RANKIN INLET
David Clark never thought he'd see the day when he'd be hoping for the NHL lockout to continue.
Rankin Inlet's Jordin Tootoo of the Detroit Red Wings will be leading the Team Tootoo Hockey Camp in Rankin Inlet this coming weekend if the NHL lockout doesn't end before then. - James McCarthy/NNSL photo |
A huge hockey fan, the Rankin Inlet recreation director is hoping the lockout lasts just a few more days so his community can benefit from one of its own in the world's top professional hockey league.
Should the lockout continue, Rankin's own Jordin Tootoo of the Detroit Red Wings will be home to host the Team Tootoo Hockey Camp this coming Friday, Dec. 14, to Sunday, Dec. 16.
Coaches in the Rankin Inlet Minor Hockey Association (RIMHA) will help Tootoo run the camp.
Clark said Tootoo will spend time on the ice with every minor hockey category in Rankin, from initiation to novice, atom, peewee, bantam, midget and female players.
He said it's expected every player registered for hockey in the community will attend the camp.
"Everyone's pretty excited about this, that's for sure," said Clark.
"I had funding set aside for the camp, in the event the lockout didn't end, through a program my application was accepted for this past summer.
"I've been working on this for awhile and, if nothing changes this week with the lockout, there's going to be a lot of excited young players in town this weekend."
Hockey fans in the community will be excited too, as a special exhibition game during the camp has been announced for this coming Saturday, Dec. 15, at 6 p.m.
Tootoo and his best friend, Troy Aksalnik, a top-tier defenceman in the Rankin Inlet Senior Men's Hockey League, will each draft a team from the best available hockey players in Rankin.
Team Tootoo will then square off against Team Atuat in a one-game, winner-take-all affair.
Clark said local fans can expect a serious game with excellent hockey.
He said the local players will be pumped to play in a game with a real NHLer.
"Every minor hockey group is going to have two on-ice sessions.
"And, as busy as it will be, the camp and the exhibition game won't conflict with any of the senior games or old-timers ice times during the weekend."
Clark said the camp will still proceed, even if the lockout ends. He said the RIMHA coaches will run the camp on their own should that happen.
"It will still be a good time for the players, even though it won't be the same without Jordin, obviously.
"There's about 130 kids registered in minor hockey and, if Jordin's here, we expect they'll all show up, as well as a big crowd for the exhibition game.
"This is the first time since the lockout started I'm hoping they wait a few more days before getting a deal."
