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RANKIN INLET/KIVALLIQ- The Polar Bear Plate midget-juvenile hockey tournament is back on solid ice after it was perilously close to being shut out in 2009.

The event was in big trouble this past month when Rankin rec co-ordinator David Clark couldn't secure the same funding he received in 2008.

Rankin rec coordinator David Clark, back against glass, looks on as teammate Kyle Tattuinee is robbed by goalie Max MacDonald during play in the Rankin Inlet Senior Men's Hockey League earlier this month. Clark, Tattuinee and MacDonald are all former Polar Bear Plate participants. - photo courtesy of Doug McLarty

Clark took his plea for financial aid to Hockey Nunavut and the territorial sporting organization responded by pledging $5,000 to help keep the Plate alive.

Hockey Nunavut then entered into discussions with Sport Nunavut, which has promised to match the $5,000.

Sport Nunavut's Kyle Seeley said when his organization was approached by Clark to fund the Polar Bear Plate in 2009, after its successful return the previous year, the funds in the program applied to had already been administered for the year.

"After David (Clark) took his request to Hockey Nunavut, we discussed the situation with them and agreed to match the dollar amount they put forward," said Seeley.

"We can match the $5,000 - and maybe better - under the Nunavut Territorial Assistance Program."

Seeley said Sport Nunavut is pleased to help the Polar Bear Plate survive.

He said it's a quality program initiated and perpetuated by a rec co-ordinator showing a lot of initiative in doing so.

"The Plate has been identified as a priority program by the territorial sporting organization, and we support the direction it's taken for a quality program that's doing a lot to sustain interest in hockey for that specific age group.

"David has been very enthusiastic about this event and deserves full marks for finding alternate ways to provide funding for it."

Rankin Inlet Minor Hockey Association (RIMHA) president Justin Merritt said his organization will do anything it can to help the Plate survive.

He said RIMHA paid for officials and timekeepers in 2008 and will do the same in 2009 if asked.

"A lot of minor hockey kids play in this event and that's why we'll do what we can to help," said Merritt.

"We're looking at a couple of scenarios, which may include charging a couple of dollars at the door, but whatever direction it takes, RIMHA will help out.

"For almost every hockey event held in Rankin, everybody comes together to make it work.

"A lot of people are looking forward to this tournament because last year's was a heck of an event, and we may even see a team from Iqaluit at the next one."

Clark said he's happy for the support, but he's not taking anything for granted until cheques are in his hands.

He said if it all works out, notice will go out across the Kivalliq next month and the Plate will start on Jan. 30.

"It would be awesome if Iqaluit sends a team, but I'll believe it when I see it," said Clark with a laugh.

"Everyone would be pumped to have them here, that's for sure.

"I appreciate all the help and it's extra special being from a place like Rankin, where everyone comes together to make a hockey event work."