Rankin Inlet (May 07/03) - Rankin Inlet's hometown hero will have a pleasant surprise awaiting him at the local arena this summer.

A group of four Art 30 students at Alaittuq High have created a large oil painting of Jordin Tootoo to hang in the lobby of the Rankin arena.

The students are Elizabeth Henrie, Jimmy Naulalik, Sahanta Masuzumi and Joanne Kent.

Visitors to the Rankin arena will be greeted by the image of the bruising winger in full flight, his Team Canada jersey rippling with the speed of his assault on an enemy net.

Art teacher Chris Eccles said the students, like most in the community, appreciate the attention Jordin has brought to Rankin Inlet.

He told his students more should be done to celebrate the fame Tootoo has brought to his home town.

"I was mentioning to the students that our local arena really doesn't reflect much about the fact that Jordin is from here," said Eccles.

"From that, the idea came up about creating a mural."

The students looked over numerous images of Tootoo in action until they found the right one to inspire their efforts.

The painting took about 17 days to complete, with each artist taking a turn to complete a different section. Masuzumi said the young artists were excited to create a piece commemorating all Tootoo has done for his community.

He said they were pleased to learn hamlet council had agreed to hang the painting in the arena.

"The painting showcases our talent, and, at the same time, the amazing skill of Jordin as hockey player," said Masuzumi.

"He's worked hard to get where he is today and his success shows what you can accomplish when you put your mind to it. I really hope he likes the painting."

Eccles said the hamlet became involved when he talked to Coun. Justin Merritt during parent-teacher day at Alaittuq High.

"He (Merritt) thought it was a great idea, so I wrote a letter to council requesting the hamlet's permission to hang the painting in the arena.

"Council approved the idea, so now we're waiting for things to get back to normal after Pakallak Tyme and we'll have a special ceremony to hang the painting.

"It should be a pretty exciting day. The students did a great job."