Pictured above: Ulukhaktok Blizzards minor hockey team wearing its new blue and white jerseys

The lack of a coordinated uniform didn’t stop the minor hockey team in Ulukhaktok, NT from playing the game they love – but a recent donation of brand-new team jerseys has them even more excited to hit the ice.

Over the past few years Jessica McConkey, Ulukhaktok’s Northern store manager has been cheering on the Blizzards, an Ulukhaktok minor hockey team. Two years ago, while attending the team's games and training sessions, she took note that the team could use some new jerseys.

McConkey set up a brainstorming session with the team’s coach and assistant coach, and together they began making plans for the new jerseys. They worked together for two years to develop the team’s logo design, and when they were ready, McConkey pitched the idea to Alonzo Ellis, Director of Sales Operations, who was more than happy to help support the youth.

Pictured above: The Blizzards show the design of the back of their new jerseys.

McConkey was excited to present two sets of jerseys to the Blizzards’ coach – white jerseys for home games and royal blue for away games, both with the team’s logo on the front and the Northern store logo on the back.

The Blizzards have attended the Gwichin Cup in Inuvik in the past and are looking forward to one day attending again. Due to pandemic, no games were held outside the community this year but this is not stopping them. The Blizzards continue to train three times a week and have been able to scrimmage against each other.

“The support given to the hockey team meant a lot. The players were ecstatic over receiving jerseys and having support from the Northern store,” McConkey shared. “This team continues to work hard and their love for the game shows each time they step out onto the ice. It’s been over a month and I’m still getting huge thank you’s from team members and the coaches. They are wearing their jerseys with pride each practice and game and will continue to do so.”