CANORA – “Don’t forget to get your skates sharpened before the season starts.”
This message at the Canora Skating Club Facebook page is a timely reminder that the new season is rapidly approaching. After last season’s skater registrations increased a whopping 58 per cent over the previous year, Rebecca Trost, starting her fifth season as Canora Skating Club coach, said it was a memorable season filled with highlights.
“Two Canora StarSkate athletes, Ashton Lamb and Rachel Mentanko, competed at the Region 1 and 6 Competition in Whitewood.”
Members of the Canora Skating Club had the opportunity to performing the Battle of the Blades event held during Canora’s Hockey Day in Saskatchewan.
“Our performance group performed at the Skate Yorkton ice show where Elvis Stojko (former Canadian and world champion and Olympic silver medalist) also performed,” said Trost. “Thirteen skaters attended a seminar in Yorkton led by Elvis Stojko and his wife Gladys Orozco, and nine StarSkate athletes completed and passed 37 exams in total.”
Trost said there are good reasons to be excited about the coming season, including the official launch of the club’s Competitive Program “designed for skaters who are focused on rapid advancement and competing. In addition to extra ice time to help skaters refine their skills and prepare for performance, the program also includes a strong off-ice component. Skaters will participate in activities that support mental wellness, physical literacy, and general fitness, all of which are key for success in figure skating. By combining on-ice training with off-ice development, we’re creating a well-rounded program to support our athletes both in competition and in life.”
The club is also launching its new Junior Test Program this season, designed to act as a bridge between the final levels of CanSkate and the entry level of STARSkate.
“It gives skaters a smooth transition into more advanced training by introducing them to the structure of figure skating lessons and the focus required for success,” said Trost. “Junior Test is designed to help skaters take their first steps into a more competitive environment while still building confidence and foundational skills. Through this program, skaters will experience what it means to set goals, prepare for assessments, and celebrate their progress as they move into the STARSkate stream.”
The Club is “thrilled” to welcome Mackenzie Anderson as the new CanSkate Coach this season. “Mackenzie has recently completed her official CanSkate Coach training and has signed a contract with the Canora Skating Club,” said Trost. “Her enthusiasm, fresh perspective, and dedication to the sport will be a wonderful addition to our coaching team.
“The addition of Mackenzie will allow for a collaborative coaching approach between the two of us. This will not only strengthen our CanSkate program, but also give me more opportunity to focus on the development of our higher-level skaters. With Mackenzie’s guidance and energy on the CanSkate side, and my continued work with the advanced programs, we will be able to support skaters at all stages of their skating journey.”
With increasing numbers of skaters comes an increase in coaching opportunities. Trost said they are looking for “enthusiastic Program Assistants to join our CanSkate Coaching Team this season. We are seeking individuals who have confident skating skills with a background in figure skating, hockey, or ringette. This is a great opportunity to share your experience, encourage young skaters, and get involved in the community in a supportive club environment. Training is provided.”
Those interested in applying are encouraged to email canoraskatingclub@outlook.com for more information.
Trost says this year has been an exciting one for her, reaching a milestone in professional growth.
“I recently completed another level of my coaching license, which required taking multiple courses over the past season and successfully passing an evaluation portfolio. Along with this, I also attended several workshops to continue building my knowledge and skills as a coach. I am Skate Canada PowerSkate coach trained as well.
“These experiences have not only strengthened my qualifications but also given me fresh tools and perspectives to bring back to the skaters in our club. I’m looking forward to applying what I’ve learned to help our athletes grow both on and off the ice.”
Trost is quick to point out that, as she enters her fifth year with Canora Skating Club, there are numerous local individuals who have made important contributions along the way.
“I want to recognize the dedication of both past and present board members which has been vital in the development of our new programs. I would especially like to acknowledge the leadership of former president Heather Chabun and current president Cecilia Keinick, whose guidance and support has played such an important role in the club’s success. Also a big thank you to Aaron Herriges (Town of Canora) and Stacy Vangen (Canora Minor Hockey) for supporting the skating club’s growth.
Skaters are encouraged to register for the new season before Sept. 30 to qualify for the early bird discount. There is a late fee for any registrations that come in after Oct. 15.
The Canora Skating Club AGM has been scheduled for Oct. 1 at the curling rink, where they will be looking to fill two board positions. Volunteers are encouraged to consider letting their names stand, and thereby supporting local skaters.
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