SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - After more than 50 years of volunteering and commitment to Yellowknife's youth, recognition of Ed Jeske's contribution has been set, not in stone, but in ice.

Ed Jeske sits beside a portrait of himself by Inemesit Graham which will hang above the Ed Jeske Arena. - Charlotte Hilling/NNSL photo

The Multiplex's Olympic rink was officially renamed the Ed Jeske Arena last Saturday afternoon, with a ceremony attended by about 200 people who gave Jeske a standing ovation.

Saying he didn't want "too much commotion," Jeske was happy with the honour of having his name on the arena.

"I worked hard all those years, but I enjoyed it. I never dreamt I would get something like this. When I skated out on the ice with the kids in '58, I never dreamt. I did it because I loved it," he said.

Jeske, surrounded by members of his family who travelled from Edmonton and Vancouver, was praised and thanked by a succession of speakers, from Mayor Gord Van Tighem to former students, and old friends and colleagues.

A portrait by Inemesit Graham of the man himself and a plaque commemorating the occasion was unveiled after the speeches.

Originally from Swan River, Man., Jeske came to Yellowknife from Inuvik in 1958 and began teaching and coaching hockey at Sir John Franklin High School.

Former student and longtime friend Ken Weaver reminisced about his former coach at the ceremony.

"Like many other young hockey players, I was a recipient of Ed's guiding hands ... School days always seemed the longest when we had hockey after school," said Weaver.

He talked about the positive influence Jeske had on him and other younger Yellowknifers.

"We referred to Ed as Mr. Jeske as he commanded a respect from all who wished to play hockey ... If we were going to play hockey, we would have to conduct ourselves in a respectful way," he said.

"To dedicate this ice pad to the most dedicated supporter of youth sports is truly a great moment in Yellowknife history."

A theme that ran throughout the ceremony's speeches was Jeske's humble and gentlemanly manner.

"Throughout this time he has remained extremely humble, constantly stating he's not worthy, but those of us who know him personally absolutely agree that he is the man that this arena should be named after ... He's a true gentleman," said long-time friend Chris Bergman.

Bergman, describing Jeske as a "very young 82-year-old," talked about Jeske's contribution to hockey, but warned it would be a mistake to associate Jeske only with minor hockey, saying, "If there's a person in need, Ed is there."

He reminisced about times when Jeske and his wife Blanch would take in women from outlying communities who came to have their babies in Yellowknife.

"Their home was always open to people who needed assistance," he said.

Bergman went on to talk about Jeske's role as a counsellor to friends and young people.

"You can always see Ed at the hospital visiting people who are infirm, to visit them as a friend and to brighten their day," he said.

"He encouraged all youth and all adults who came into contact with him to strive onwards, to always achieve to the best of their ability. He was a counsellor to youth, a friend, a shoulder to cry on."

Jeske has also volunteered with Little League, Scouts and Girl Guides, the Yellowknife Softball League, Meals on Wheels, Facilities for Kids, and various seniors' associations.

He has an honorary lifetime membership with the Royal Canadian Legion, he has been an elder and steward at the United Church, and over the years Jeske has been a member of the Yellowknife Elks Club and Lions Club.

However, hockey was and remains his first love. Despite all his other commitments, Jeske said hockey was his favourite vocation.

He coached, refereed, and played hockey. He spent about 20 years as president of the Yellowknife Minor Hockey Association, and he has a lifetime appointment as president of the Old Timers' Hockey Association.

But, fulfilling others' descriptions of him as humble, Jeske was quick to brush off the accolades.

"It's a great feeling. Sometimes you wonder if you deserve it or not ... I'm speechless, I don't know what to say," he said.