Musher Profiles

Here are the profiles for the 2007 contestants .

 

1. Edward Obrecht (aka "Ed the Sled") Lady-Smith, Quebec

Occupation:  - Carpenter
Sponsors:  - Expedition Radissson, Bureau Buracho, Wakefield General Store
How did you get started?  - I have been running dogs for 10 years, I started out skijoring with Golden Retrievers
Why run dogs?  - Because they can and love to! And it's magic...
Why did you enter the Hudson Bay Quest?  - Fun, Challenge and Adventure
What goals do you hope to achieve in this race?  - Complete the race... and make it back to Churchill in time for "Prime Rib" at the Banquet

2. Gerald Azure (Churchill Manitoba)

Occupation           - Licensed Outfitter/Eco-tourism Operator/Calm Air Maintenance
Sponsors              - Blue Sky Bed & Sled
Kennel                  - Blue Sky Expeditions (www.blueskymush.com)
How did you get started?  - The youngest of 10 children, I was first exposed to sled dogs at age five as my father worked a trap line and fished commercially.  My love and respect for dogs began with two husky/malamute crosses. In 2000 I moved to Churchill and recreational mushing grew into an eco-tourism business and bed & breakfast which keeps my spouse and I very busy with twenty four energetic dogs.
Why did you enter the Hudson Bay Quest?  - Dog sledding and participation in the HBQ helps us retain the history and heritage of the aboriginal people in the North. It is a personal challenge for me as well as my dogs.
What are your race goals? - This is the third time I have entered, and this year I hope to not only complete the race but improve on my previous times.

 

3. Darryl Baker (Arviat, Nunavut)

Occupation: -  Student

How did you get started?  - I have been running dogs for 5 years.  I always wanted dogs so I started when I was still in school.
Why did you enter the HBQ? - To compete
What goals to you hope to achieve in this race?  - To finish in the top 5

4. David Daley (Churchill, Manitoba)

Occupation: - Licensed Outfitter/Ecotourism operator/ Aircraft Mechanic
Sponsors: -  Wapusk General Store
Kennel: -  Wapusk Adventures (www.wapuskadventures.com)
Why did you enter the HBQ?  - To compete against my friends and meet new people.
What goals so you hope to achieve in this race? - I hope to finish in the top 3 with a healthy team.

 

5. Phillip Kigusiutnak (Arviat, Nunavut)

Occupation:  - Hunter
Years running dogs:  - Since I was very young (sixty years), I was taught by my parents
Why run dogs:   - It's traditional
Why did you enter the HBQ:  - This is the 4th race for me.  I enjoy meeting other mushers, and winning the prize money!

 

6. Andy Kowtak (Arviat, Nunavut)

Occupation:  - Hunter/trapper
Years running dogs:  - I have been running dogs for nearly 50 years, I learned from my father at a young age.
Why did you enter the HBQ:  to Win!
What goals do you hope to achieve in this race:  - Win with a happy team

7. Charlie Lundie (Churchill, Manitoba)

Occupation:  - Musher
Sponsor:  - Aurora Inn
How did you get started:  - I've been running dogs for 6+ years, it was in the back of my mind for years, the right time and place just came along
Why did you enter the HBQ:  - For the race and to meet other musher's
What goals do you hope to achieve in this race? - To finish in the top 5 or just finish.

 

8. Quincy Miller (Potato Lake, Saskatchewan)

Occupation:  - Wilderness Tour Operator/AME
Kennel & Sponsor: -  Paws & Paddles  (www.pawsandpaddles.com)
How did you get started?  - I found a dog team on Bigstone lake with no driver.
Why run dogs?  - Snowmobiles make poor travel companions
Why did you enter the HBQ?  - I wanted to visit friends in Arviat & Churchill
What goals do you hope to achieve in this race?  - I hope to learn more about the arctic and make it in time for the banquet with happy dogs!

 

9. Reverend C. Jimmy Muckpah (Arviat, Nunavut)

Occupation:  - Reverend/Musher
Years running dogs: - I have been running dogs for 50 years, I use them for hunting.
Why did you enter the HBQ?  - To experience it
What goals do you hope to achieve in this race? - To win and to travel from Arviat to Churchill.

 

10. David Oolooyuk (Rankin Inlet, Nunavut)


Occupation:  - Hunter/Trapper
Why run dogs?  - I have been running dogs for 40 years, I grew up with it.


* David was the winner of the inaugural HBQ 2004

 

11. Andrew Panigoniak ( Arviat, Nunavut)

Occupation: - Hunter
Why do you run dogs? - I have been running dogs for nearly 20 years and I enjoy the annual races in Rankin Inlet and Arviat.
Why did you enter the HBQ? - Because I enjoy racing

*  Andrew was the winner of the 2006 HBQ

 

12. Dominic Pingushat (Arviat, Nunavut)

Occupation:  - Bylaw Enforcement Officer
Why run dogs?  - I have been running for 35 years, because it's fun.
Why did you enter the HBQ?  - To get away from work for a few days

 

13. George Sinclair (Churchill, Manitoba)

Occupation:  - Cargo handler
Sponsor: - Self
How did you get started?   - My dad had dogs for as long as I can remember.  I used to race around "The Flats" when I was a little boy. I have been running dogs for 40 years.
Why run dogs?  - That's all we had back in the day.  I love dogs
Why did you enter the HBQ?  - The challenge.
What goals do you hope to achieve in this race? - To finish the race in good time

14. Harry Towtongie  (Rankin Inlet, Nunavut)

Occupation:  - Businessman
Sponsors:  - My wife
How did you get started? -  Had no snow machine one year, picked up dogs around town.  Big ones/Small Ones. I've been running dogs for 20 years;
Why run dogs?  - Great way to stay in shape, get out and beat other musher's.
Why did you enter the HBQ?  - The challenge of trying to finish
What do you hope to achieve in this race?  - Learn more about long distance running.