks Travis JRM Proud sponsor of the 2012 Arctic Winter Games Kazemi Shakiba JRF Wallingham Patty JRF Coaches Louis Bouchard, Susan Roy, Khodakarami Ali JRM Lane Mikaela JRF Curling Coach Natasha Bilodeau Natasha Dunmell Korn Dominic JRM Mervyn Amanda JRF Horte Bailey JRF Blisner Jack BM Olynyk Tristen JRM Bonnycastle Brady JRM Nguyen Quynh JRF Meger Kelsey JRF Comin Kale BM Runions Jonathan JRM Dragoman Justin JRM Prensolo Colleen JRF Mohoney Kelly JRF Elias Bodi BM Scoffin Andrew JRM Gray Mason JRM Paint Colour Matching • Forklift Delivery Roots Galena JRF Molloy Sian JRF Goodman Chance BM Sealy Martin JRM Hunter Michael JRM Sam Jacy JRF Coach Rhonda Horte Hanson Alex BM Wintemute Mike JRM Kedziora Charlie JRM Coach Sarah Crane Key Cutting • Kitchen Design Aho David JRM Hope Tyson BM Coach Derrick Lewis Kedziora Henry JRM Carino Christian JRM Burke Ryan JRM Johnson Levi BM Mann Jeremy JRM Bendera Nicole IF Hansen Joshua JRM Hills Kurtis JRM Kazakoff Karter BM Smith Robin JRM Copland Micah IF Hanson Peter JRM Wallace Spencer JRM Kormendy Kadin BM Spycher Albert JRM Enzenauer Avery IF Hermosa Bryan JRM Coach Wade Scoffin Lavallee Malachi BM Tait Lowell JRM Hudson Jesse IF Huggard Rowan JRM Marsh Caleb BM Coach Shaun McLoughlin Lindsey Claire IF Jacobs Jake JRM Dene Games McClelland Ben BM McLeod Marcus BM Parker Ella IF New Gerard JRM Blackjack Dustin Wrestling McQuaig Dylan BM Publicover Terri IF Cleveland Kim JRF Prenoslo Brian JRM Fox Doronn Nobush Nick BM Rivard Odette IF Leas Tanisha JRF THE BEST SELECTION UNDER ONE ROOF Stimson Soleil JRM Tizya Charissa Tetlichi Josh BM Val Hanna IF Munroe Kelly JRF Thomson Will JRM Brown Matthew Troke Devon BM Coach River Walton Broeckx Antoine JRM FOR LUMBER, BUILDING MATERIALS AND Coach Tim Brady Brown Brittney Coaches Barry Blisner, Jamie Cairns Charron-Ohagan Kieran JRM Charlie-Tizya Percilla Snowboarding Dick Terry JRM Eby Brent Hope Tyrell MM FINISHING MATERIALS IN THE YUKON Biathlon – Ski Bellon Lara JRF Coaches Mary Jane Allison, Bruce Ross Findlay Olivia JRF Johnson Jasmine Hare Mike MM Bouffard Francis JRM Reid Clara JRF Mayes Andria McCarthy Matt MM Grant Haylie JVF Mission Staff Peters Ale JRM O’Brien Terrence Weins Tyler MM Pettitt Riley MM Jamnicky Alidas JVM Tracey Bilsky – Chef de Mission Rees Will JRM Primozic Anthony Gale Wyatt MM Schirmer Tim JVM Peter Cassidy – Asst Chef de Mission/Curling Moser Nadia JVF Primozic Sarina Morris Cole MM Waddington Adam JVM Anne Copland – Alpine Ski/Snowboard Sparks Tristan JVM Sembsmoen Taylor Arnold Mike MM Coaches Katrina Couch, Gabriel Rivest Pat Duncan – Hockey Tokic Jakov JVM Vallevand Tayler Glass Tyson MM Megan Freese – Volleyball Coaches Dennis Peters, Laurie Jacobsen Williams Tora-Lee Skookum Mike MM Snowshoeing Leslie Gomm – Soccer Coaches Jonah Caeser, Shirley Close Graeme MM Burke-Forsyth Sara JRF Janet Horton – Biathlon Ski/Snowshoe Biathlon – Snowshoe Dawson Koprowsky Brad MM Bradley Aidan JRM Jenny Imbeau – Figure/Speed Skating Halliday Kieran JRM Moses Isaac MM Roots Logan JRM Kate Olynyk – Basketball/Table Tennis 2281 Second Avenue, Whitehorse Rees Sam JRM Dog Mushing Kulych Brayden MM Londero Kate JVF Sunny Patch – Culture/Newsletter Hoehn Erin JVF Kinvig Rachel JRMX Berube Craig MM Rees Sophie JVF Tammi Sikorski – Gymnastics/Dog Mushing 667-4478 • 1-800-661-0402 Reid Francis JVM Atmanspacher Kat JVMX Soprovich Patrick MM Bonar Sam JVM Bill Stonehouse – Badminton/Wrestling Mon.-Fri. 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Vincent-Brown Pelly JVM Coaches Stephan Atmanspacher, Darren Sinclair Eckart Nigel MM Tokic Tomas JVM Linda Stratis – X-Country Ski/Snowshoe Coach Jim Boyd Kinvig, Chaperone Leanne Kinvig Coaches Jay Glass, Kirk Gale Coach Don White Chaperone Jeane Burke Cody Wilkinson – Arctic Sports/Dene Games Sat.-Sun. 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 10 ULU News Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games ULU News 11 Speed Skating Both Team Yukon and Team Alaska have benefited from Maggie Qi’s Whitehorse training camps by GLENDA KOH

The speed skating family in This was her third camp in Whitehorse is a close-knit one. It Whitehorse and she continued to THANK-YOU turns out it’s a close one across focus on the important skills and the country, too. technique that are the foundation The 2012 Arctic Winter Games would not Last year’s fire at the Canada for speed skating. She has seen Games Centre destroyed all of an improvement in the club since be possible without the following sponsors! the Whitehorse Rapids Speed she was last here in November. Don’t forget Skating Club mats – essential Her advice for the team going safety equipment for any speed into the games is to focus on the the basics, skating club. But in less than fundamentals: “Don’t forget the three months the club was able to basics, even when you’re racing.” even when raise over $100,000 needed to Qi saw nearly twice as many you’re racing. replace them. skaters this time around. That’s “It makes you feel really good because nine skaters from Partners Funding/

to live in the North,” said Laini Anchorage made the journey to Community Klassen, club president and sport Whitehorse to take advantage of chair for the 2012 Arctic Winter Qi’s expertise. In addition, there ing the territory, a few skaters shy Games. were several recreational masters of the full complement of 16. The local community was gen- skaters that joined the camp. Hoffman says the team will erous to the club. Donations Although Team Alaska will benefit from being on home ice. came in from local companies, benefit from the training camp, At last year’s competition in esenting Legacy individuals, and the Yukon according to Klassen, the team to Grand Prairie, the team had to Partners Klondike Government, which provided the beat is NWT. Team NWT held its adjust to the slightly smaller Pr lion’s share of the funding. trials the last weekend in January NHL-sized ice. The four metre Help came from unexpected and will be sending a full team to difference in width between the places, too. the 2012 AWG. NHL ice and the Olympic ice “We put the word out through Team Yukon has its own nota- makes corners tighter, which is Gwìch’inat Eenjit Gàdatr’igwijìlcheii Gidilii Speed Skating Canada, and who bles to watch for, though. Heather no small consideration when ctic Gwich’in Tribal Council stepped up first? Nunavut and Clarke is a 16-year-old Yukoner you’re skimming along on 15-inch Ar Gwich’in Development Corporation Newfoundland, the smallest clubs currently training at the Calgary metal blades. in the country,” Klassen said. As Olympic Oval in the rigorous It’s clear that Whitehorse is well, there was an unnamed indi- Oval Program and the National bound to benefit from the home vidual from Vancouver, who Sport School. She will compete ice advantage as well, with the donated the equivalent of five for Team Yukon at the AWG. opportunity to appreciate the mats. The team has had some small sport’s speed and grace. When The club is hard at work pre- setbacks. Three skaters are cur- asked what attracts young ath- eal paring for the AWG. Recently, rently injured, though only one is letes to speed skating, Klassen the club held a training camp a skating related injury. Coach sums up one more of speed skat- Bor with coach Maggie Qi, who Phil Hoffman is hopeful that they ing’s basic fundamentals: “It’s coaches the national team at the will be able compete at the games. just the love of skating. That’s oval in Calgary. There will be 10 skaters represent- why they’re here.”

Whose Net is it? ficial Team Yukon will be bringing some serious power Of to the courts. Get out and cheer them on! Suppliers by SARA BERGQUIST

My friend Robin and I waited have described this sound as a badminton team is that they are a in line at the Canada Games combination of a player’s tech- really welcoming and fun group Centre. We were deciding what to nique, the type of shuttle and the of skilled athletes. Get out and do for our usual lunch-hour work- tension of the racquet strings. If cheer them on! You are sure to out when the cashier handed the this is true, Team Yukon will be take in some exciting matches family in front of us badminton bringing some serious power to that will entertain and just might racquets and a shuttle. We looked the courts. inspire you to get out and take up at each other and without a word, Team Yukon is coached by a sport you haven’t tried in we followed their lead, rented a Ken Frankish and Abbie Rotundi. awhile.

couple of racquets and headed to Casey Parker, Afsal Djeram and The badminton segment of the Polar the Flexihall. Montong Javannatum will com- Arctic Winter Games will take Neither of us had touched a pete in Juniors and Peter Holm, place at Porter Creek High School racquet in years and we were Mustafa Syed, Emily Knickle and from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily until pretty rusty at first, but some of Sharmaine Chua will compete in the finals. Each athlete will play Lackowicz & Hoffman our skills came back and there Juveniles. 18 matches over four days and NORTHERN CROSS were a lot of laughs. Athletes learn techniques at then the medal rounds. The entire A few weeks later, we were their weekly practices. They need competition will have over 300 able to interview Michael Muller to be able to use explosive motions matches (potentially over 1000 • Business Development • Yukon-Nevada Gold • Staples • Jacob’s Industries Ltd. • Centennial Motors (Sport Chair – Badminton for as they jump and lunge for the games). Bank of Canada • Yukon Chamber of Mines • Kiwi Contracting • Walmart • MacKay LLP Team Yukon) and the team at shuttle. They also focus on cardio If you are interested in getting • Acme Analytical Labs • Wildland Fire Management • G-P Distributing • Bank of Montreal • Yukon Gold Mining Alliance • Victoria Gold • Physio Plus • Super Save Propane their weekly practice. by participating in activities such involved with the sport in Yukon, • Northerm • Yukon Government Department • Medicine Chest • Challenge Community • Yukon Geological Survey As we entered the gym, we as squash, soccer and snowshoe- the Yukon Badminton Association Games • Vandelay Systems of Education Pharmacy Vocational Alternatives • ALS Minerals Friends of the Games could hear the popping sound of ing. Players need cardio fitness so has members in Dawson City, Supporters • Integraphics • Yukon Federation of Labour • Easy Home • Northern Trailer • Kluane Drilling racquets connecting with shuttles. they can endure long games. Whitehorse, Golden Horn, Marsh • Northern Tales • Manitoulin Transport Some badminton commentators Our overall impression of the Lake and Watson Lake. 12 ULU News Whitehorse 2012 Arctic Winter Games