By Bruce Karnick

[email protected]

More than 550 ice skaters are registered to compete in the 2020 ISI World Recreational Team Championships, July 28-31 at NSC Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota. Hastings own, River Blades Skating school is one of the participants.

Much larger in both scope and participation than a traditional skating competition, ISI Worlds offers more than 25 different skating event categories for individuals, partners, groups, and teams. The event is known as the largest annual recreational ice-skating competition in the country.

This year’s competition will feature competitors of all skill levels representing 40 rink teams from 10 states (California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin), with ages ranging from 4 to 79.

River Blades Skating School held at the Hastings Civic Arena has participated in local and national ISI competitions and events for the past 15 years.

River Blades celebrated their 15th Anniversary this past season offering ice skating lessons for individuals, and teams at the Hastings Civic Arena learn to skate for hockey and figure skaters and has instructed over 10,000 individual and group lesson skaters over the course of 15 years.

River Blades specializes in learn to skate classes for beginners, hockey edge & power skating classes, and beginner through advanced skating lessons for Figure Skaters. River Blades also offers team production classes for skaters that want to have fun, make new friends, and be a part of a team.

River Blades hosts ISI endorsed professional instructors, classes, and events seasonally Fall/Winter/Summer Ice Skating lessons, ISI Endorsed Events held at the Hastings Civic Arena this season that our community is invited to participate in 16th Annual Skate with Santa Event December 11, 2021, 2022 Annual Recital “Ice Show” where River Blades transforms the ice arena into a theater on ice in February this year’s theme is “Sweet 16 Celebration.”

For the ISI event in Blaine, River Blades will see 35 students compete it 44 solo routines and 26 team events in six different categories followed by an awards and recognition ceremony for those who participated.

Over the past 60-plus years, the Ice Sports Industry (ISI), formerly known as the Ice Skating Institute, has introduced more than 10 million individuals to ice skating through the country’s first national learn-to-skate program. ISI offers something for every skater, from those who want to skate “just for fun” to aspiring Olympic champions.

To learn more about River Blades Skating School, visit www.riverbladesskating.com

River Blades Disney Princesses performed by (L to R): : Marissa Nitti, Grace Ann Olson, Ella King, Abby Stagno, Aria Lingle, Kylee Zgoda, Kennedy McCann, Ella Wald, Zoe Eschenbach. Photo Courtesy of River Blades Skating School.

The Barrel of Monkeys routine is performed by (L to R) Ella King, Grace Ann Olson, Marissa Nitti, Kylee Zgoda, Avery Mikonowicz, Abby Stagno. Photo Courtesy of Jennifer King

“Yo! they’ll tell ya what they want what they really really want…” The ‘Spice Girls’ had a blast with their routine. (L to R) Front row: Lauren Destross. Back row: Chloee Moe, Clara Girgen, Harmon Brown, Elise Rogers. Photo Courtesy of Lynne Halterman Photography

New Years Eve is is a celebration for all. Performed by (L to R) Front row: Hanna Isadore, Hanna Hoff, Lauren Destross. Back row: Kathrine Rogers, Clara Girgen, Harmon Brown Photo Courtesy of River Blades Skating School.