RANKIN INLET - Three Rankin Inlet hockey players are going to Australia this month to promote hockey in the country.

David Clark, Pujjuut Kusgak and Amauyaq Lindell will join hockey players from across Canada on the Canadian Moose hockey team, playing games in four cities around Australia from June 29 to July 15.

"It's just a great way to promote hockey, watching native Canadians playing the game," said Mark Sadgrove, founder of the team.

Sadgrove said the team plays state and club teams in Brisbane, Coff Harbour, Sydney and New Castle.

The three Nunavut players were brought in by the coach Kevin Huhn, who used to coach Kusgak when he played for the Markham Waxers in 1997.

"He's a first class Canadian in my opinion," said Huhn about why he asked Kusgak to come. "Canadian Moose is all about being good ambassadors to Canada."

Kusgak got Clark and Lindell on board. The trio are in Toronto this week practicing with the team.

"I didn't even know they played hockey down there until I got asked to go," said Clark.

"I think there's no better way to go on a trip," said Clark, who is leaving North America for the first time. "And I'm getting to do what I love to do best."

Kusgak's cousin Lindell is just as excited by the prospect of visiting Australia.

"I didn't have to think twice about saying yes," said Lindell. While he has visited Europe and South America, this is his first time in Australia.

To pay for the trip, the three have done some local fundraising, getting funds from Nunasi Corp., Kivalliq Inuit Association and Jordin Tootoo, said Lindell. The group also raised $3,000 in a penny sale.

The three will travel along with the 25 men and 15 women hockey players who are coming along.