RANKIN INLET
Hockey fans in Rankin Inlet had a huge surprise in store for them when it was announced a special exhibition game featuring hometown hero Jordin Tootoo would be held at the local arena tomorrow, April 23, beginning at 8 p.m.

New Jersey Devil Jordin Tootoo will be the star attraction of an exhibition hockey game and silent auction to benefit youth at risk in Rankin Inlet tomorrow, April 23. - NNSL file photo

A special silent auction will also be held during the evening, with all proceeds from the game and auction going to the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre's Youth at Risk program in Rankin.

Rankin recreation co-ordinator David Clark said the two teams in the charity exhibition game were selected using a draft format.

He said Tootoo and Troy Aksalnik will be leading one team, while he and Pujjuut Kusugak will captain the other squad.

"We're pretty excited about the game, and very pleased that all the money we raise will be going towards the friendship centre's youth-at-risk program," said Clark.

"The silent auction will get underway in the community hall around 7 p.m. and run until the end of the hockey game, at which time the winning bids will be determined.

"Jordin told me he was bringing 'a boat load of stuff' to be auctioned, and we also looked to the community to donate other items to add to that.

"We'll definitely be holding a 50-50 draw and doing some other fundraising events throughout the evening that will be a lot of

fun for everyone."

Clark said he has no doubt there will be some exciting items up for grabs at the silent auction.

He said he also has little doubt the action on the ice will provide its share of excitement for the community's hockey fans.

"It's going to be a competitive game.

"Anytime you have the majority, if not all, of the best hockey players from a community playing against each other, of course they're going to want to win.

"It might be all for fun and stuff at the beginning, but you know the guys are going to try and be on the winning side once things get going."

The arena will be reopening for the special night, after the hamlet announced it would be closed for the season earlier this month.

Clark said there may be some water drip from the ceiling during the game, but that should be the extent of any problems.

He said the players can expect the ice surface to be pretty much in the same shape it has been throughout the recently completed hockey season.

"It was just a matter of turning the (ice-making) plant on and letting it run for a couple of days so the ice is in good condition for the game.

"We're expecting a very good crowd for the game and auction.

"Even though there's been a lot of hockey played in Rankin Inlet this year, I would think the fans will always come out any time they get a chance to watch the best player to ever come out of our community, who just happens to be an NHLer.

"Add onto that it's all for a good cause, and we're expecting a solid turnout for the event."

Clark said he hopes all the community's best players are in town and available for the game.

He said the contest will be played under regular senior men's rules, with three 20-minute periods of straight time, and each team having two lines, two pairs of defence and a goalie.

"Jordin requested that each team only use two lines, so that's what we're going to go with.

"The game should be pretty fast paced with two lines and that quality of players.

"Nobody's going to want to be embarrassed out there playing with an NHLer on the ice, so our hockey fans should be treated to a pretty good game.

"It should be a good evening for the whole community and a good charity fundraiser for youth at risk in our community."

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