Figure skating mini carnival stars shine

By Gwen Snell
Freelance Journalist

Hanna Figure Skating Club (HFSC) held its annual Mini Carnival prior to its Christmas break, allowing its skating stars to shine on ice. HFSC President Ayslinn Raab stated that the club has been hosting a mini carnival for a few years now before the winter break. "The CanSkaters held a regular practice, were given their mid-season report cards, and were encouraged to stay and watch our StarSkaters perform some group programs to holiday music. It is also a great opportunity for our StarSkaters to perform their solos programs before we head into our FunSkate competition season in January and February."

StarSkate pic top Left- (Red sweater) Hypatia Hoar, Cadence Landon, Rhonda Landon (Coach) Autumn Banco, Addison Viste, Lexie Olesen, Kearra Landon (Coach) . Middle row: (Purple) Addisen Banco, Charlotte Raab, Mia Gallagher, Zoe Kenowesequape. Front Row: (red) Alexa Krismer, Abigail Stahl, Mila Kemaldean, Jaydynn Paradon, Aspen Banco. PHOTO COURTESY AYSLINN RAAB

CanSkate pic includes our Coach Tammi Hafso. PHOTO COURTESY AYSLINN RAAB

"Watching our youngest StarSkaters perform for the first time in front of their family and friends … and getting cheered on by their fellow skaters is always so great. You can see them gain confidence in each glide. Seeing the pride on their face at the end of their song is wonderful."

Raab feels that every skater should take figure skating as the CanSkate program offers a "comprehensive series of balance, control and agility skills that are nationally tested and proven to support skaters' success in developing stronger basics on ice." She likes to think of CanSkate as "small movement skills," forward/backward movement, lateral and quick edge changes and stopping! Mastering these basics through our CanSkate program will help any skater to excel on the ice, whether it is Figure Skating, Hockey, or Ringette!"

HFSC currently has 40 skaters from ages 4 to 18 years registered with their club. President Raab is proud of the club's 55-year history of providing a quality skating program. "Affiliated with Skate Canada, the club follows their CanSkate and Star Skate programs. Lessons are given in group and individual formats and are led by NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) coaches. Skaters progress at their own rate, and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, music, circuits, and games." Affiliation provides solid benefits to the club. "Skate Canada offers insurance and guidance for our skaters, coaches, and the volunteer executive." She went on to state that they follow the nationally standardized assessment system, and coaches are all certified through the NCCP pathway.      

Currently there are a few spaces available for the CanSkate (Learn to Skate) program in the new year. Those interested can reach out to HannaFSC@gmail.com for more information or to request a registration form.

HFSC will be hosting their year-end carnival with a theme of "Broadway" at the Hanna Arena on Thursday, March 7, at 5 p.m. All are welcome to attend.