Cost, distance keeping Gino Odjick's nephew from playing high-level hockey, family says

The nephew of Kitigan Zibi hockey legend Gino Odjick is playing at a level below his ability because financial and transportation barriers kept him from attending camp, the family says.

Marcus Kistabish Odjick is nephew of the late NHL enforcer and fan favourite Gino Odjick, who played in the National Hockey League from 1990 to 2002.

The younger Odjick is currently playing with the Loups des Collines in the BB under-13 age division and is an affiliated player with Les Olympiques de l'Outaouais in the AA under-13 division.

Odjick has played seven games with the AA team this season, and Les Olympiques would like to keep him based on his play.

"I felt like I was more on my level," Odjick told CBC. "In double B, I don't feel really challenged."

However, Hockey Outaouais has refused the necessary accommodation because Odjick did not participate in the AA camp before the start of the season.

"This year, he's ready for it, and I'm hoping they will let him play at his level," said Dina Odjick, Marcus's grandmother.

She said financial and travel hurdles meant her grandson was unable to attend the AA team's camp.

A member of Kitigan Zibi, Marcus Odjick lives near Maniwaki, Que., about 130 kilometres north of Gatineau.

His case demonstrates the difficulties encountered by young hockey players from towns located on the outskirts of the Outaouais. No AA hockey team in Odjick's age group exists near Maniwaki.

"They should realize how hard already it is for us, to be able to travel," Dina Odjick said.

In an email exchange with the team, president of Ligue de Hockey Régionale de l'Outaouais Éric Vézina said Odjick would be granted an exception to be affiliated with the AA team, but would not be allowed to graduate to the higher level.

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