Last Saturday, hockey history was made in Iqaluit.
The first-ever Nunavut Northern Alumni Classic brought former NHL and PWHL players, an Olympian, and hockey fans from across the community together for an unforgettable weekend in support of an important cause. Hosted by Hockey Helps the Homeless, the event has now raised more than $650,000 for two Iqaluit organizations doing vital work in the community: Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre and Annauma Community Foundation.
The lineup featured standout names including Joe Thornton, Jordin Tootoo, and Terry Ryan, with Tootoo leading the Hockey Helps the Homeless All Stars. As the first Inuk player to compete in the NHL, Tootoo’s presence made the event especially meaningful, serving as a powerful reminder of what representation in sport can mean for Inuit and northern youth.
For Canadian North, it was a privilege to be part of an event that brought so much energy, excitement, and heart to the community. As the official airline partner and the proud sponsor of FanFest at Inuksuk High School, we were thrilled to help kick off the day as community members gathered with players, built excitement ahead of the game, and celebrated a shared love of the sport.
That momentum carried into the afternoon’s Fantasy Camp game at the Arctic Winter Games Arena, where participants had the chance to take on the pros themselves. We were especially proud to cheer on our own Mathieu Plamondon, Vice President, Cargo & Airport Services, as he represented Canadian North on the ice.
By the time the alumni game began, the atmosphere in the arena was electric. An estimated 900 fans packed the Arctic Winter Games Arena, many with foam fingers in hand, as excitement built and players took to the ice.
Before the puck dropped, Canadian North’s Cindy Twerdin, Associate Vice President, Government & Community Relations, and Craig Walker, Director of Customer Support & Community Investment, presented a $10,000 cheque in support of Hockey Helps the Homeless’ fundraising efforts for Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre and Annauma Community Foundation. Cindy also had the honour of taking part in the ceremonial puck drop.
On the ice, the game delivered all the excitement fans could have hoped for. The Maple Leafs Alumni narrowly defeated the Hockey Helps the Homeless All Stars 7-6 in a fast-paced matchup that kept the crowd engaged from start to finish.
What made the event even more meaningful was where the funds are going. Both Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre and Annauma Community Foundation are doing important work to strengthen community and support individuals and families across Iqaluit.
At Canadian North, our mission is to make life better in the communities we serve. Events like this show the power of partnership and the meaningful impact that can happen when a community comes together around a shared purpose.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Hockey Helps the Homeless, the Maple Leafs Alumni, fellow sponsors, volunteers, players, and the Iqaluit community for making the weekend an unforgettable one.
