MITTIMATALIK/POND INLET - During the winter there are many games of shinny or pond hockey played in Pond Inlet but there was only one played with an NHL hockey player.

Colorado Avalanche hockey player Kyle Quincey was in Pond Inlet in mid-April to donate $26,000 worth of new hockey equipment. He also played a game of shinny on the pond. From left are Annie Koonoo, Lootie Atagootak, William Atagootak, Sally Atagootak and Quincey. - photo courtesy of Colin Saunders

"It was exciting because usually there are no NHL players in our town," said Mishel Pewatoalook, 13 about Colorado Avalanche defenseman Kyle Quincey's visit to the community from April 15 to 18.

Pewatoalook, who has been playing hockey for the last four years, said he played on the team opposing Quincey but that they both play defense.

The player's visit was part of Project North and the National Hockey League Players' Association Goals and Dreams program.

Project North runs community-based and national funding initiatives to generate opportunities to provide literacy and fitness programs which benefit Inuit youth.

In total, a group of 12 people were in Pond on behalf of various organizations and sponsors.

"It was a great weekend with Kyle," said Colin Saunders, acting assistant senior administrative officer.

Saunders said the group brought along with them approximately $26,000 worth of new hockey equipment made up of 18 full sets of hockey gear.

"I've got my own stuff but now more kids will get to play," said Roland Apak, 14, who has been playing hockey for the last five years.

The equipment will be kept at the arena so more kids can use it.

On April 16, Quincey and the other visitors were taken out on a day trip with outfitter Dave Reid from Polar Sea Adventures to go see nearby glaciers.

On the morning of April 17, they went dog sledding and played hockey in the afternoon.

It was agreed the highlight for everyone of Quincey's visit was the pond hockey game.

He said one of the reasons he came on the trip was to put a face on the equipment being donated.

"The whole reason we went was to see the smiles of joy on their faces," Quincey said.

Originally from Caledon, Ont., Quincey said this was his first visit to the North. He said he was surprised people had cell phone service.

"People are so happy and they sustain themselves with so little, it's pretty remarkable."

On his way back to Iqaluit, Quincey took part in a face-off competition at the airport in Clyde River. He said he got beat out by an airport staffer.

"I was surprised on the skill level of a lot of the kids," Quincey said.

He also gave tips and tried to share some life long lessons.

Apak said Quincey gave him some advice he will remember for the rest of his life: "Work hard."

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