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RANKIN INLET/DETROIT
The popularity of the NHL's Detroit Red Wings received a huge boost in Nunavut earlier this month when Rankin Inlet's own Jordin Tootoo inked a three-year deal worth $5.7 million with the Motor City club on July 1.

Tootoo, 29, had spent his entire career with the Nashville Predators, scoring 46 goals and adding 79 assists during his nine years with the franchise.

He set a personal best in 2011-12 with 77 games played, as well as 24 assists, 30 points and an average icetime per game of 13:09.

Rankin resident Gabe Garlik said the entire community is excited about Tootoo signing with an Original Six team.

He said the fact Detroit is a perennial legitimate Stanley Cup contender only heightens the excitement.

"It would really be something if he won a Cup with Detroit and brought it home to Rankin Inlet for a day," said Karlik.

"If that happens, the celebration would be so huge they should just shut the hamlet down for a week and call it a Cup holiday."

For the complete story on Tootoo's signing with Detroit and local reaction, please see the July 18 edition of Kivalliq News.

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