ASSINIBOIA — The longevity of Assiniboia’s Skating Club spans five decades. Children began learning the sport of skating in the former Civic Centre and now proudly make Southland Co-op arena their home.
Past skaters and residents fondly remember the excitement of the annual Ice Carnival that included all the best in backdrop, costumes and talent and once included the tradition of an annual Carnival Queen.
The opportunity for skaters to showcase their accomplishments form their season remains the same goal for the ASC annual Ice Show and Carnival, upcoming in February. Engstrom said the carnival is as old as the club and residents always look forward to a new themed show each year. This year’s theme encompasses a night at the movies and will be held Feb. 9 at the SCC.
Forty-six skaters from the skating club, ranging in age from three to 17-years-of-age will perform. ASC is proud that some of their performers have been part of the Assiniboia club for more than 14 years.
“For the first time ever in the club’s history, the Assiniboia Skating Club is excited to host our region’s figure skating competition. It is slated for the weekend after the Carnival, Feb. 17-18, at the Southland Co-op Center. We have 109 registered skaters from across southern Saskatchewan, with 280 events scheduled. “
Skating Club creates foundation for both hockey and figure skating
The club has provided youth in Assiniboia the opportunity to learn and expand their skating experience in both figure and hockey skating.
Clint Engstrom, spokesperson for the Assiniboia Skating Club said, “The love for the sport of skating is found across Canada. It brings our communities together. The Assiniboia Skating Club is a member of Skate Canada and offers CanSkate, StarSkate and PowerSkate programs. The CanSkate program is geared to beginners of all ages. Millions of Canadians, including World and Olympic figure skating champions and National Hockey league stars have taken their first steps on the ice with the CanSkate program. “
Skate Canada’s curriculum introduces students to basic skating fundamentals to create a foundation for both hockey and figure skating. The skaters master and advance their skillset needed to improve edge and turning quality, control, power, and speed.
Throughout the four-month skating season, the club’s coaches and volunteer board of directors are enthusiastic and dedicated to the success of their programs. All coaches are certified by Skate Canada and are trained under the National Coaching Certification program.
Coaches this year include:
Head Coach, StarSkate Coach - Tasha Hoff
StarSkate coaches – Naiomi Rigetti, Kimber Bader
CanSkate coaches - Justine Bamford, Kayley Beaubien and Jessica Beaubien
PowerSkate Coach – Amanda Wray
Engstrom affirms, “These professionals have made significant contributions to the success of our skaters both on and off the ice. In addition to coaching and testing skaters in our club, they have volunteered numerous hours to ensure the development of our programs and the ice show. “
Dedicated volunteers one of the club's keys to success
ASC board is filled with parent volunteers who are committed to organizing a fun-filled, successful season.
“Currently we have four parent volunteer board members working hard with the help of Skate Canada Saskatchewan to build a strong club. Pamela Engstrom, Tammy Beaubien, Kareena Kwasnicki and Cheri Anderson take care of the behind-the-scenes administrative tasks. “
As with many youth activity clubs, fundraising is a requirement to keep registration costs affordable for all families in the community. The board tries to be creative when planning these fundraisers.
While the board is currently planning the 2024 Ice Carnival and soon-to-follow figure skating competition, they are also planning next year’s season. New board members are always welcome to be part of the energy and enthusiasm that drives the Assiniboia club.
“The development of our next generation of skaters couldn’t be done without all the members, coaches, and parent volunteers. “
