After a long hiatus away from the rink due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Arctic Edge Skating Club has been able to get back to practice – once the Canada Games Centre (CGC) ice was available Aug. 3.

The Arctic Edge skaters had their last practice on March 19 before the pandemic shut down the CGC – the five months they were off is the longest they've gone without being on the ice, said coach Michelle Semaschuk.

"We missed it, I missed it, the girls have really missed it," said Semaschuk. "It is different, the situation, but having the ice back and the girls back adds to some normality in everyone's life, which is very positive.

"I have nothing but good things about how the girls have adapted to it so far and the Games Centre has been great and it's been really good for our skaters."

Fellow coach Anne Milton said figure skating lends itself to physical distancing.

"Skating is actually a sport that naturally involves physical distancing, except pairs which we aren't coaching right now," said Milton. "You have to avoid each other on the ice to avoid injuries.

"We have to be careful entering and exiting the ice, but it's a natural thing now."

When the pandemic forced the skating season to end short, the Arctic Edge coaches immediately set up virtual sessions to stay connected with the athletes.

"In about a week (after the season's cancellation), we set up virtually Skater's Circle which was very social," said Milton. "We got together and talked about positive things, mindfulness, followed some skaters, goal setting, and acts of kindness to connect with them.

"Then we started virtual dryland training with jumps and dance. We took a break for three weeks during the summer but otherwise, we've stayed connected with the girls.

"The kids talk about this being their skating family and it truly is. It's an important part of their life and it was important for them to see that we are still here.

"We weren't sure if anyone would come online but they were there. They would send us videos of them skating on ponds and I think that's why they are back on the ice early as soon as they can."

"I think staying connected was something to look forward to when everything just stopped," said Semaschuk. "The coaching staff always looked forward to them and it just added some positive vibes in a weird time."

Although the team stayed connected and worked through dryland training, including most recently working with a choreographer, Milton said you can't replicate the feeling of being on ice.

"This is their normal; so many have skated for so long, and you can't make up for not having ice under your feet," said Milton. "There is nothing you can do that gives you that speed, that cold air, that smell of the arena.

"I think for them, it's very grounding and it's going to be hugely important for this upcoming year – for resetting at the end of the day. This is a safe space."

The club is following the guidelines of the CMO, which means smaller group sizes. Semaschuk said this allows for the skaters to receive more one-on-one instruction.

"Group sizes are smaller, we have eight on the ice with two coaches at this point," said Semaschuk. "We are able to focus a bit more on each of them. I think there is just a general appreciation for just being back."

With COVID-19 uncertainly still abound, Milton said the club and skaters are taking a day-by-day approach to training.

"Our philosophy is that we are up again and strong and we are going to focus on daily intentions and what we can control," said Milton. "We can't predict a month from now – if we can achieve our goals or participate in an event.

"We do know we can come to the rink and achieve something every day so that's our focus. To be up again in our sport, be strong, have intent with every session, and be positive."