Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Jan 02/03) - The hamlet of Rankin Inlet has an extra reason to celebrate this holiday season.

A wave of excitement washed over Nunavut when Rankin Inlet's Jordin Tootoo was selected to the Team Canada squad for the world junior championships in Halifax. -- NNSL file photo -

Rankin has buzzed with excitement since the news broke on Dec. 16 that Jordin Tootoo was selected to Team Canada's entry at the world junior championships in Halifax.

Alaittuq High principal and well-known Kivalliq hockey coach Donald Clark says Tootoo's selection was no surprise to him.

Clark was confident Tootoo would make the squad because of the great year he's having with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League.

"Jordin's success this year is, really, an indication of all the hard work he's put into his hockey career so far," says Clark.

"Now he's reaping the rewards of all that hard work."

Clark says Tootoo's selection to Team Canada sends a positive message to kids across the country. He says the accomplishment shows a person's success in life is not predetermined by where they're born.

"Jordin overcame many obstacles to get to where he's at, and that's a great example for kids who live in smaller areas that, maybe, don't have as much to offer as the bigger centres.

"If you put your mind to it, and dedicate yourself to something you believe in, you can have success."

Clark says Alaittuq High students are all proud of Jordin's accomplishment.

"Even the students who aren't really into hockey are quite excited about watching the junior games over the holidays and identifying with one of the players being a resident of their own community."

Rankin's Andy Aliyak says he was one of the most excited people in the community when he heard the news Tootoo made the team, because of a special connection to the player.

"I feel like I'm actually part of the team," says Aliyak proudly.

"Jordin and I have the same Inuk name, Kalluk, so this is pretty special for me."

News of Tootoo's selection was an exciting moment for Levinia Brown, who has known the hockey star since he was born.

"To see Jordin achieve such a high honour made me realize anyone who has the determination in their mind, and is willing to put in the effort, can achieve just about anything," says Brown.

"It's a proud time for Rankin Inlet and all of Nunavut."