The Moose Jaw Skating Club found themselves in a tough situation just like everyone else in the midst of the pandemic last season.
And like many sports organizations, they found a way to get through the whole mess while still keeping their athletes engaged.
Now, with the worst of that behind them, it’s been back on the ice with all systems go.
The MJSC has seen a full season of competition, with skaters taking the ice in-person at meets and showing what they can do in front of their family and friends. And you better believe that’s been a huge highlight for everyone involved.
“Just having your parents be able to be there and watch you right there is so important for everybody in everything, not just skating,” said MJSC publicity director Carime Molde. “And there's something to be said about driving to a different city and getting the hotel room and spending that time together. It all just makes it so much fun when you can do things in-person.”
While clubs were able to compete last year, it was in a much different format. Skaters would put together performances on video and have those adjudicated, taking out much of the excitement and spectacle of a live competition.
Make no mistake, the system worked, but it just wasn’t the same.
Conversely, it’s been full steam ahead this season.
“All of our Star skaters were back this year and skating and we’re really happy to have our CanSkate skaters back, too,” Molde said. “Last year we had to cancel (CanSkate) because of those restrictions, we just couldn't make it work. So it’s great to have those skaters back on the ice this year.”
The MJSC has seen some success, as well, with a solid showing at sectionals seeing several skaters advance to regionals and put in impressive skates there. And for some, it was their first time taking the ice live and in-person in competition, bringing another positive step into the organization’s fold.
“For a lot of them it was their first time out there, and they did really well,” Molde said. “And now we’re really looking forward to the Winter Classic (in Estevan on Mar. 4). It should be a lot of fun.”
And after that even more fun: the MJSC will be holding their annual ice show on Sunday, March 20 at 2 p.m. at Mosaic Place, with the theme 50 Years of Magic signifying the 50th anniversary of their popular display of skills learned throughout the year.
“Back in 2020 our ice show was one day away and we had to cancel,” Molde said. “So we have been looking forward to this for a couple of years. It’s the biggest time of year for our skaters, everybody looks forward to it. They just can't wait to hear what the theme is going to be and what their costume is going to be what their music is going to be. And we're really excited to be able to do that again.”
The good news is by the time 50 Years of Magic comes around, fans will most likely be able to gather in force to watch the youngsters in action.
“That’s something else I know everyone is really looking forward to,” Molde said.
For the latest information on the Moose Jaw Skating Club, be sure to visit them on Facebook and check out their website at www.moosejawskatingclub.ca.
