Tough act to follow

Atikokan certainly has good reason to be down in the dumps. Mines have closed down, businesses have pulled up stakes, the population has shrunk, and now its coal-fired generating station is set to be mothballed—taking even more jobs with it.
But don’t tell that to the people who still live there. And their resolute community spirit was never more evident than during the town’s quest to be named “Hockeyville.”
Four members of the Lady Voyageurs hockey team spearheaded the bid, but it was clear the whole community rallied around the cause since the CBC first began accepting applications back in January. Their efforts ultimately fell short, but Atikokan deserves hearty congratulations for finishing in the top 10 out of the more than 450 entries.
No small feat, indeed.
Now Fort Frances is setting its sights on the “Hockeyville” crown, with the idea of forming a committee to put together a first-class proposal surfacing at Monday night’s council meeting.
Fort Frances certainly has the credentials, including the 1952 Allan Cup-winning Canadians and three provincial gold medals courtesy of our Muskie boys’ hockey team. We’ve had players go on to pro careers, and others who have shone in the coaching and administrative ranks in both Canada and the United States.
And who can we forget the “Ice for Kids” drive that resulted in a beautiful new rink and a revamped Memorial Sports Centre.
That same kind of community spirit will be needed now to breathe the passion into “Hockeyville.” It isn’t just a title, after all; it’s a state of mind.
Atikokan was able to do that—and they sure will be a tough act to follow.