CORAL HARBOUR - About eight kids in Coral Harbour will be able to play hockey with their friends this year, thanks to a shipment of used hockey equipment donated to the community.

Noel Kaludjak said Kyle Wood did a lot of work with him on the 2009 Christmas Hamper in Coral.

Kaludjak said while Wood moved to Ontario, he didn't forget his former community and he knew how many kids needed gear to be able to play hockey.

He said Coral also owes Ed Picco of First Air a huge thank you for arranging to have the equipment flown to the community free of charge.

"Kyle was a wildlife officer while he was in Coral," said Kaludjak.

"He contacted me to let me know he and his family were collecting used hockey equipment in Ontario, and asked if I'd look after it if he got the gear to Coral.

"We received the gear and we've outfitted two kids already. Our arena is just getting going, so I've been telling kids if they need gear to play hockey this year, I have it at my house and if they come by we'll fix them up."

Kaludjak said Coral is a caring community and he and his fellow volunteers helping with the gear have a good idea which kids could really use it.

He said now that the arena is going and the nasty weather has left Coral, at least for now, they'll be calling the kids to get them outfitted.

"Most of the gear is in pretty decent shape, but, of course, there's some older stuff nobody will probably want. But, if they need it and really want to play, they can probably get by with it

until they get something better.

"We have a lot of good skates, shin pads and other equipment, but some of the gloves are pretty worn in the palms.

"I'd say we have enough equipment to get eight kids dressed for hockey."

Kaludjak said a bunch of sticks also came with the shipment.

He said while some are OK, others will need repair before hitting the ice.

"A lot of the sticks are fine for use now.

"With the others, most of them have really good shafts, but they need to have their blades replaced, so now we're looking for blades to get to the kids, as well.

"It might not be brand new, but I know the kids who play hockey because of this gear will appreciate it.

"It's priceless to see a kid smiling to himself as he walks away carrying his own bag of hockey gear."

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