Whether it's competing on the ice in Ulukhaktok's men's hockey league or coaching the community's youth, Michael Kaodloak has dedicated himself to growing the sport. The 15-year-old won the Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award at the NWT Legislative Assembly on May 24 for his role as a hockey coach in the community's youth league.
This was the second year in a row a volunteer from the hamlet of 396 people has won the award.
"I love watching the young players try hard when they are on the ice," said Kaodloak. "I love skating with them during practice and getting as involved with them as I can."
There are not many opportunities for the community's youth league players to compete outside Ulukhaktok but that could change next year.
With the help from the Ulukhaktok RCMP, Kaodloak hopes his team will participate in regional tournaments, including the Gwich'in Cup in Inuvik.
He'll be donating the $500 prize from his volunteer award to help make that dream a reality, he said.
"Michael has always enjoyed playing hockey and coaching the youth in the hamlet," said his mother, Susan.
At the age of six Kaodloak fell in love with the game of hockey, she added.
"He was almost double the height of kids in the same age group by the time he was 11, so he felt uncomfortable playing hockey against them," said Susan. "If he happened to bump them they would go flying, so rather than playing with them he started coaching."
His size will become an asset in next season as Kaodloak will be old enough to play in the community's men's league.
The department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) presents the Outstanding Volunteer Awards. This year marks the 28th year of awards, which celebrates the contributions volunteers make in communities across the NWT.