Minor hockey takes spotlight
Rankin Rock nip Coral 3-2 in thrilling Arctic Atoms final
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Monday, March 28, 2016
RANKIN INLET
The Rankin Rock defeated Coral Harbour 3-2 in overtime to claim the Arctic Atoms championship in thrilling fashion in Rankin Inlet earlier this month.
It looked like history might repeat itself for the majority of the game as, for the second time this month, a Coral goaltender stoned the Rankin attack time after time.
Ramsey Eetuk looked like a smaller version of Avataq Cup champion goalie Joe Nakoolak Bruce of Coral, as he kept his team in the battle for the title despite being outshot more than three to one during the course of the championship game.
Eetuk received a pretty good consolation prize when he was named the tournament's best goaltender.
Arviat defeated a combined girls atoms and peewee team to claim bronze at the event.
Rock head coach and tournament organizer David Clark said this year's tournament went well from a number of different perspectives.
He said although there were some lopsided encounters, there were also a number of really close, nail-biting games.
"We didn't have any off-ice issues, nor did we have any kids acting out on the ice this year," said Clark.
"It was good, clean, competitive hockey and that was really nice to see."
Clark said he was down to his last nerve during the gold medal game, especially after Coral tied it 2-2 with about 10 minutes left to go in the third period.
He said there were times late in the third and in overtime he almost didn't want to look, as Coral got near the Rankin net.
"The gold medal final was probably the best game I was a part of at any level this year.
"The game was pure heart-pumping excitement.
"That was the most nervous I've ever been, either coaching or playing, and I've been in a lot of big games.
"It's a little different than playing when you're coaching a bunch of kids you're really pulling for."
Clark said the tournament was supported by good crowds throughout the weekend.
He said a huge crowd came out on the first night to watch the combined Rankin novice and Whale Cove team play its first game.
"These little, little guys were playing in their first tournament ever, and it was pretty impressive to see how large of a crowd came out to cheer them on.
"We had great crowds during the playoffs on the final day, and the girls team put on a great show against Coral in their semifinal.
"The bronze medal game between Arviat and the girls was a really, really good game too.
"The quality of hockey seems to be getting better each year at that level and that's really good to see."
