ARVIAT - The Arviat Hockey League has taken a stand to try and encourage younger players to stay in school.

Gleason Uppahuak and John Arnalukjuak High School principal Jay Thomas, right, talk about student attendance in Arviat this past week. - photo courtesy of Gleason Uppahuak

The three-team loop has announced, beginning this season, midget-aged players must attend school on a regular basis to play, no matter how good they are on the ice.

Gleason Uppahuak is president of the Arviat Senior Men's Hockey Association.

Uppahuak said when he presented the policy to the loop's executive members, they firmly supported the move.

He said a meeting with John Arnalukjuak High School principal Jay Thomas followed and, once they had the school's support, the policy was officially announced.

"The move is to promote better education and the importance of attending school regularly in our community," said Uppahuak.

"So, from now on, it's no school, no hockey!

"We had four teams in the league last year, but we decided to go with three this season because we had players who didn't come out regularly.

"That would leave teams with only one or two subs on the bench some nights, which takes the enthusiasm out of the game, and the calibre of hockey goes down because the players are too tired to be always at their best."

Thomas said he was happy to learn of the hockey league's new initiative.

He said the policy is exciting and welcomed by the school.

"This shows the community is beginning to support attendance at school, and there are people who want to get some of these students back in class," said Thomas.

"This policy is worth a try because we're always looking for ways to get some of our non-attenders or poor attenders back in school.

"I'm optimistic about this, and I know Gleason is the type of person who will follow up on what he puts in place.

"This has the potential to do a lot of good, in terms of encouraging some of these students to attend school on a regular basis."

Eskimo Point Lumber and Leonard and Associates are co-sponsoring one team, while Panainaaq Construction and Arviat Truck Rental round out the Arviat Hockey League.

Each sponsor recruits a team captain and they work together to draft registered players to form their team.

Uppahuak said the league was successful this past year, and he's hoping a better calibre of hockey will attract even bigger crowds this season.

"We're also planning a local hockey pool to help raise funds and provide a little fun for the fans.

"People pick any five players in our league and a goalie to earn points from their performance," said Uppahuak.

"Entries are $10 each and the money will be split 50-50 between our association and the prizes."