Hockey Night in Nunavut this weekend

Aging hockey stars will hit the ice at Iqaluit’s old arena this weekend during two fundraising games.

The event, called “Hockey Night in Nunavut,” is intended to raise money to fix the city’s other rink, the Arctic Winter Games Arena, which has been sinking into the tundra for several years.

Two games on Friday and Saturday will pit local businessmen and media personalities against alumni from the National Hockey League, who are expected to arrive in town this afternoon.

As of press time this Wednesday, the confirmed line up includes Gary Leeman of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tony McKegney of the Buffalo Sabres, Jim Thomson of the Los Angeles Kings, Stan Jonathan of the Boston Bruins and Wayne Cowley of the Edmonton Oilers.

A score of ex-Leafs are also expected: Bill Derlago, Jack Valiquette, Ric Nattress, Lou Franceschetti, Wilf Paiement.

Games start on Friday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 3:00 p.m., at the old arena. A meet and greet will follow at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, also at the old arena.

Tickets are available at the Frobisher Inn, Arctic Ventures, Elks Lodge and the AWG arena recreation department. Tickets cost $30 for the games and $20 for the meet and greet.

It could cost $750,000 to permanently fix the AWG arena, consultants estimate.