The Canadian men’s hockey team has faced intense moments during the playoff tournament at Milano Cortina 2026. In a nail-biter quarterfinal match against Czechia on Wednesday, Canada clinched victory in overtime. While many watched the game in English, it was also broadcast in Inuktitut by Pujjuut Kusugak and David Ningeongan, adding tension and excitement to every play, including Mitch Marner’s game-winning goal.
Ningeongan, who provided the Inuktitut play-by-play, described the last few minutes of the game as extremely stressful and emotional. Kusugak, the color commentator, called it the most thrilling game he had ever been part of. Both commentators, hailing from Rankin Inlet in Nunavut, expressed pride in showcasing their language at the Olympic Games.
The duo began their hockey commentary journey at the Beijing Winter Games in 2022, attracting a significant audience across Canada. The Inuktitut coverage of Canadian hockey games in Beijing garnered over 110,000 views on CBC’s digital platforms. The ongoing success at Milano Cortina indicates a growing interest in their charismatic commentary, with the hashtag “InuktitutHockey” gaining popularity on social media.
Kusugak and Ningeongan’s unique ability to switch between multiple dialects has enhanced viewer engagement. They have creatively adapted hockey terminology into Inuktitut, collaborating with the community to ensure accuracy and inclusivity. The community’s involvement has enriched the language and deepened the connection between viewers using different dialects.
Apart from their commentary roles, both Kusugak and Ningeongan have deep roots in hockey, contributing as coaches and players in Inuit communities. Their involvement extends beyond broadcasting, with recent appearances on NHL games for Hockey Night in Canada in Inuktitut with APTN. They view their work as a vital effort to preserve and promote the Inuktitut language, especially among youth.
Looking ahead, Kusugak and Ningeongan aspire to inspire more individuals to engage in sports commentary in Inuktitut. They believe that their contributions to the Olympics and Hockey Night in Canada will pave the way for future language preservation and cultural promotion initiatives, marking their journey as a fulfilling and impactful experience.