Skate Ontario is so proud to share this SkateOntaReporter story. SkateOntaReporters are a team of writers who serve as the on-the-ground eyes and ears of local figure skating in every corner of Ontario, working to uncover stories and to provide insights and information to fans across the province. We hope you enjoy this article!

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By: Valya Roberts

The Hamilton Skating Club (HSC) is a not-for-profit organization, sanctioned by Skate Canada, and has been “developing skaters and champions since 1938”. With over 500 skaters, the Hamilton Skating Club provides services for learn to skate, recreational and competitive skaters. Ages range from pre can (ages 4+) to adults.

Some of the banners you find proudly displayed around the rink, show the pride of those skaters who made it to the international stage. These names include Ron Shaver and more recently Olympian Bryce Davison who is now the Skating Director at the club.

Photo Credit: Valya Roberts

Bryce, along with Krystyna Lazar (Learn to Skate Director), are providing programs for over 500 skaters. You can find Bryce working every day with top level competitive skaters, along with Jen Jackson, and for those watching the Skate Ontario webcasts you can often see their faces in the ‘kiss and cry.’ More recently, skaters training at HSC have competed for Canada internationally, made the ‘next gen’ team and done extremely well at the recent competitions. Having an Olympic size rink and off ice programs are two of the many reasons that are helping put the club on the map competitively.

Bryce Davison and Jen Jackson coaching the competitive skaters. Photo Credit: Valya Roberts

But what you may not realize is Bryce is also skating with the young recreational juniors at the start of their journey. According to one parent “most of the parents of the younger skaters have no idea that their kids are learning to skate with an Olympian and Canadian champion, Bryce is just Bryce, and everyone loves him.”

As with many clubs, Covid took a toll on the Hamilton Skating Club and had to work hard to rebound. According to Marissa Startek (Club President) “there has been a big rebuild since covid and we are finally starting to feel that as a club we are back on track.”

Bryce leading junior skaters in groups under his own banners. Photo Credit: Valya Roberts.

Interestingly, the numbers of teens and adults skating post Covid has grown considerably. What started out as a small group on Saturday mornings is now thriving with many beginning skaters, especially new Canadians. According to Marissa “we have a huge teen/adult learn to skate session on Saturdays that has really skyrocketed since Covid.” For the adult and teen skaters their primary reasons for skating are “fitness and fun.”

When asked about what goals the club has for skaters, Marissa stated that “regardless of what type of skaters are taking group or private lessons, the coaches just want them to learn to skate to the best of their ability and have fun”. According to the coaches “we would really like to be able to keep all those children we teach to skate in figure skating, but many will branch off to hockey or even speed skating”. If you are interested in checking out the Hamilton Skating Club, you can find their website at www.hamiltonskating.org.