Ben Koenderink and skating partner Michelle Egli perform. The pair, both 17, is headed to Skate Canada’s Junior Nationals in Ottawa this week. Koenderink, a member of the South River Figure Skating Club, will also compete in the novice men’s single event.
SUNDRIDGE — Ben Koenderink is hoping to make a repeat appearance on the podiums at this year’s Skate Canada Junior Nationals.
He and skating partner Michelle Egli, both 17, are headed to Ottawa Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 to compete against 250 other juvenile, pre-novice and novice level skaters from across the country.
Last year, Koenderink and Egli took home silver medals from the pre-novice pairs competition at the nationals. The year before, they were the juvenile pairs champions.
Now in the novice category, Koenderink’s mother Marilee said the pair hope to place again this year in the novice category. Koenderink will compete in the novice men single event, as well.
Koenderink’s mom says her son and Egli been working hard on perfecting more advanced techniques.
The pair have had a successful year, taking home medals from competitions in Thornhill, Barrie and the Western Challenge in Mississauga.
They compete under Skate Canada’s Northern Ontario section. Koenderink is a member of the South River Figure Skating Club, while Egli belongs to the Barrie Figure Skating Club.
Koenderink stays in Barrie during the week, where he and Egli have at least three on-ice training sessions a day, as well as participate in lifting classes and fitness routines.
The pair’s main coaches are Lee Barkell and Jacinthe Lariviere, although other coaches train with them, as well. Local coaches Brenda Arnold and Tim White worked with Koenderink when he was living at home.
Results from the 2008 Junior Nationals will be posted at www.skatecanada.ca.
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