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INUVIK - When Inuvik Ice Devils captain Logan Ruben, 13, isn't preoccupied with hockey, his mind sometimes wanders to his other passion: life on the land.

At least a couple of times a month he heads out on the land just outside of Inuvik or back to Paulatuk, where he was born, to spend time hunting and snowmobiling. It's an appreciation that his dad as well as his uncle and auntie instilled in him as a little boy.

Inuvik Ice Devils captain Logan Ruben and coach Paul Grech have developed into buddies on and off the ice. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

"Nowadays people don't go out on the land," he said. "I like to get away from the trucks and the houses. I go out on the lakes here and in Paulatuk. I feel great. I'd like to get a rink on the land."

The solid, smooth skating defenceman was named team captain by his coach Paul Grech in only his first year playing in bantam division.

Grech, who has played hockey at almost every level, including major junior, varsity, and professionally overseas, noticed Ruben possessed a rare quality essential to every true captain.

"He possesses the one thing that a lot of the kids don't have," said Grech. "He has a great work ethic and he wants to learn. For me that's the most important thing when you're talking about building up a young kid. He's still learning what it's like to be a captain and be a leader among his teammates but he's made such great progress."

The diehard Canucks fan is quick to point to his family, especially him parents, for the tools that have allowed his to succeed thus far.

But he said he's grateful for his coach's confidence. In fact, the pair, along with a few other teammates, have become buddies spending time just hanging out. It's Ruben Grech who goes to make sure every teammate is doing fine.

"We're pretty close," said Ruben. "He pushes us and tries to make us go harder every time. He's a great motivator."

When the steady d-man gets on the ice, he's all business protecting his teammates, all of whom he considers friends.

Teammate Matthew Skinner calls Logan a good friend and a fine leader who leads by example with a second to none work ethic. Along with sticking up for his mates at all costs, Matthew said his buddy has got a humorous side.

"He's got our back all the time," said Matthew. "His best quality is that he's friendly. He's always nice to us. We're always teasing each other and he doesn't take it hard. If he wasn't around, we'd miss his jokes. We always get a good laugh at him."

The team has enjoyed success this year, winning the hometown Gwich'in Cup championship. They travelled to another top tournament in Edmonton, placing second. Logan said it was a great opportunity to play some great hockey, get a break from Inuvik and see some pretty girls.

One of his goals next year is to make the Arctic Winter Games hockey squad. Eventually he wants to join ranks with the Vancouver Canucks or Vancouver Giants.

But for now he plans to keep working on his fundamentals and being the best he can be.

"He's got so much potential and he's just a really good kid to coach," said Paul.

"I know he's probably more responsible outside the rink with his schooling. I have to believe that. It's why I work so hard. It's going to spill over into a job, it's going to spill over into his studies and that's great to see."