Page 25 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 132

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #132 January 2024 25

Celebrating 50 Glorious Years: A Glimpse into the

Char-Lan Skating Club’s Past, Present, and Future

By Molly Kett Reflecting on standout memories,
Slinger emphasizes the magical
s the Char-Lan Skating Club moments when skaters achieve
Agears up for its 50th anniversary personal milestones.
celebration, Stephanie Slinger, the “I think all parents, coaches, and
club’s enthusiastic representative, skaters can agree that a standout
shares the exciting plans and memory would be the first time
memories that have shaped the club’s their skater can skate by themselves,
rich history. or when they master a hard skill Photo Submitted
“We plan on beginning our 50th after lots of practice,” said Slinger.
celebration in January with a look “There is magic on the faces of the first steps on the ice with our team skaters currently progressing through
back into our past from alumni skaters when their hard work finally of coaches and helpers. The club has the programs.
been such a supportive environment
members,” said Slinger. “We are clicks, and they can do something for me throughout my life in skating, “I’d love to see them have huge
lucky to have so many former skaters effortlessly.” and at the beginning of my children’s success competitively or however
that still live in our area who are able However, one standout memory journey. I love seeing them on the ice they want to express themselves
to contribute to the story of our club.” stands out in recent history—the visit with their friends and can’t wait to in skating,” said Slinger. “We also
This journey promises to be a of world champion Kurt Browning in have an amazing group of program
heartfelt exploration of the club’s March 2023. Stephanie describes it see what their story will be on the assistants on our pre-CanSkate
ice,” said Slinger. “I’d also say the
evolution, highlighting the impact as a truly “awesome day” for skaters, day Kurt Browning visited the club and CanSkate sessions that are so
it has had on the lives of those who parents, and coaches alike. was one of the best days I’ve ever engaged in helping our littlest skaters
have been part of its storied history. “He taught our skaters so many had on the ice, and I’m someone learn how to skate. I can see all of
In March, the festivities will reach things about skating, performing, them becoming skating coaches one
new heights with an ice show that and about life. It was a great event,” who thinks that any time my skates day, and if that’s the case the future
are on the ice is a great day. It was so
Stephanie promises will be bigger said Slinger. special!” of the club is even brighter than
than anything they have ever hosted Slinger herself has a collection of Looking ahead to the future, before!”
before. The event aims to dazzle favourite memories, intertwining her Slinger expresses hope for continued As the Char-Lan Skating
members and the community alike, journey as both a coach and a skater. growth. Club embarks on this milestone
with surprises and a musical journey “I started coaching at the club in “We have the highest number of celebration, Slinger’s words echo
from 1974 to the present. 2015 and then started skating for registrants that we’ve had in our the sentiment of a community deeply
“We are going to be focusing on our myself again in 2018. I have also history,” Slinger said. The club’s connected to the ice. The past, present,
past and our current achievements,” been lucky enough to have my two reputation as a small entity with a big and future of the club are intertwined
said Slinger, hinting at a celebration girls fall in love with skating at the heart, offering everything found in in the stories of its members, making
that will not only honour the club’s Char-Lan Skating Club, just as I did larger cities, has garnered attention. this 50th anniversary a testament to
legacy but also showcase its ongoing as a little girl. They both started in our Slinger envisions a bright future, the enduring spirit of the Char-Lan
success.” pre-CanSkate program, taking their Skating Club
anticipating success for the talented
Match Your Area Knowledge

Play Thom’s Trivia

1Q) In early January 1969, name the St. Lawrence
Roadrunner who scored a natural hat trick vs Kingston,
helping the ‘Runners’ maintain a solid standing in league
play?

2Q) Name the former Cornwall Chevie who went by the
name Bingo?
3Q) Who scored the first ever goal in the PWHL?
Page 40 for Answers Photo Submitted