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INUVIK - It's the place where our game is meant to be played, some might say. On a pond, on a clear crisp winter's day.

That's why Mike Gravel and three of his born-and-bred Inuvik buddies, Todd Moran, Dickie Mistakenchief and Ken Jacobson, will be travelling to Plaster Rock, N.B., to compete in the 2009 World Pond Hockey Championships next week.

The Inuvik Mad Trappers will be competing in the coveted 2009 World Pond Hockey Championships in Plaster Rock, N.B., next week. They're hoping to get caught up in the tournament's spirit and get reacquainted with their childhood roots. They are, from left, Todd Moran, Mike Gravel and Dickie Mistakenchief. Missing from the photo is Ken Jacobson. He's currently living in Alberta and will catch up with the team in New Brunswick. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

"We're all hockey guys, so this is a chance of a lifetime to try to get back to your childhood roots and play some good ol' pond hockey," said Gravel.

During the Feb. 19-22 tournament, the quartet, who call themselves the Inuvik Mad Trappers, will be competing against 120 teams. While most squads hail from across the country, 32 are from the U.S. and 15 come from other countries.

They know how lucky they are to be among the competition. The tournament was only accepting 50 new teams. Out of 700 applicants, they were picked through a lottery system.

The good news arrived last May. For Gravel, the excitement didn't just come from the opportunity to play in such a renowned tournament or that he'll get his picture taken with the Stanley Cup, but that he would be representing his community. The event will appear, in part, on Hockey Night in Canada.

"It was really exciting," he said. "I felt a little bit of pride. It's great that Inuvik gets to send a team down and it coincided with Inuvik's 50th anniversary. It's just another thing to get our name on the map, if you will."

It's the first time the NWT will be represented at the tournament. The territory's flag will be on display during the opening ceremonies, as the team will be introduced with a young flag bearer in the lead.

Event manager Danny Braun said he's more than happy to welcome the boys from the North.

"It's great," said Braun. "It's a Canadian event and we'd certainly like to have representation from provinces and territories. We're so excited to have them."

Each member of the team is an experienced player, and they range in age from 35 to 44. They're looking forward to the competition which will showcase players from all skill levels from amateur to, in a few cases, former pros. Jacobson has since moved to Alberta but will meet up with the team in New Brunswick.

The tournament site is surrounded by forest and will feature 20 rinks with 40 teams competing at once. There are no goalies or referees. Slapshots aren't allowed.

Every team is guaranteed five games. The top 32 teams will advance to the play-off round. If you win you stay; lose and you're out.

The Mad Trappers will face a team from Texas, which Gravel is stoked about.

"That's what it's all about - connecting with other pond hockey-loving people."

Though they're looking to make it to the playoffs, they're going to focus on soaking up the experience.

"We're going to try and hopefully compete," he said. "If we don't have a lot of on-ice success, I don't think it's going to be the end of the world. Bottom line is just to be part of that experience and see what it's all about."

Each of them are committed minor hockey coaches. Between them they have coached teams in the Arctic and Canada Winter Games and the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.

Gravel said he's thrilled one of the town's biggest minor hockey sponsors Northwind Industries has dug deep in its pockets to purchase their jerseys and help with travel costs.

Mayor Derek Lindsay said he's thrilled about the exposure the team will give Inuvik and the experience they'll take from it. He'll be watching closely.

"I wish them luck. They better win," he said with a laugh.

Win or lose, Gravel's determined to tune into that pond hockey magic.

"When we get there, we will get right back to our childhood roots and the love of the game. That's what it's all about," he said.