Go back

  Features



NNSL Photo/Graphic

NNSL Logo .
 Email this articleE-mail this story  Discuss this articleOrder a classified ad Print window Print this page

Stars shine in Arviat

Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, January 9, 2008

ARVIAT - A group of NHL old-timers wowed the residents of Arviat this past month, both on and off the ice.

The group was led by former NHL superstar Dale Hawerchuk and provided on-ice entertainment as well as motivational talks to youth.

The group also appeared in Coral Harbour.

NNSL Photo/Graphic

Former NHL superstar Dale Hawerchuk, second from right in front row, led a group of seven former NHLers to visits in Arviat and Coral Harbour this past month. Back row, from left: Mike Ford, Bob Bourne, Jamie Leach, Ray Neufeld and Doug Smail. Front row, from left: Merv Bonderchuk (manager), Gord Paddock, Dale Hawerchuk and Arviat rec co-ordinator Damian MacInnis. - photo courtesy of Gord Billard

Arviat recreation director Damian MacInnis said the visit by the old-timers exceeded his wildest expectations.

He said the former NHLers were great with everyone they encountered, made a definite impact on local kids, and provided some great thrills during an exhibition game against an Arviat senior recreational team.

"There was a negative rumour floating around the region that this program was some sort of fraud or fake of some kind, but nothing could be further from the truth," said MacInnis. "... they were first class and professional all the way and delivered everything they said they would before arriving."

MacInnis said seven former NHLers made the trip (Doug Smail, Mike Ford, Bob Bourne, Ray Neufeld, Jamie Leach, Gordie Paddock and Dale Hawerchuck), and they teamed with a couple of minor hockey and senior players for the exhibition game.

He said the arena was completely sold out for the event and the old-timers didn't disappoint anyone.

"The arena was packed solid and these guys really played hockey instead of just being out there going for laughs or something like that.

"The game was staying pretty close and then Hawerchuk turned to me and asked when I wanted him to really turn it on.

"As soon as I said, "now", he jumped on the ice and went right down and scored two quick goals.

"He was just as good as when he was in the NHL."

MacInnis said the kids really took to the former NHLers and paid attention to every word they said during the motivational talks.

He said the old-timers went out of their way to be accessible to everyone in the community and he couldn't guess how many autographs they signed during their two days in the hamlet.

"Their hands were actually cramping up by the time they were done signing.

"The hall was packed after the game and they probably signed another 300 autographs for the kids at the school.

"You name it and the kids had it to be signed, even their mitts, jackets, hats, arms and faces.

"It was great to see them enjoying their time with the players so much."