Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, August 1, 2007

RANKIN INLET - Three hockey players from Rankin Inlet had the chance to represent their country in the land down under this past month.

Amauyaq Lindell, Pujjuut Kusugak and David Clark, from left, of Rankin Inlet have a laugh in front of the Steve Irwin Tribute at the Australia Zoo in Sydney, Australia, in July of 2007. - Photo courtesy of Pujjuut Kusugak

Pujjuut Kusugak, David Clark and Amauyaq Lindell went to Australia to play 10 exhibition games with the Canadian Moose hockey club.

The Moose played five games against teams in the Australian semi-pro league and five against senior squads.

Clark said the hockey was a mixed bag as far as the quality of the teams they faced.

He said the games against the semi-pro teams were competitive and well attended.

"Their semi-pros would be about the equivalent of a good Junior B team in Canada," said Clark.

"We still won every game by four or five goals, but the teams were competitive.

"The games we played against the senior teams weren't at the same level.

"We didn't have much of a problem handling those guys."

Clark said the three Rankin players enjoyed their visit and were fortunate to be travelling with a team that had a lot of "good guys" on it.

He said people were nice everywhere they went, and those involved with hockey made a big deal out of the visiting Canadians.

"Two guys on our team were offered contracts and decided to stay.

"They're right in the middle of their season down there now."

Clark said what he saw of eastern Australia was absolutely beautiful.

He said while it was exciting to face off with the Sydney Ice Dogs and Sydney Bears, one of the best parts of the trip was getting to take part in three hockey camps for kids.

"You wouldn't believe how excited those kids were to be on the ice with us.

"They thought we were like NHL superstars."

Kusugak was also offered a contract to remain in Australia and suit up with one of the semi-pro squads.

The teams find a job for a player who signs, and provide housing, groceries and a vehicle during their stay.

"Three teams were interested in me, but my wife and I just bought a house in Rankin so the timing wasn't right," said Kusugak.

"The offers came the day before we left, which didn't give me any time to try and work things out, so I had to pass on this one."

Kusugak said the Rankin players were invited back to the Moose next year.

But, at a cost of about $3,000 each, they'll have to see how things go before making a commitment.

"We fundraised a bit for this trip, and we were lucky to get some great sponsors who helped us out big time, but it's a lot of money involved.

"The Moose asked me to be team captain next year, so I'd love to go, but it's too early to say for sure if we'll be able to raise the money again."

Lindell said he was a bit surprised by how many hockey players in Australia are from Canada.

He said the continent is still developing its hockey program, so many of the local players started at the same time and are at the same level.

"They're really competitive when you play against them, even though their skills aren't up to our level yet," said Lindell.

"They were really hungry to learn and it looks like they're going to progress fairly quickly."

Lindell said while the game is relatively new to most of the kids he met, their skill level is high and they could easily fit in with Northern kids the same age (eight to 10).

"We stuck with the basics during our three camps with them - skating, stickhandling and proper positioning - and they were really eager to learn.

"Minor hockey does almost its entire program during the summer there because they had to compete so hard for ice time with the figure skaters and the semi-pro league during the winter.

"They do roller hockey in the winter, so they pretty much play hockey all year, which should help to develop their skills quickly."

Away from the rink, Lindell said he will always have fond memories of their week in Brisbane with billets who lived out in the country.

He said they were awesome people who really made their guests feel at home.

"They asked specifically for us when they saw our profiles because we were all hunters.

"We got along well and I hope we get the chance to spend time together again."