O’LEARY – Elvis Stojko is coming to O’Leary.
One of Canada’s most successful men’s figure skaters, Stojko will put on a seminar for STAR figure skaters from across P.E.I. on Saturday, Feb. 17.
O’Leary Figure Skating Club coach Julie McNeill said all 60 available spots for the seminar were filled within 24 hours of the event being posted.
But the seminar is just the start of Stojko’s guest appearance in O’Leary. Later on the 17th he will skate with the more than 60 members of the O’Leary Figure Skating Club’s CanSkate program.
Stojko will be back at the O’Leary Community Sports Centre on Sunday, Feb. 18, for the club’s annual ice show. Coach McNeill said the three-time world gold-medallist will give a solo performance in each half of the ice show.
The theme of the 2018 Ice Show is Toys on Ice. “It’s just like the toy box is coming to life,” the head coach said in describing the set up. “All kids of toys. There will be minions, puppets, wind-up dolls…”
How was Stojko’s guest appearance arranged?
“I just sent him a message, and then he called me,” McNeill answered.
It’s been in the works since June, when club parent Stacy MacWilliams approached McNeill with the idea of contacting Stojko. The club has been in communication with Stojko since August finalizing details for the seminar and ice show.
McNeill said the ice show will have seating for up to 1,000 this year, and organizers are anticipating a sellout. Tickets go on sale this weekend at O’Leary Guardian Drug. Tickets are $15 in advance, or $20 at the door.
Following the ice show, Stojko will be available for a photo session and for autographs.
Quick Glance
A look at Elvis Stojko:
Born in Newmarket, Ont.
Grew up in Richmond Hill, Ont.
Won Olympic silver medals for Canada in 1994 and 1994.
Was world gold medalist in 1994, 1995 and 1997.
At the 1991 world championships, he became the first skater to land a quadruple-double jump combination in competition.
