PREECEVILLE, Sask. — “We are excited to announce that the Preeceville and Sturgis Skating Clubs are combining resources for the 2026-27 skating season,” stated Sydney Jaques of the Preeceville Figure Skating Club.
“This partnership will allow skaters from both communities to benefit from additional ice time, varied practice times, and an extended skating season beginning Nov. 12, 2026.
“We are very excited about the opportunities this will provide for skaters in both Preeceville and Sturgis and look forward to a fun and successful season on the ice,” she said.
The clubs welcome Ripley Pristie as the CanSkate coach for the 2026-27 season.
Ripley Pristie is a Grade 11 student at Sturgis Composite School. Growing up in the community of Sturgis has given her many wonderful opportunities, including the chance to participate in a variety of local sports.
“I started figure skating when I was three years old, and since then, my love and passion for skating have continued to grow. For many years, I have been an active skater with both the Preeceville and Sturgis Skating Clubs,” said Pristie.
“Outside of skating, some of my other hobbies include horseback riding, basketball, and volleyball. I am excited to say that I will be graduating in 2028, and following high school, I aspire to become a dental hygienist.
“My commitment and love for skating have also provided me with some special opportunities. This past summer, I worked hard and travelled to Saskatoon to complete my training as a Skate Canada CanSkate coach. Years of long practices and countless hours spent on the ice have given me the skills and knowledge needed to complete my training.
“I am incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported me as I begin this new chapter, including both the Preeceville and Sturgis Skating Clubs, as well as my family and friends.
“I am very happy to announce that I will be the Skate Canada CanSkate coach for the 2026-27 season, and I can't wait to see where this next season takes us,” concluded Pristie.
Heather Tarras will be the STARSkate coach.
Tarras recently moved to Sturgis from Calgary, Alta.
“I grew up in an ice-sports family and have over 15 years of experience in the figure skating world. I began my figure skating career at the age of four and eventually worked my way up to a Silver Level skater. I participated in competitions throughout Alberta, as well as several Mariposa seminars and seminars led by Olympic skater Elizabeth Manley and Elvis Stojko’s coach, Doug Leigh.
“During this time, I was also very active in the competitive dance community, testing at the Intermediate level. Due to unforeseen health concerns, my competition days eventually came to an end. However, my skating journey certainly didn't stop there!
“I began coaching within my skating and dance clubs at the age of 12 and continued coaching until my husband and I moved to Sturgis in November 2025.
“I am very excited to dust off my skates and get back onto the ice. I look forward to working with our skaters and helping develop the next generation of skaters in our communities,” said Tarras.
We are thrilled about the opportunity to bring the Preeceville and Sturgis skating communities together this season. By combining our resources, we hope to provide skaters with more opportunities, varied ice times and a longer season while continuing to build a strong and supportive skating community.
