The Ponoka Pre Novice Synchronized Ice Sensations will be heading south for an amazing opportunity this month.
They will be leaving Ponoka for Anaheim, California on Feb. 5 and have a chance to enjoy warmer weather, a different atmosphere and a moment in the spotlight.
The young ice sensations will be kicking off an NHL hockey game on Feb. 11 with an exhibition skate. The game will be played between the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and the Calgary Flames.
“The skaters from the area are very excited,” said coach Kathleen Moore. “They are really looking forward to skating for the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. It’s probably a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
The skaters will not only be skating before the game but will be keeping busy throughout the next couple of days as well.
On Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, the pre novice skaters will be competing at the Anaheim Ice Open Competition. The next day they will head to Disneyland for a photo shoot.
“They’re looking forward to competing with teams they’ve never seen before,” said Moore.
Moore says that there are also a lot of family members coming along to see the exhibition and the competition.
“There are about 50 to 60 people coming altogether,” she said. “There’s a lot of family coming. The skaters, as well as their parents have worked hard to get them here, it’s been a group effort.”
This is the first time the skating group has been sent to the United States and Moore believes everyone will have a great time.
“We will represent Ponoka really well,” said Moore. “We will also be bringing Canadian flags and banners.”
The group has been busy this year and has taken many opportunities to show their skills to Western Canada.
On Jan. 11 the Ponoka Pre Novice Synchronized Ice Sensations took home the gold medal at the Calgary Rosebowl competition and are sitting third in Western Canada in their division in 2008.
They also did an exhibition skate for the Red Deer Rebels game against the Calgary Hitmen on Jan.23.
Most of the members in the group were involved with synchronized skating in Ponoka for seven years.