Solar4America Takes 2022 ISI Winter Classic Champion Title!
It’s no secret that the 2022 ISI Winter Classic, held Feb. 18-10, hit some snags along the way due to California’s strict COVID-19 mandates. By the time the event got underway, full masking and proof of vaccination, including a booster shot, or a negative COVID19 test, were required for entrance into the host facility, Solar4 America in San Jose.
“In spite of these tough requirements, Winter Classic happened in a much more efficient manner than expected,” said ISI Skating Programs & National Events Director Kim Hansen. “There were a lot of smiles and grateful participants both on and off the ice.
“While it was by far one of our smallest Winter Classic events in two decades, it was awesome that so many wanted to be a part of it, considering the obstacles. Candy Goodson and her team of very new parent volunteers worked tirelessly all weekend. Candy told me that she was so happy that we got the event off as her parents loved being a part of it and were now ready to tackle local events for her.”
Almost 350 competitors from 18 rink teams from eight states (Alaska, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Washington) took to the ice to compete. (Events included Artistic, Couples Spotlight, Dance, Ensemble, Family Spotlight, Figures, Footwork, Freestyle, Interpretive, Jump & Spin, Kaleidoskate, Pairs, Production Team, Rhythmic, Solo Compulsories, Solo Spotlight, Special Skater, Stroking, Synchronized Teams, Team Compulsories, Team Surprise and Tots-Delta.)
As Overall Team Champion with 573.5 team points, Solar4America at San Jose was awarded the Robert Unger Trophy. Alaska’s Juneau Skating Club finished in 2nd place, with 276 team points and the Icettes – School District 196 (Apple Valley, Minn.) earned 3rd place, with 231.5 points.
Other awards recipients included President’s Award Trophy Winner: Vacaville Ice Sports, Vacaville, Calif., with 199.5 points; Board of Directors Trophy Winner: The Skating Club of Johnstown, Johnstown, Pa., with 153.5 points and Percentage Trophy Winner: Skatetown Ice Arena, Roseville, Calif., with 12.33 points.
Oldest Skaters: Joseph Kasputys, 85, FMC William Chase Arena, Natick, Mass.; and Connie Curry, 83, Solar4America at San Jose.
Youngest Skaters: Evah Capouellez, 2, The Skating Club of Johnstown; Malia Foley, 4, Solar4 America at San Jose; Natalia Soohoo, Solar4America at San Jose; Kenji Suyeishi, Solar4America at San Jose.
Competed in Most Events: Robert Trygstad, Vacaville Ice Sports, 18; Lauren Rocheford, 12; Emily Melville, Icettes – District 196.
Largest Skating Teams: Solar4America at San Jose, 87 skaters; Nazareth Ice Oasis, San Mateo, Calif., 70 skaters.
Teams from Farthest Distance: FMC William Chase Arena, Natick, Mass., 2,265 miles; Rosegarden Ice Arena, Norwich, Conn., 2,637 miles; and The Skating Club of Johnstown, Johnstown, Pa., 2,299 miles.
View full competition results.
Mark your calendar for the 2023 ISI Winter Classic, scheduled Feb. 17-19 at Hunstville Ice Sports Center in Huntsville, Ala.! Test and entry deadline is Dec. 15 (2022).
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. For more information, visit skateisi.org.