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INUVIK - There are some hockey players who will take to the ice at any time of day, no matter what.

If you want to play a good, fast game of scrimmage, then lunchtime at the rec complex might be the time for you.

Recreational hockey players William Aleekuk, left, and Aaron Harrison pose before starting a lunch time game earlier this week. The rink ice at the rec complex is open to players who want to play a quick game of scrimmage at lunch hour. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Recreational players have been meeting at the complex to play for years. This season started last week.

The drop-in session is free. All players need to bring is basic hockey equipment.

Douglas Keevik is a 20-year-old player who has been on the ice for the past six years.

Keevik said he has been playing during the lunch sessions for roughly the same amount of time.

Keevik said because the games are shinny pick-up matches, they don't require a lot of equipment.

"I got my skates, helmet, gloves and my stick," said Keevik, who tries to make it out every session.

"It's a good time to skate," he added.

Keevik said the games can get quite popular, with as many as 15 players showing up at a time. Getting to the arena and spending noon hour on the ice is all right for him and doesn't invade his work hours.

"I bounce at the Trapper so I don't need to be there until later in the day," he said.

Keevik is also a member of the recreational hockey league that meets three times a week.

Aaron Harrison is a student who has also been on the ice for a few years. He said he frees up his lunch hour to get on the ice as much as possible.

Harrison agreed it doesn't take much equipment to play, which could make it easier for other players to get on the ice. He wants others to come out to the games and take part in the National pastime.

"Hockey rules," he said.

William Aleekuk said he's played hockey all his life and is enthusiastic about the new season at the rec complex.

"It's a great game," said

Aleekuk, who has spent many lunch hours at the arena.

"In past years, I've seen a lot of players come out for the games."