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INUVIK - Inuvik Minor Hockey players had a chance to practise their skills with some former NHL players at this year's annual hockey camp.

Attending hockey camp is a rite of passage for just about anyone involved in minor hockey.

Goalie coach Barry Prins, standing, spent some time with the goalies to help them improve their stance and blocking skills. The goalies included Alex Skinner, left, Nathan Nokadlak, Dylan Ross-Kendi, Dustin Arey, and Colton Greenough. - Brodie Thomas/NNSL photo

Here in Inuvik, travelling south to attend one is just not an option for many minor hockey families. For the past 10 years, the Inuvik Minor Hockey Association has been bringing camp instructors north.

Inuvik Minor Hockey President Les Skinner said they expanded the camp to younger participants this year, and it has been a great success.

"This is the first year we've included the youngest group, novice one, which is the five- and six-year-olds."

He said even the youngest ones are learning a lot just by participating. Skinner said the coaches have a positive attitude and they work well with the kids. Coaches this year included Doug Russell, Barry Prins, Dennis Polonich, and Daryl Baxandall.

The camp ran from Friday night until the end of Tuesday. For a $50 entry fee, players got new jerseys, socks, and water bottles. They also got at least two hours of ice time throughout the week.

"There's been lots of ice time for the kids," said Skinner.

Travis Smith, 12, plays defence at the peewee level although he said he will soon be moving into bantam.

Smith said he plays defence and has been working on improving scoring chances.

"I learned a lot here," he said.

For Ryan Ballas-Kuzman, 13, the chance to work with real NHL players was great.

"They've been to the NHL and they're all really good teachers," he said.

This was not Ballas-Kuzman's first hockey camp, but he said it ranks among the best.

Skinner said the camp only happens because there is a lot of financial support from businesses in the community.

"To me it just speaks volumes to the community-mindedness of the businesses here in town," said Skinner.