The NOTL Skating Club showcased its provincial qualifiers, Ophelia Xie and Samantha Frydryk, during its Pre-Junior Challenge and Star Showcase on Sunday at Meridian Credit Union Arena.
The event celebrated the work and talent of Xie and Fryfryk, giving younger skaters a glimpse of what competition looks like. Attendees packed the stands to watch 27 pre-junior skaters perform routines developed over three months alongside intermediate and senior athletes.
“When they step onto that ice with a crowd watching, it’s transformative. It’s not just skating — it’s building confidence they’ll carry into hockey, ringette, or wherever life takes them,” said coach Judi Boyle-Krzeczkowski.
Xie and Frydryk opened the showcase with their provincial championship routines after returning from Stratford’s 2025 Skate Ontario Provincial Championships, but came short of becoming medalists.
Both narrowly missed medals but achieved top 12 placements in fields exceeding 100 competitors.
“They skated beautifully and ended their season strong,” said Boyle-Krzeczkowski.
The pair’s performance set the tone for pre-junior skaters like Brooklyn Thwaites and Emily Jardine, who demonstrated STAR 1–2 level skills to the Skate Canada judge in attendance.
Intermediate and senior divisions followed, featuring competitors who started at the Skating Club during COVID-19, which disrupted some of their early training.
Awards recognized achievements across skill levels, including Most Improved, Sportsmanlike and Skater of the Year honours.
The club has grown exponentially since 2022, adding 10 skaters per recreational program and expanding its coaching staff. Its pre-junior division now includes 27 athletes, with spring registration inquiries surging.
“After the showcase, parents flooded us with questions about off-season programs. That’s the best feedback — when families want to keep skating because their child loved the experience,” said Boyle-Krzeczkowski.
The club collaborates closely with local hockey teams and arena staff, fostering what Boyle-Krzeczkowski called “a special, team-oriented environment.”
“Even though Ophelia and Sam competed against each other at provincials, their support for one another was exemplary. That’s how we operate here: No one is just out for themselves,” Boyle-Krzeczkowski said.
“We’ve had coaches from other clubs praise our sportsmanship, and that’s what I’m most proud of.”
Registration for fall programs opens in mid-August. More information can be found at notlskatingclub.ca.
