They are eating, breathing, and sleeping skating ahead of a regional competition later this month in Alberta.
They are members of the Ice Symmetrix synchronized skating teams, a division of the Maple Ridge Skating Club, and they’re “eagerly preparing” for the 2026 Mountain Regional Synchronized Skating Championship being held in Spruce Grove from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, explained head coach Maddie Wasmuth.
“Our program has been growing steadily and has received strong community support,” Wasmuth said, noting the program has demonstrated consistent growth across all levels.
Synchronized skating is a blend of artistry, precision, and teamwork.
Imagine a choreographed dance performed by a team of eight to 16 skaters moving in harmony – seamlessly weaving intricate formations and executing synchronized movements to music.
In 2014, the skating club debuted its first ever synchro team, Ice Symmetrix beginner, consisting of 16 enthusiastic skaters. By 2018, they had four teams, made up of almost 60 skaters of various levels and abilities.
After a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they relaunched the synchro program once again in 2023, this time with two teams.
The synchro program runs from early September to mid-March, teams practising once a week, both on and off the ice, and attend between four to six shows and competitions throughout the season.
Under Wasmuth leadership this year, the teams have been enjoying a successful season highlighted by competitive achievements, strong community involvement, and continued athlete development, she noted.
Throughout the season, the teams have participated in several events, including performances at local hockey games, skating showcases, and regional galas.
A major highlight was the BC/YT Synchro Competition in South Surrey, where the STAR 4 team captured a first-place finish — its highest result at the event in three years.
The juvenile team earned a strong second-place finish, while the pre-novice team delivered an “impressive performance,” significantly improving its personal best score from last season and securing a gold medal, noted the coach.
Now prepping for the Skate-Canada-sanctioned competition Wasmuth said the skaters are “energized and excited to showcase its hard work on a larger stage.”
For more information about the Maple Ridge Skating Club – which offers a diverse variety of programs including CanSkate, free skate, skills and ice dance, and (of course) synchronized skating – people can visit: mapleridgeskating.com.