Pictured above is the Tim Hortons Timbits Hockey team in Iqaluit.

It’s a winter tradition for young children in many parts of Canada, and now Timbits hockey has come to Iqaluit.

The North West Company, Iqaluit’s Amateur Hockey Association and Tim Hortons have partnered up to introduce Tim Hortons Timbits Hockey in the Nunavut capital this year, in what will be an ongoing program.

The Timbits Minor Sports Program is a community-oriented sponsorship program that provides opportunities for kids aged four to nine to play house league sports. The philosophy of the program is not based on winning or losing, but on learning a new sport, making new friends, and just being a kid.

“They had locker rooms with all the jerseys set up and had the kids get dressed. The parents, coaches and kids were super excited; that evening brought a lot of joy to the community,” says Hassan Kassar, Assistant Store Manager of NorthMart Iqaluit.

Each child who particpated received a uniform as well as hockey cards and at the end of the season, will receive a medal.