How Olympic hockey broadcasts in Inuktitut became a streaming success
CBC
The men’s hockey playoff tournament at Milano Cortina 2026 has been a stressful affair for Canada.
Wednesday’s quarterfinal match against Czechia came down to a nail-biter, with Canada winning in overtime.
While many were watching the game from the English broadcast, the game was also called in Inuktitut, with Pujjuut Kusugak and David Ningeongan making every tense call, including Mitch Marner's OT winner.
“It was a really stressful last few minutes of the third period. So it was very emotional,” said Ningeongan, who does the Inuktitut play-by-play.
“It was the most exciting game to ever be part of,” said Kusugak, who provides colour commentary.
From Rankin Inlet in Nunavut, both Kusugak and Ningeongan said being able to call hockey at the Olympic Games in their own language is an honour.
“It's really special for the NHL players to be able to come back and for us to use our language again,” said Kusugak.
“It's always just an honour and absolute privilege to be able to do this kind of thing.”
Kusugak and Ningeongan began calling hockey for CBC Olympics at the Beijing Winter Games in 2022, and people from all across the country tuned in.
Canadian hockey games in Inuktitut at Beijing saw over 110,000 video views across all of CBC’s digital platforms in 2022, and Milano Cortina is currently tracking above that with the men’s hockey medal matches still to come.
Kusugak and Ningeongan’s charisma over the broadcast has made their commentary increasingly popular for viewers, with people sharing their thoughts over social media with the hashtag “InuktitutHockey.”
“It's non-Inuit as well in southern Canada that tune into the show,” Ningeongan said.
“They say they don't understand what we're saying, but the energy is there, and we're always excited to be part of the team.”
Even before Beijing, Kusugak and Ningeongan were making their way into the world of hockey commentary.
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