Crime-busting hockey works well in Nunavik

Young players pledge to attend school, volunteer in communities

By JANE GEORGE

KUUJJUAQ — The Nunavik Youth Development Program, which uses hockey as a crime prevention tool, is progressing well, says the Kativik Regional Government.
During the last week of October, local hockey trainers met in Kuujjuaq to learn new drills and teach hockey to youth from five to 16.

An autograph session with Joé Juneau was included in the schedule for the 170 kids who signed up for the program.

Juneau, a 38-year-old university-educated engineer, Olympic medalist and former NHL player, is working with the hockey-based Nunavik Youth Development Program.

Juneau and the KRG’s recreation department are establishing an ice hockey program for Nunavik that meets Quebec Ice Hockey Federation standards.

At the same time, they’re qualifying local trainers and working with young hockey players. These players are supposed to improve their attendance and performance in school, eat good food and be active as volunteers in their communities as a prerequisite for participating in the program.

As a hockey role model, Juneau comes with impressive qualifications: he played 828 games in the NHL, with Boston, Washington, Buffalo, Ottawa, Phoenix and Montreal, finishing his career in 2004 with 572 points.

During a school visit in Kuujjuaq, Juneau received positive feedback about the program from students and teachers.

“The message we are all trying to give them is working very good,” Juneau said.

The next training sessions will be held in Kuujjuaraapik from Nov. 27 to Dec. 1 and in Salluit from Dec. 4 to 8.

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