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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 27,282 fans for the 2009-2010 season, second highest in the League and amongst the best in the province. Game seven of the NOJHL final drew a franchise record 1,879 fans.

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 five-time NOJHL Coach of the Year, is entering his tenth 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 and we put it in writing (Player-Team Agreement)
  • 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 including team doctor and physiotherapist..
  • Team pays all costs when on the road including quality pre and post game 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 $100,000 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.

2010-2011 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 2010-2011 card. Players are to provide their own equipment until signed. Report to arena at least one hour prior to ice-time.

Camp will include three preseason games.

CAMP OPENS TUESDAY AUGUST 3

McIntyre Arena - Timmins Ontario
Prospects Camp
Tuesday August 3 to Friday August 6 inclusive
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Jus Jordan Arena - Iroquois Falls Ontario
Main Camp opens Monday August 16

 

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

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

email – all inquiries welcome

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