INUVIK
Minor hockey players laced up their boots and hit the ice last week for the first practices of the season.

Jaxon Somerfeld, left, Parker Mackenzie and Tyra Rogers wait for instruction at the first Initiation practice of the season Oct. 7. - Sarah Ladik/NNSL photo

While organizer Carolyn Hunter said she anticipates about 100 registrants, she also noted there is always room for more.

"What I would really like to see is us increasing our numbers," she told the Drum. "We want to make it inclusive, so that no matter what level of hockey you play, we have a place for you."

Hunter said rates for the season are quite reasonable and that parents can work off those fees with volunteer hours throughout the season, potentially making it easier on their pocket-books. She also said there are a number of players already accessing territorial grants to help cover the fees and that she encourages more families to apply.

Perhaps the most exciting prospect for many players this year will be the opportunity to the travel. Hunter said the organization has been saving up so that players in Atom groups and older will be able to leave Inuvik and participate in tournaments elsewhere this season. Where those might be - either Yellowknife or Whitehorse, or farther afield - will depend on what the teams qualify for, as well as the timing of the event.

"That will be pretty exciting for them," she said. "That's an expensive venture, but we've saved up the money to send them."

Closer in sight, however, is the annual hockey school coming up later this month. Hunter said coaches from Alberta come up to do five days of intensive skills-training with players and that she has always been impressed with the level of professionalism and coaching they bring.

"We're always encouraging children from all over the Beaufort-Delta to come," she added. "It gives them a chance for some extra training, and it gives the kids from here the opportunity to play against other kids they don't normally see all the time."

But for now, just getting out on the ice is enough for some players.

"I'm excited to start playing again," said Thomas Compagna. "I like skating . I like stopping mostly."

As children took their turns flocking to the newly-flooded ice, Hunter did note that one issue always plagues the organization - a lack of volunteers.

"We've got some new coaches on the scene," she said. "It's tough to get new volunteers, people come and go a lot in town, but we're excited about those who have stepped up."

One such volunteer is Bitsie Jefferd-Moore who coaches the initiation level group.

"I'm just hoping everyone has fun," she said. "And for those who don't know how to skate, to be able by the end of the year."

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