2026 Games Kick Off

The Arctic Winter Games have officially begun. The energy was palpable at the Canada Games Center on the morning of March 8^th as the first athletic events kicked off. Athletes, coaches, supporters, spectators, and volunteers poured through the doors bright and early, before the sun had come up. Athletes wore smiles mixed with looks of focus as they watched other teams and prepared to compete. 

Among the first events was the U16 Male Futsal Sápmi versus Northern Alberta, which had a high energy start at 8 a.m. The referees described the start of the Games as “pretty exciting”, noting several of them had participated for multiple years. Turnover between games happened quickly as the first game wrapped up with a 4-0 victory for the Sápmi team and the U16 Female Northwest Territories and Yukon teams quickly took to the court. 

The first hockey game of the Games featured the home Yukon team matched against the Alaska U15 Male team. The stands at the Canada Games Center rink were packed as the first players took to the ice and cheering erupted at the first announcers’ voices echoed through the speakers. Yukon Premiere, Currie Dixon, dropped the first puck for the tournament as the crowd watched on. There wasn’t a quiet moment throughout the game, especially as the home team claimed the first goal. 

The stands were also packed to watch the first basketball game of the Games based at Porter Creek Secondary. The first basketball game featured the Yukon home team matched against the U19 Female Alaska team. Claire Abbott, head coach for the U19 Female Yukon team, said there were a lot of “big feelings” surrounding the start of the Games — including excitement, energy, and a few nerves — as the team included athletes experiencing both their first and last Arctic Winter Games. She commended the athletes for starting the Games with “grace” and “sportsmanship”. The Yukon team went on to win the match with a final score of 97 to 11. Supporters in the stands cheered, chanted “defense”, and waved signs throughout the game while team members and coaches gave feedback and encouragement from the sidelines. 

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Author: Madelaine Anderson 

March 8, 2026

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