I am from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and have been skating since I could walk. I started CanSkate lessons at the age of 11, and after completing the program in 6 short weeks, I began taking private figure skating lessons at the Sylvan Lake Skating Club and the Red Deer Figure Skating Club. From there, I moved back to my hometown of Edmonton to train at the Royal Glenora Club (home of World Champion, Kurt Browning) and finally at the Ice Palace Figure Skating Club in West Edmonton Mall (home of Olympic and World Champion, Kaitlyn Osmond). It was at the Ice Palace where I would retire from my amateur competitive career and take to the frozen stage in the world of show skating. 

In 2001, I joined the cast of Disney on Ice, and toured for nearly twenty years and performed over 60 different roles that included principal solo, principal adagio pair, specialty, understudy, character, comedy, and ensemble roles. In 2019 I assumed the administrative role of Tour Coordinator for the Disney On Ice production of Dream Big. After a short intermission, I returned to Feld Entertainment as the Music Department Business Coordinator in June of 2023.

Growing up in Canada, I became and still am, an avid hockey fan… LET’S GO OILERS! I combine my passion for the fast-paced, intense, competitive game and my figure skating expertise to teach, train, and develop impactful power skating exercises for my hockey playing students. Through fundamental skill development, conditioning, and the incorporation of a game-centric mindset, my students become elite level competitors. I always take any opportunity to catch any game live at Amalie Arena, or more recently at Roger’s Place in Edmonton!

Skating has always been a core pillar in my life that has taught me self-discipline, intrinsic motivation, unwavering work ethic, accountability, and the willingness to learn new things, rise to difficult challenges, and most importantly, to always get back up when I fall. These principles are incorporated alongside the technical instruction I provide to my students, to help them grow athletically and personally. In understanding that every athlete is unique, my lessons and “coaching styles” are constantly evolving and tailored to satisfy the specific needs for each skater. I believe that time on the ice and skating lessons should be both productive and fun. Skaters should be excited to step on the ice and feel safe and supported when with their coach. This is why safety, well-being, mental health, and having fun are also my utmost priorities for the skaters and their families.

The relationship between athlete and coach is a special one, and one that I respect ethically with the utmost integrity. The coaches in my life were extremely formative in my development both on and off the ice. The skills I learned on the ice took me to every corner of the world and unleashed a deep seeded passion for the sport and for performing. The support and care they provided for me off the ice was crucial in during many challenging times growing up as a figure skater in a heavily hockey oriented locale. They created a training environment that supported us to pursue the sport of skating in a manner that we chose allowing us to flourish. I reflect fondly on my early days and am thankful to have had such amazing coaches that each had their special place along my journey.

Thank you to:

Royal Glenora Club

Jan Ullmark, Head Coach

Cynthia Ullmark, Elements and Program

John Cogall, Elements

Lisa Kinding, Spins

Mich Millar, Choreography

This team was incredible and some of the best I ever worked with. It was my time at the Glenora that showed me what the needed next step was in my skating. It realigned my awareness of my current ability and what was needed to be done to go further. Skating alongside of Canada’s top skaters like Ben Ferreira and Michelle Curry, it was here that I understood the level of commitment and work it was going to take to achieve my goals. 

Sylvan Lake Figure Skating Club & Red Deer Skating Club

Tammy Paul of the Red Deer Skating Club

Debbie Allen of the Sylvan Skating Club

Tammy and Debbie were always like family to me as I was growing up. They cared deeply for my development and I would not have had the opportunities I experienced without them. Debbie was on the team of coaches that got us not only our Juvenile Ice Dance Sectional Title, but all the way to the first Tomorrow’s Champions competition (Junior Nationals) where we proudly finished 4th. 

Others

Michael Slipchuck of the Glencoe Figure Skating Club

Sharon Lariviere of the Calalta Figure Skating Club

Greg Folk of the Calalta Figure Skating Club 

Having the opportunity to work with each you was amazing! Having watched Michael Slipchuck’s competitive career taking him to a Canadian Senior Men’s National Title and World Championship appearances, it was an honor to be able to take lessons from someone I looked up to growing up in the sport. Sharon was sharp and fierce in her lessons, and my spins (and posture!) benefitted greatly from my time with her. Last, Mr. Folk not only instilled excellent skill execution in my skating, but also helped to develop strong mental confidence and better self-awareness in me as both a skater and person.

Ice Palace Figure Skating Club

Doug Schmirer, Head Coach

Linda Wynn, Head Coach

My final team of coaches. It was at the Ice Palace and under Doug and Linda that something clicked in my brain and my abilities. In just one short year, I never dreamed I would accomplish so much. Linda’s fierce nature, exceptional choreography and technical awareness was fundamental in my growth. Doug’s ability to break down technical elements was second to none as he awakened a part of my brain that absorbed anything and everything that he had to say. It was one of the most difficult days when I told them I had accepted a position with Disney on Ice and had decided to retire my amateur career, but he smiled, gave me a huge hug and a high five. As I am now coaching, I rely on many of your lessons, teachings, methods, and varying ability to approach any technical challenge. 

First and Forever Coach, Patti Somer of the Sylvan Lake Figure Skating Club

There isn’t enough that I could say about Patti. I first met Patti when I was 11 years old and signed up for CanSkate group lessons. It was apparent right there and then that she was going to be my coach the second I moved to private lessons. Patti became a second mother to me. She was not only there for my development in skating, but she was also there when times were tough with a shoulder to cry on, or a hug to make everything better. I was always free to be me when I was on the ice with her. We laughed, we cried, we lost, and we won. We pushed boundaries and went places I never even knew existed. It was heartbreaking the day we said we were moving back to Edmonton so I could skate at the Glenora and I would be leaving her charge. The move wasn’t for anything but being around some of the highest level skaters in the country. If I could have taken her with me, I would have. It has always been a priority to see her whenever I can (because she’s STILL coaching!). Patti’s gentle and kind manner mixed with a firm but supportive nature and the ability to make you smile, is something I lean on every single lesson as a coach. Without Patti, my career would never had happened. There were too many times I was ready to give up and quit, but she (along with my supportive family) was able to bring me back and get me going again. I am eternally grateful for my first and forever coach, Patti.  

As you can see, the relationship between coach and athlete can be extremely strong and it should never be taken likely. My goals for each skater is that they accomplish what it is that they set out for, feel safe, and have fun while doing it. If I have done my job correctly, my students will know how strong they are physically, but more importantly mentally and emotionally. They will know their ability to overcome challenges, and truly believe in themselves, while being grateful for their team of support. When looking back on skating, I hope they will relive some of the happiest times in their lives and smile.

I look forward to being on your team and to help you develop a passion for the ice whether it be in figure skating or hockey. Sport teaches us so much and rewards us in return beyond the accomplishments we will experience on the ice. Don’t hesitate to begin your journey; it all starts on day one!

During my time with Disney on Ice and Feld Entertainment, I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Associate of Science in Marketing with Highest Honors.

I currently reside in the Tampa Bay area with my wife, daughter, and two crazy dogs. When I’m not coaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing guitar, singing / songwriting, writing, wood working, cooking, and of course, skating!

See you on the ice!