Roadhouse wins broomball Northern Cup in all-local final

It may have been the first time teams from outside the Yukon had come to Whitehorse for broomball, but the finals were between two local teams.

It may have been the first time teams from outside the Yukon had come to Whitehorse for broomball, but the finals were between two local teams.

The final exciting game of the Northern Cup/Bob Park memorial Ice Breaker came down to Coyne (Na-cho Nyak Dun) and the Roadhouse at Takhini Arena Sunday afternoon, with Roadhouse nearly securing a shutout until the final seconds of the game.

The ball spent equal time on either side of the ice, but Coyne found themselves without many scoring chances, leaving them behind by two up until the final minute.

As Coyne’s frustration became clearer in the second period, the penalties racked up with players from both sides taking to the bench. Coyne received little help during the penalty time, as their players were taking time out as often as Roadhouse’s.

Coyne’s goalie spent much of the game outside of the crease to help his struggling team, and once he was finally pulled in the final minutes of the game the team went into overdrive to make up the deficit facing them.

With about 17 seconds left in the second period, Coyne got their only goal of the game, ensuring they would not finish scoreless to Roadhouse.

Scott Smith from the Yukon Broomball Association says the game was exciting, with lots of back and forth action right up until the final minute.

“In the end the better team took it,” said Smith.

The tournament was a long one, Smith says, which lead to the bronze medal game being cancelled.

“The team didn’t want to go that way,” said Smith. Both teams decided to opt out after the longevity of the playoffs leading up to the final games.

The winner of third place was based on the two team’s performance throughout the entire weekend.

Smith says the tournament’s other success was the celebrations after the games.

“It was very popular,” he said. The association received positive feedback about the after-party, where guests won door prizes and celebrated after each game.

“The whole event went off well, we’re very pleased with it,” said Smith.

This was the first Northern Cup. After the success, Smith says it will be held again in two year’s time in Yellowknife, and in either Homer or Anchorage, Alaska in four years.

“Everybody was very positive.” said Smith. “They’re pumped.”

The tournament took place at Takhini Arena, instead of the broomball association’s usual outdoor rink in Takhini North where ice is still being put in. Smith says the change in venue didn’t change much about the games.

“Indoor ice is slightly different,” he said. “The game doesn’t change too much.”

As for the size of the arena, Smith says the ice they usually play on is slightly bigger than what is at Takhini.

The Yukon Broomball Association’s regular league play will start up in a week or so, once the ice is finished.