INUVIK - Six-year-old Sam Skinner and his buddy Kadin Cockney, 8, didn't become stellar hockey players overnight.

From left, Sam Skinner and Kadin Cockney are all smiles as they finish up another successful hockey school at the Midnight Sun Complex on Sunday afternoon. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

The pair of novice division standouts have spent the last year honing their skills, and the boys arrived once again at the annual minor hockey school held last week. But this time they were bigger, stronger, in better shape and showcased an impressively polished game.

The boys' progress didn't go unnoticed by one of the school's coaches, Daryl Baxandall, who also coached the lads last year.

"It's a lot of fun to see how much they've improved and advanced," he said. "They just compete well. They want to learn, and they both got a goal in the last game."

Several goals were scored in the novice group's final game on Sunday afternoon. While Kadin notched one Sam put on a scoring clinic, lighting the lamp four times. That was no surprise to Baxandall.

"Sam's a great little player, he's got short little legs and skates a hundred miles an hour and he always has a smile on his face," said Baxandall. "He's always looking to score goals."

Although he appreciated the praise, Sam said he's uncomfortable being labelled a sniper. He likes to think of himself as a passer first, scorer second.

"I'd rather be a really good passer because it's harder to just deke around everybody and score," said Sam. "It's better to pass because your players could have a better chance to score than you."

Kadin's just fine avoiding the limelight while being regarded as the steady and dependable D-man who has earned the trust of his teammates.

"It's fun going behind all the rest of the players and I'm really good at doing crossovers," he said.

Of course, Kadin's just downplaying his ability to control the play in part because of his brilliant understanding of the game. If he doesn't want to admit it, coach Baxandall is more than happy to.

"He has really good hockey sense," he said. "He knows where the puck is going to go. He's a great little skater to go after the puck. He understands the game of hockey."

Not only are the boys blessed with lots of talent, they bring a lot to the dressing room too. While Sam has the ability to make anyone's day with his infectious smile, Kadin boasts a cool, rock-like demeanour, which helps to ensure none of his teammates get too excited.

Sam marks his game after Edmonton Oiler's young gun, Sam Gagner because he works hard and like his admirer, he distributes the puck as much as possible. But Kadin has no time for admiration.

"I don't have a favourite hockey player and I don't want one," said the stoic eight-year-old."I don't even want to make the NHL."

As for Sam, he's gunning for the show because he wants to compete against the best players in the world. He's prepared to keep working hard. Although he enjoyed hockey school, the little speedster isn't sad about it ending.

"There's going to be lots more hockey games and when the season's over I'm going to be playing road hockey," he said.