By Colin Budd
The first year is almost in the books, coaching the young skaters of the city, for Elise Buhoes and so far, so good.
“I probably learned a million things,” laughed Buhoes, a former member of the Lloyd Skating Club who took the reins in the fall after working in smaller clubs the last few years.
“I had a great executive that were a great help. I couldn’t believe how well the carnival came together and how many great kids there are in the club. It makes things a lot easier when you have good kids to go see every day.”
In excess of 1,000 people took in that carnival a couple of weeks ago showcasing the best the city has to offer in figure skating and CanSkating and for the members themselves it was a chance to reflect on the past year.
Megan Dow took home some pretty prestigious hardware as she was named the Northeast Region StarSkater of the Year. A no-brainer choice said Bulhoes.
“She’s unbelievable. She comes to the rink pretty much every day and she gets on the ice and gets to work, she’s not there to fool around. She’s also there for our program assistant with the CanSkaters. So when it came to nominating the StarSkater of the Year, there was no question, it took me about two seconds.”
Dow was also the club’s most sportsmanlike.
The CanSkater of the Year was Haylee Rogers.
“She’s always at the rink every day for CanSkate with a big smile on her face,” said Buhoes. “She has a cousin that’s in skating, she has goals and a personal mentor that she looks up to. You can tell she wants to take part in the sport.”
Ileana Kokonas and Taylor Robinson were named CanSkate Champions.
“They’re just awesome kids who come to the rink and enjoy skating thoroughly,” said Buhoes. “They’re always improving.”
The Cindy Mulvey Memorial Award for dedication to the sport was presented to Corrine Sokul.
“She is probably the first one that steps on the ice every day,” said Buhoes.
Rounding out the awards, Monica Mutter and Kelby Short won most improved, Dana Bernard took home the Synchro Spirit Award, Skye Groot was awarded the Spirit of Friendship and the Spirit of Youth Award went to Kianne Hawkins.
The goal now for the club will be to continue the growth it has seen the last couple of years. Buhoes says the club is an attractive option for young athletes for a number of reasons.
“It gives you so many opportunities, we have lots of girls that dance and skate and it’s easy for them because it relates. But then we have a skater that plays hockey too,” said Buhoes. “Because you already know how to skate it opens up other doors.”
The club will be holding their Achievement Night on Sunday (7 to 9 p.m. at the Civic Centre) to get one last look at the skaters.
“It’s pretty much for us to cheer on our own girls and let them know they’re awesome and we appreciate everything they do,” said Buhoes.