KANGIQLINIQ/RANKIN INLET
Winter's first snowstorm is in the books, the ice is in at the arena, and Rankin Inlet's Department of Recreation is gearing up for another season in Hockey Town.

Rec co-ordinator David Clark displays two of the brand-new goalie gloves donated to minor hockey in Rankin Inlet this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Rankin's minor hockey program is receiving a huge boost this season, with $10,000 worth of brand-new equipment being distributed so a number of local youths can continue playing the coolest game on Earth.

The gear comes courtesy of the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program, with help from the Motivate Canada organization.

Rec co-ordinator David Clark said he hopes to distribute the equipment this coming week.

He said the gear comes as a full hockey outfit for kids aged five to seven, and as separate pieces of equipment for the older players.

"We also have a bit leftover from this past season, because a lot of people in Rankin are pretty good at donating gear they're not using anymore," said Clark. "That really helps the community by allowing kids who might not be able to afford new gear to keep playing.

"At the end of the day, I hope to have every kid who wants to play on the ice."

The new hockey season will also see a hockey camp held the week of Oct. 20 to 25 for all minor-aged players.

The week is one of professional development for teachers at Rankin schools, freeing up every kid who wants to take part.

The camp will be led by Clark and Australian instructor Debbie Strome.

Clark said the Nunavut Literacy Council, Hockey North branch and the Rankin Inlet Minor Hockey Association are all on-board with the camp.

He said a coaching clinic will also be held as part of the week's activities.

"We're going to take some of the older boys in midget to help with the camp.

"We've had two registration days so far, with one more to come this Friday (Oct. 10), and it's going well.

"Our numbers were very good this past season, compared to the rest of Nunavut, and they've been creeping up slowly during the past couple of years.

"We have a lot more girls playing hockey now, and our numbers are strong in atom and peewee, which looks good for the future of hockey in the community."