Inuvik - The ice rink outside Ingamo Hall is the result of hard working community-minded individuals.

Bernie Bernhardt is one of the die hard fans of the ice rink outside Ingamo Hall. The rink is an annual hot spot for young skaters who want a pond hockey experience. Each year, the crew at the Inuvik Works program creates the place to skate. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

The Inuvik Works crew has been setting up the rink for six years.

"It's a bit of work, but it's worth it to give those kids somewhere to skate," said Inuvik Works front man Roy Ipana.

"It's good to see those kids out there happy."

The sheet of ice is made and maintained by the program.

The team of workers set the area up when the snow falls.

Once it freezes, water is slowly let out to flood the area.

Ipana said the initial preparations happen in October.

"This year, we started working on the rink in late October," he said.

"We've been flooding the ice ever since."

Ipana said the rink used to have sheets of plywood that were used as boards, but they have gone missing over the years.

"I suspect they ended up at someone's camp," said Ipana.

After each snowfall, Ipana and his crew shovel the ice surface, preparing it for another night of fast-paced skating and hockey games.

"We take some time a few times a week to make sure it's still safe for kids to use, by flooding out any cracks or bumps," said Ipana.

The tables that are set up outside the rink area were donated for the winter season by the Gwich'in Tribal Council.

"The tables are good for sitting and resting, or tying up laces," said Ipana.

The crew's hard work doesn't go unnoticed.

Bernie Bernhardt, a local hockey player, was sure to mention that he appreciates the effort put in the yard.

"It was made by Inuvik Works," said the 10-year-old skater.

"They did a good job. I like coming here."

According to Bernhardt, the Ingamo rink is one of his favourite winter spots.

"I've been skating here for a couple of years," he said.

Bernhardt said he is fortunate to have a place to meet with friends after dinner.

"We're here after supper," he said.

"We try to meet up at six, but sometimes it's later that that."

Playing with friends is always fun, but when Inuvik Drum caught up with Bernhardt, he was skating alone, chasing a puck down the length of the ice.

"I even come out here when it's cold," said the young player.

"There are about 15 of us who come out all the time."