INUVIK - Inuvik has itself a hockey league. All that's missing is fans.

"If you want to watch a good game of hockey and you know someone who's playing, come out and support them," said Mickey Ipana an organizer of the town's newly revamped hockey league.

The Huskies' Kendall McDonald, left, tries to bang one home against a sprawling Mad Trappers' goalie Jason Nasogaluak during Friday night action at the rink. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photos

Apart from Ipana himself, the three-team league features plenty of local talent including Geo Pascal, Chris Gruben, Tim Gordon and Max Kotokak, not too mention a few good goalies too.

Up until early November, adult rec group players were gathering throughout the week for some pick-up games. With about 50 players showing up here and there, Ipana figured why not form a league. Three competitive teams have been established: The Huskies, Danglers and Mad Trappers.

Brian Drake, playing his second year of rec hockey, said he welcomes the added structure and said a league is definitely warranted in town.

"It's a consistent group this year," he said. "Everyone's showing up. We all have a bit of fun. It's a good pace and it's competitive. But it would be nice to see more community support."

Games, which boast two 25-minute periods, are held at the rink Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evenings at 8:15, 9:30 and 10:15 p.m. Each are refereed, team and individual stats are kept and posted afterwards on the bulletin board in the entrance of the Midnight Sun Complex.

Gerry Kisoun was one of a few fans who showed up to take in some of Friday's action. He said he was pleased to see the league established.

"We have some really good players in Inuvik," said Kisoun. "They should be on display and it would be great to see some people out to support the league."

The regular 35-game schedule will be maintained until Dec. 4 when it will be adjusted for the Christmas season. After that, the season will run until the rink closes at the end of March. Ipana said he's grateful for the support players have shown for the league so far.

Chris Smith is one of those players and said he's excited to be a part of it.

"Everybody here grew up playing hockey and there's a lot of talent here," he said. "It would be nice to have more people come out to watch on Friday or Sunday evenings."

If the league continues to go well, Ipana said he hopes to build on it next year.

"It's the first step," he said. "We're always looking to expand. We want to get our foot in the door. We want to make sure it can be run right."