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Marla Newhook

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Nunavik hockey program to benefit form Dorval Oldtimers hockey tournament

posted by marscoop1 at 11h23

by Marla Newhook

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Marla Newhook

 

While hockey may just be a pastime for many kids, for the native youth of Nunavik in Northern Quebec, it could be the key to a more promising future.

The Nunavik Youth Hockey Development Program (NYHDP) was launched six years by former NHLer Joé Juneau who felt that native kids could benefit from a program that encouraged them to stay in school.

In the beginning, there were barely enough players/students for one competitive team at the midget level,”said Danny Fafard, a representative of the NYHDP. “Now we have a select team in the Atom, Pee wee, Bantam, girls and two in the Midget categories.” 

The program is carried out with the cooperation of the Kativik School Board, and in partnership with Kativik Regional Government and Makivik Corporations.

Encouraging them to stay in school and on the ice results in keeping them out of trouble, said Fafard. Participants are required to keep up or improve their behaviour, attendance and performance in school in order to stay in the program.

“It’s a social program that uses hockey as a tool,” he said. “They love to play but the kids know that they have to put in the effort.”

The teams are also provided with the equipment, if necessary.

The Dorval Oldtimers Hockey League have played a role in providing hockey equipment by holding a donation drive of new and used equipment during their annual tournament which takes place from Jan. 15-22.

Last year they collected and shipped more than 100 cubic feet of new and used equipment to Kuujjuaq which is then distributed to the different communities.

In light of recent events such as the crisis in Attawapiskat where natives are living in squalid conditions, the hockey program in Nunavik is indicative of how positive changes can happen.

“The mentality is changing, parents are now getting involved,” said Fafard.

“When kids are involved in activities it means they’re not out doing vandalism,” added Dorval Mayor Edgar Rouleau who is also involved in the Dorval Oldtimers.

New and used equipment, preferably atom and peewee sizes, can be dropped off at the Dorval Arena during the tournament from Jan. 15-22. 

 

 

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