The Canadian men’s hockey team at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics faced a tense situation during the playoff tournament. In a nail-biting quarterfinal match against Czechia on Wednesday, Canada secured a victory in overtime. While the game was predominantly watched in English, it was also broadcast in Inuktitut by Pujjuut Kusugak and David Ningeongan, who provided intense play-by-play commentary, including Mitch Marner’s game-winning goal.
Ningeongan, the Inuktitut play-by-play commentator, described the last few minutes of the game as highly stressful and emotional. Kusugak, the color commentator, expressed that being part of such an exhilarating game was a unique experience.
Both Kusugak and Ningeongan, hailing from Rankin Inlet in Nunavut, considered it an honor to call hockey in their native language at the Olympic Games. Their commentary journey began at the Beijing Winter Games in 2022, attracting a wide audience across Canada. The Inuktitut broadcasts of Canadian hockey games in Beijing garnered over 110,000 views on CBC’s digital platforms. The viewership for Milano Cortina is expected to surpass these numbers with the medal matches still to come.
The charisma and popularity of Kusugak and Ningeongan’s commentary have led to increased engagement, with viewers sharing their experiences using the hashtag “InuktitutHockey.” Their ability to engage various dialects and incorporate community feedback into their commentary has been instrumental in expanding the reach of hockey in Inuktitut.
The commentators have navigated challenges in translating hockey terminology into Inuktitut, seeking community input for words like “puck” and “icing.” Collaborating with local viewers and engaging with different dialects has been crucial in ensuring the authenticity and inclusivity of their broadcasts.
Hockey holds a special significance in Inuit communities, with both Kusugak and Ningeongan having deep roots in the sport as coaches and players. Their involvement extends beyond commentary, with Kusugak having played professionally and Ningeongan renowned as a goalie in Nunavut.
As advocates for preserving the Inuktitut language, Kusugak and Ningeongan hope their work during the Olympics and Hockey Night in Canada inspires more people to embrace their native language in sports broadcasting. Their passion for the game and commitment to promoting their language signify a dream job that goes beyond mere commentary duties.