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NNSL photo

Players from the Rankin Inlet Minor Hockey Association's initiation program go through their pre-game warm-ups under the watchful eye of coach Shawn Maley at the Corn and Apple Festival in Morden, Man. - Photo courtesy of Darrin Nichol

Kids' turn to shine

Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Apr 21/04) - A youthful group of Rankin Inlet hockey players had their first taste of the big time recently.

The Rankin squad participated in the 12-team Corn and Apple Festival initiation tournament in Morden, Man.

Coach Shawn Maley found the tournament on the Internet this past fall.

Originally slated to be a one-day tournament, Maley phoned event organizer Chad Sheldon to see what they could work out.

"I told Sheldon we'd love to go down, but it was hard to justify the expense for a one-day event," said Maley.

"He was pretty happy to get a call from a guy in Nunavut wanting to bring a team to his tourney, so he went the whole 10 yards in making it work for us.

"It was just a great experience for the kids." Rankin sent eight players to the tournament -- Sidney Nichol, Connor Faulkner, Kain Komaksiutiksak, Lennon Airut, Jeremy Maley, Billy Angentsiak, Clarke Makpah and Jason Ugjuk.

The kids were accompanied by coaches Maley, Darrin Nichol and Steve Faulkner.

One guardian also made the trip with each player.

The emphasis at the tournament was on having fun and simply playing the game.

The scores were recorded, but there were no wins or losses kept in the standings.

Maley said the Rankin kids exceeded all expectations with their play, especially considering they were up against teams that play 60 games a season.

"Other than a few scrimmages against the novice kids in Rankin, this was the first time our guys had ever played on full ice, so it was a different experience for them."

A trip to remember

The kids also got to spend a few days in Winnipeg, which included a practice on big city ice and a tour of the Manitoba legislature.

"We took them to the kids' museum while they were in Winnipeg and they had a big event waiting for them in Morden.

"Our guys presented the Manitoba kids with a Nunavut flag autographed by Jordin Tootoo, so everybody got a big kick out of that.

"I'd say it was a trip the kids will remember for quite a time."