Ref talks up Rankin hockey
Visiting zebras have high praise for Kivalliq enthusiasm
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, April 30, 2014
RANKIN INLET
Getting a chance to work tournaments at the old Rankin Inlet arena has become a relished experience for a number of hockey officials from Manitoba and Alberta.
Jeff Strome, left, and Donald Clark called the championship game at the 2014 Avataq Cup senior men's hockey championship in Rankin Inlet in March of 2014. - photo courtesy Noel Kaludjak |
Winnipeg's Jeff Strome has assigned six refs to Rankin tourneys during the past two seasons, and has, himself, worked games in the Avataq Cup, Polar Bear Plate and Northern Hockey Challenge in Hockey Town.
Strome said the level of hockey is very high at Rankin events.
He said it's fast, clean, hardnosed hockey that's extremely competitive.
"Some rivalries here are intense and, overall, the hockey is on par with what I call at home," said Strome.
"But the atmosphere in the arena is electric, especially as stakes get higher in playoff and medal games.
"Sometimes it's so loud you can't hear your own whistle.
"The Rankin fans don't hold anything back."
Strome said this year's Avataq was very exciting to be a part of.
He said all four teams in the semifinals showed flashes of a championship team throughout the tournament.
"In the end, the difference was the level of play of Iqaluit's top forwards.
"They were too much for Repulse Bay to handle in this year's final."
Lindsey Juniper of Grande Prairie, Alta., has also come to the Kivalliq for a number of tournaments.
He said he had a great time during his trip to Arviat but Rankin fans take games to a whole new level with their exuberance.
"I skated some of the best hockey of my career at the Avataq Cup," said Juniper.
"Everyone is so nice and accommodating, from the local refs you work with to the fans you meet off the ice.
"I didn't know what to expect, but it was more than I could have hoped for."
Juniper, who brought a load of donated top-notch gear to local minor players during his second visit to Rankin, said it can be tough to get away from work to make it from Grande Prairie to Rankin.
He said, hopefully, the next time he's invited back he'll be able to make it work.
"I'd love to work the Avataq again, that's for sure.
"Being part of a hockey tournament in Rankin is very special.
"And I also look forward to seeing the people again and the many friends I've made here during my visits."
