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RANKIN INLET
Female hockey could take a big stride forward after 30 bags of donated equipment were distributed in Rankin Inlet this past week.

Olivia Tugak, 17, is ready for the ice while getting outfitted in new hockey gear in Rankin Inlet this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Lisa Brunet, 34, was surprised by how few females were playing when she came to Rankin last October.

To Brunet, the game seemed to have good support in the 14 to 18 age bracket, but only four or five women were coming out to a Sunday time slot for adult female hockey.

Brunet started helping Catherine Ayaruak and Amy Kaludjak run the program, and soon realized a lack of equipment was the main reason so few females were playing.

She decided to make a call for help to her old skating grounds to address the lack of gear.

"I used to play in the Winchester and District Ladies Hockey League in Ontario, so I called the league president and, two weeks later, we had 30 bags of equipment here," said Brunet.

"Carleton University in Ottawa also got involved, sending us T-shirts, neck guards and mouth guards, while North Dundas sent about 20 sets of sweaters and socks.

"Then the Canadian Adult Recreational Hockey Association chipped in with 20 equipment bags and First Air brought it all up for us."

Brunet has played hockey since the age of seven and said she's optimistic the female game will grow in Rankin during the coming year.

She said a change in ice time would also help.

"Sunday at noon isn't the best, and we don't play at all when there are tournaments.

"Hopefully, we'll get time during the week next year.

"Eight women and eight girls got complete sets of equipment, and a bunch more got the bits and pieces they needed, so I hope we see them all on the ice next year."

Olivia Tugak, 17, is one person who left with new gear.

Tugak said she's never played organized hockey and can't wait to start.

She said there's no doubt in her mind female hockey can grow in Rankin.

"I love hockey and I'm already excited about next year," said Tugak.

"I'd go skating with my cousin and be jealous of how he skated, so now I want to be able to skate like that.

"You look at how many came out for gear and you know female hockey can, definitely, really get going again in Rankin."

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