RANKIN INLET - The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 169 of Rankin Inlet continued to support local programs by donating more than 200 water bottles to minor hockey earlier this month.

Former Legion president Paul Waye, left, and minor hockey president Ken Beardsall display some of the new water bottles donated to minor hockey by the Legion earlier this month. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Former Legion president Paul Waye said about 300 bottles were purchased.

He said to date, about 230 of them have been distributed to Rankin Inlet Minor Hockey Association (RIMHA) players.

"One group of players didn't get them because they were away at a tryout camp in Iqaluit, but they should have them this week," said Waye.

"Once we decided to do something for local minor hockey, we talked to its executive to find out what we could do to support the players.

"They wanted to do something quick and simple, and water bottles with spouts on them to drink easily through face shields were something a lot of the kids didn't have.

"No hockey league wants to see players sharing water bottles because of H1N1 and other infectious diseases, so they suggested the bottles and that seemed like a good way the Legion could help."

The cost of the bottles and freight totalled about $1,300.

Waye said each player gets to keep their own personal water bottle.

"They all have their own bottle now, so they're expected to keep it clean and not share it with other players.

"To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time the Legion has been able to help RIMHA, and the bottles all have the Legion crest.

"We're also talking about some other things in the future, like sponsoring a tournament or bringing a coach or instructor to the community.

"The Legion helps as many groups or individuals as it can, but it's nice to support hockey because it's so popular in the community."

RIMHA president Ken Beardsall said the coaches and players were very pleased to receive the water bottles.

He said they became an issue due to H1N1 concerns.

"We'd been advised not to let players share water bottles, which is something they've done a lot in the past," said Beardsall.

"According to the coaches, the spouts for easy drinking the bottles came with have been a real Godsend.

"Another aspect of this I like is the poppy on the bottles.

"That helps the kids remember the sacrifices so many Canadians made for them every time they play hockey, not just the one special day a year we all remember."