INUVIK - For the last few weeks, Winter Ross and Kendall Allen admit they've had moments in the classroom where their minds have wandered into a figure skating fantasyland.

"Not always, sometimes," said Winter, just to set the record straight.

Kendall Allen, left, and Winter Ross share a hug after their first figure skating practise of the season on Tuesday night. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

On Monday, a day before the two nine-year-old best buddies are set to start a fresh figure skating season, the pair can barely hide their excitement. They're thrilled to have their coach Megan Thomas back for another year.

"She's fun and she knows lots about figure skating," said Kendall.

While Winter spent much of the summer in Ottawa skating and trying to master the one-and-half Axel, Kendall was at home. But she wasn't about to be deterred from practising, even if she had no ice to skate on.

"I was in my living room practicing the Lutz and the splits, everything," she said with a laugh.

The pair said it's their favourite sport because it lets them be creative. Sometimes they're able to choose the music they want to skate to as well as the skating techniques they want to incorporate in their program.

"Sometimes you can do what you want and coaches don't have to tell you anything," said Winter.

Now that the two are reunited they said they're going to lavish each other with encouragement, especially since this year Inuvik will be hosting the territorials. Kendall admits that Winter's the stronger skater.

"She's better than me at the toe loop, and everything really," said Kendall.

Not to be outdone, her friend was quick to shoot back with some flattery of her own.

"Kendall's really good at the corkscrew," said Winter. "I think she encourages me lots."

But they both agree that the real inspiration comes from their moms.

"Mom always encourages me and says 'I think you're going to be great in the territorials'," said Winter, echoing a sentiment from her best buddy.

"Mom thinks I can do anything," said Kendall. No matter how they fair on the ice this year, one thing's for sure, said Kendall.

"We'll be friends forever."