Following a standout season, the Guelph Skating Club has plenty to celebrate. From first-time competitors achieving personal bests to a strong culture of teamwork and support, the club continues to build momentum both on and off the ice.

In this Q&A, we caught up with the Guelph SC team to learn more about their competitive experience, commitment to creating a welcoming environment, and the values that drive their success.

Congratulations on your club’s success last season! Can you tell us a bit about Guelph SC’s experience competing at this season’s Provincial Series events?

This year, the Guelph Skating Club had skaters competing in both the STAR 1-4 and Provincial Series events. Many skaters moved up to the Provincial Series events for the first time this year and set personal best scores in both their Freeskate and Artistic performances.

A highlight for us was the support the skaters showed each other at all of their competitive and club fun events. The atmosphere and sense of pride of each skater increased throughout the season and support they showed each other really elevated their experiences, and that of our coaches! They became so supportive of one another that they were awarded the team spirit award at Milton’s Bring on the Fun event, a great club achievement to cap of a successful year of team building.

In what ways does your club support one or more of Skate Ontario’s values of leadership, accountability, collaboration and excellence?

The last three years at the Guelph Skating Club have had a major focus on leadership and collaboration.

Integrating the principles presented in the Club Modernization, and now ElevateON programs, a team approach to coaching lead by our new Technical Director has given our club a renewed energy and direction. New coaches who join our team have found a comfortable place to begin or continue their coaching careers with support from our Lead Coaches and staff. Our more experienced coaches have commited to continuing education and every coach who works with us has completed both the STAR 1-5 Excellence as well as the updated Canskate Exellence courses.

Through increased collaboration with our community partners, the Guelph Skating Club was asked to provide Skate Canada PowerSkate programming for the Guelph Minor Hockey Association this year. 6 teams in the Advanced Development Program worked with our trained and certified Power Skate Coaches each week throughout the season. The overall results by team were incredible to see and created a greater appreciation for the development of fundamental skating skills in our community.

What makes you most proud to be a part of the Guelph SC?

As a small club, we are extremely proud to be able to offer so many different programs and opportunities for participation and a sense of belonging. From Canskate, STAR 1-5, Podium Pathway, PowerSkate and Adult programs, everyone one has a chance to skate and train at a level that is right for them. We offer many events throughout the year that increase that sense of belonging and participation and we couldn’t do it without our strong Board of Directors and volunteers. Our yearly ice show is a huge club accomplishment and something the skaters are thrilled to be a part of. It is a wonderful showcase of their achievements and takes a huge community of coaches and volunteers to make it successful.