The Cradle Experience

By Kelly Sharp

Four skaters wide, the gun sounds and the energy explodes from the starting line. Alright, alright, let’s not get too carried away, after all the small legs can only go so fast. The Prince George Blizzard Speed Skating Club welcomed its cradle division on to the Coliseum ice. Ages 4 and 5 moved into race mode after weeks of practice.

“For some of the little guys it’s sheer nerves,” Blizzard Speed Skating coach Carol Dennison said. For others it’s embracing the moment, soaking in the atmosphere of racing.

“It’s kind of a reward for all that work in practice,” noted Dennison.

The Prince George Blizzard Speed Skating club is 69 skaters strong with a huge boost coming from the very popular cradle division/beginner class of skater.

“It is also good to have families involved, from timing to on the ice, learning about the whole meet thing,” said Dennison.

“We are fortunate in the North because we share a lot of resources from different clubs.”

Meanwhile, off the ice this reporter must interview an older first time speed skater because the cradle division is too absorbed in cartoons.

Eight year-old Cole Rader has a determined look when asked about his first season of speed skating.

“I think I like going fast,” replied Cole.

The more seasoned Blizzard, 9 year-old Carolina Hiller, who has been speed skating for 6 years, talked about the chance to win medals.

The long established Prince George Blizzard Speed Skating Club always welcomes an infusion of new skaters. The noticeable large jump in the little guys trying the sport of speed and agility further strengthens an already solid foundation of speed skating in Prince George.

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