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Introduction

The former Timmins Golden Bears franchise was granted relocation to Iroquois Falls (by the NOJHL) in 1999 and so the Abitibi Eskimos were resurrected after an absence of nearly 50 years. The Eskis won several NOHA Junior A titles in the late 1920’s. They last competed, as a storied Senior A franchise, in the fifties as essentially a company team.

The black-and-gold play in the Jus Jordan Arena, without doubt, one of the finest hockey facilities in Northern Ontario. “The Igloo” was constructed in 1955-1957 and was one of the largest volunteer projects in Canada at the time. Capacity is 1,637 and there is not one bad seat in the refurbished house. The Eskis drew 19,112 fans for the 2007-2008 season, second highest in the League.

Management & Staff

The Abitibi Eskimos is a registered Not-for-profit Ontario Corporation administered by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. The owners of the team are our FAN’tastic fans. All funds generated remain with the Team.

Paul Gagne, Head Coach General Manager and a four-time NOJHL Coach of the Year, is entering his eighth season as bench boss of the Eskimos. A former NHL'er (click on pic for resume), Mr. Gagne is a professional coach, well-connected in hockey circles and one of the most respected mentors in Junior A hockey. Playing for Paul Gagne will 100% make you a better player and if you have the desire and talent to advance to higher levels, he can and will open doors for you.

What do we offer?

  • The Abitibi Eskimos is a first-class professional "official" Canadian Junior A hockey program. We look after our players.
  • Team paid (100%) Room/board in good homes. Post secondary students reside in Timmins.
  • All other players stay in Iroquois Falls. Timmins players commute to practice/games via team owned 15-passenger van with staff driver.
  • Team provides all exterior equipment (excluding skates), tape, skate sharpening/repair etc.
  • Dedicated dressing room with skilled staff.
  • Team pays all costs when on the road including quality meals and accommodations. Travel is by 55-passenger coach – Tisdale Bus Lines.
  • Team offers Post-Secondary Scholarships to qualifying players. Since 1999 the Eskimos have awarded over $80,000 in scholarships to our players, something that we are very proud of. Some attend Northern College – Porcupine campus, an excellent facility with an established reputation of excellence and a wide selection of quality programs. Others enter excellent french lanquage post-secondary programs offered with College Boreal and Université de Hearst
  • Team practices three times per week – 90 minutes sessions – Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday. Monday is an off day. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are normal game days.

How do I sign up to be an Eskimo? ... ALL INQUIRIES ARE WELCOME !!


STEP ONE - the first and most important thing you need to determine is who (if anyone) owns your playing rights. Generally speaking this will be the team you last played for. Before you can talk to us, you need to talk to them and request written approval for try-out. It is critical that this written approval is obtained from the correct sources and endorsed by the proper signing officers. If at all in doubt, please check with the Hockey Canada governing body for your region. If you are a “free agent” we will need a letter to that effect from your Hockey Canada representative (or USA counterpart). The onus is on you to provide the proper documentation.
STEP TWO – forward the written permission and a detailed hockey resume to us. We will contact you within a few days of receipt to confirm your acceptance. All inquiries are welcome.
STEP THREE – you will need to arrive in top physical condition prepared to compete for your spot on the roster. All players, including returning Eskimos, arrive in camp as equals. We sign the best players in camp – period. It is up to you to make the Team.

Downloadable Forms

NOHA Player Tryout Permission Minor to Junior NOHA Minor players only.
USA Hockey / Hockey Canada Try-out Notice USA Hockey players only.
Player General Information ALL PLAYERS
Player Medical Questionnaire ALL PLAYERS
Player Housing Questionnaire All players who will require Team Paid room & board.
Inter-branch Transfer Application Non OHF Hockey Canada players only.

 

2008-2009 Camp Details

There are no camp registration fees but All players (including returning veterans) are responsible for their own costs (transportation, accommodations, meals etc.) while attending camp, until signed to a 2008-2009 card. Players are to provide their own equipment until signed. Report to arena at least one hour prior to ice-time.
Camp will include 2 or 3 preseason games.

TUESDAY AUGUST 5 – FRIDAY AUGUST 8
6:30pm to 8:30pm– McIntyre Arena – Timmins

SATURDAY AUGUST 9 - 9th Annual 3-Person Golf Tournament - Abitibi Golf Club

SUNDAY AUGUST 10
Home Rink – Jus Jordan Arena - Iroquois Falls
10:00am to 12:00noon and 4:00pm to 6:00pm

MONDAY AUGUST 11– FRIDAY AUGUST 15
8:00pm to 9:30pm

SATURDAY AUGUST 16
5:30pm to 7:30pm

SUNDAY AUGUST 17
11:00am to 1:00pm

Contact Information
Abitibi Eskimos
PO Box 1131
Iroquois Fall ON Canada
P0K 1G0

(705) 258-3508
(705) 232-4241 fax

email – all questions welcome

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