Zamboni dreams: 2 women from Behchok are running the rink

File this under "jobs you wish you had."

Who among us has not gazed in wonder at a Zamboni as it glides across the rink, leaving behind a perfect sheen of pristine ice, and not wished it were you behind the wheel?

Two women from Behchok, N.W.T.,are living our collective dreams at the helm of the big machine Behchok's communityrecreation manager, Colina Blondin and recreation leader Rianna Camsell.

Blondin spent her entire life in recreation, and after high school she took a recreational leader program in Inuvik, N.W.T.

At the time, the rink in Behchokclosed down.She was hired to maintain facilities in Yellowknife, where she learned to drive a Zamboni.

"They showed me the ropes painting ice, maintaining a facility [and] being part of special events," she said.

Then, she took her skills back toBehchok and now travels toInuvik, Tuktoyaktuk and Hay River to show aspiring drivers her "tips and tricks."

Sharing that knowledge is part of the fun.

"In the Northwest Territories there are only so many trainers and so it's great to share that knowledge," she said.

Blondin said that Rianna Camsell, much like her, is eager to learn on the job.

The two shared a photo of themselves driving their rigs in a community Facebook groupand people were stoked.

Driving a Zamboni is "scary" at the beginning, said Blondin and the learning curve can be steep. You have to be conscious of all the components, the water temperature and the angle of the blade.

Some spacial awareness is required too, and it's a common beginner's challenge to avoid hitting the boards.

"A willingness to learn helps," said Blondin, who would encourage others to learn a new skill.

Her advice to prospective Zamboni operators and recreation leaders?

"Just keep on givin 'er."