Ice Chalet Takes 2023 ISI Winter Classic Title!
All systems were go for an out-of-this-world experience at the 2023 ISI Winter Classic, Feb. 17-19 at Huntsville Ice Sports Center in Huntsville, Ala.
Twelve rink teams from 9 states (Alabama, Colorado, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas) competed in this fun-filled competition, where skaters had the opportunity to choose from more than 25 event categories for individuals, partners, groups and teams.
As Overall Team Champion, Ice Chalet of Knoxville, Tenn., was awarded the Robert Unger Trophy. Other top-five finishers included: The Huntsville Ice Sports Center in 2nd place, Icettes – School District 196 (Apple Valley, Minn.) in 3rd place, City of Owensboro’s Edge Ice Center (Owensboro, Kentucky) in 4th place and El Paso Blades Skating Academy (El Paso, Texas) in 5th place.
“The ISI Winter Classic 2023 was an absolute blast!” said competitor Helen Sylvester of the Huntsville Skating School & Training Academy. “I am honored for my hometown of Huntsville, Alabama, to have been selected to host this event. As an adult skater, this was a wonderful and educational experience for me. I am truly inspired by the teamwork, dedication and creativity displayed by all skaters throughout the weekend. The ISI Winter Classic truly offers something for everyone. Thank you, ISI, for offering recreational competitive opportunities for skaters of all ages and skill levels.”
FUN FACTS
Oldest Skaters: Anne Williamson, 61, Ice Chalet, Knoxville; Kathleen Matus, 60, Huntsville Ice Sports Center
Youngest Skaters: JD Blair, 3, Ice Chalet Knoxville; Ron Blair, 5, Ice Chalet Knoxville
Competed in Most Events: Jacey Thomas, Icettes – District 196, 26 events; Emily Melville, Icettes – District 196, 19 events; Hannah Sherman, Icettes – District 196, 19 events; Jiannah Berueda, Icettes – District 196, 16 events; Rachel McAllister, Ice Chalet Knoxville, 16 events
Largest Skating Teams: Huntsville Ice Sports Center, 80 skaters; Ice Chalet Knoxville, 75 skaters
Teams from Farthest Distance: El Paso Blades Skating Academy, El Paso, Texas, 1,166 miles; Stephen C. West Ice Arena, Breckenridge, Colo., 1,119 miles
Professional event photos coming soon!
Established in 1959, the Ice Sports Industry (ISI) — creator of America’s first learn-to-skate curriculum — is an international trade association encompassing all aspects of the ice sports industry. Our goal is to promote ice skating as a participant sport and recreational activity for everyone — all ages and abilities.