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Skaters compete in first competition of season

The Smithers Figure Skating Club was back on the ice for their first official competition of the season last weekend.

The Smithers Figure Skating Club was back on the ice for their first official competition of the season last weekend.

The club took nine skaters ranging in age from pre-junior skaters all the way up to the senior levels to the Kla How Ya Jamboree in Prince Rupert on Saturday and Sunday.

More than 50 figure skaters from all over northwest B.C., including Kitimat, Hazelton, Quesnel and Terrace competed in the annual winter jamboree.

The club’s figure skaters rounded out the middle of the pack this year, which is normal according to head coach Tyler Dykens.

“Everybody had strong skates and represented the club really well. We were proud of that,” said Dykens.

“It’s always fairly consistent, everyone usually places or fits into the middle of the pack. It was on par with other competitions that they’ve had.”

Skaters across the board stepped up their training in preparation for the competition and it showed in their skates.

“Everybody was really strong in their solos and everyone worked really hard to prepare for this weekend,” said Dykens.

“Even if they haven’t placed very well, they’re able to reflect and take a look at the things that they now need to continue working on.”

The competition was also good practice for the club’s first major competition in January.

In the new year, they will head to Quesnel for regionals.

“We’ll just continue to work on the other solos and programs that we would be registering for, for the competition,” added Dykens.

Final competition results were not available before press time.

The club has a skate with Santa on Wednesday, Dec. 17; skaters will scale back practices over the holidays, but will return in full force when school starts up again.