|
|
Not sure what to give that special someone? Give the gift of skating by enrolling a child or relative in Learn to Skate lessons at the Crystal Ice House. From Ice Explorers (Parent-Tot) and Snow Plow Sam to classes for Teens and Adults, we offer a welcoming environment to learn skills and build confidence at any age in both hockey and figure skating.
Winter session has started and enrollment is ongoing with no classes being held the week of December 25 - January 6. Lessons are prorated and makeups are allowed. Sign up today and check that future-skater off your list. You can even print this image to make your gift extra special!
We also offer gift certificates and passes for public skate, rat ice, youth rat ice, and stick & puck. Visit our office to pick up stocking stuffers for all of the skaters in your life!
|  |
Catching Up With Kim Johnson
Last newsletter we shared Hockey Director Steve Martins' story and philosophy on coaching. This issue we caught up with Skating Director Kim Johnson and asked her to share her insights and rink history.
"When the rink opened in the fall of 1994, Rich Sexton (the original owner), Jeff Johnson, and I would have planning meetings at Old Country Buffet," Kim recalled. "In the beginning there was only the West Rink and of course no online registration - at first people came to my house to register!" she mused. "It was exciting to be able to offer skating to Crystal Lake and the surrounding communities," added Kim.
Figure skating has been an integral part of Kim's life since childhood. "I started skating when I was 7 years old in Park Ridge," she explained. "I was fortunate to skate with competitive skaters from all over the world at the Wagon Wheel Ice Palace in Rockton, IL (part of the Wagon Wheel Resort and the namesake of Wagon Wheel Figure Skating Club). It was a wonderful training experience that shaped my lifelong involvement in the sport."
Today Kim creates and oversees all group lessons and competitive skating at the Crystal Ice House, spending a lot of time educating parents and skaters. "I answer a lot of questions as Skating Director. I'm also the Upper Great Lakes Approval Representative for U.S. Figure Skating, which keeps me involved in regional competitions as a volunteer," said Kim. Always committed to finding ways to bridge skaters from group lessons to competitive skating, Kim is excited about the new ASPIRE Ice program and the upcoming inaugural In-House Competition on March 3, 2024.
While teaching private lessons is not her primary role at the Crystal Ice House, Kim has coached over 20 students to become U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalists in Skating Skills (formerly Moves in the Field). In 2023 alone, Kim has had 5 skaters attain Gold. "I love introducing a new skill to a skater and helping them progress to accomplishing something they couldn’t do well at first. The journey to getting your Gold Test is very difficult - on the way you see the skater grow as a person and as well as an athlete."
Kim Johnson is always available to offer guidance and answer your skating questions.
|  |
Extra Time On Ice Builds Confidence
For skaters wanting to showcase and refine growing skills, Crystal Ice House offers the following programs to complement hockey and figure skating Group Lessons:
- VIP Practice Cards
- Holiday Exhibition
- In-House Competition
- Spring Ice Show
- Excel Hockey Class
- Junior Jacket Spring Season
- ASPIRE Ice
These add-on events, programs, and classes allow skaters to put their skills into practice, and to get a feel for what comes next after Learn to Skate.
At our Holiday Exhibition on December 2, 2023, over fifty skaters took the ice in front of a large crowd! Group Lesson skaters learned their routines during "Free Time", choosing between three song selections. ASPIRE Ice skaters had the opportunity to choose their own music and work with a private coach to craft a unique routine, while our Unlimited Ice skaters enjoyed a break from competitive programs to choreograph a fun number full of holiday cheer. Every participant received a commemorative ornament, and professional photos are available to purchase from TLC Photography & Portraits.
We encourage Winter Session skaters to participate in our In-House Competition on March 3, 2024 to learn what it's like to compete. Every skater will receive a trophy after performing a program in front of judges. Skaters enrolled in Winter and Spring Sessions can also prepare to perform in our Spring Ice Show. Group Ice Show Registrants receive a costume, professional photos, group choreography, and instruction. And for our prospective hockey players, our Excel Hockey class is always accepting new skaters who are enrolled in Hockey 2 and higher. Spring house and travel try outs will be here before you know it; use your VIP Cards to take advantage of Stick 'N Puck and Youth Rat Ice to keep sharpening your skills!
Every opportunity outside of Group Lessons to step on the ice and receive special training is "extra credit" in your skating journey. We encourage all families to take advantage of these affordable, fun programs and watch skills and confidence grow. With all the extra practice, your skater might earn their next patch a little sooner than expected, too!
|  |
Hockey Update From Coach Steve
The 2023-24 Yellowjackets Hockey season is well underway. After competitive seeding rounds, Squirt 1, Peewee 1, and Bantam 1 teams all qualified for NIHL’s top “Premium Select Level,” a testament to the club’s continued commitment to developing young hockey players to their fullest potential. Also notable, tournament Championship trophies were won by Squirt 1 in Cleveland, Squirt 2 in Romeoville, Squirt 3 in the Dells, Peewee 3 in South Bend, and Bantam 2 in Appleton, while Peewee 2 and Bantam 1 teams took Runner up trophies in Madison and Appleton respectively.
Our future Yellowjackets stars, Stingers 1, 2, 3, and 4 (yes all four mite travel teams!), all brought home runner-up trophies on different weekends in the Dells. Stingers 2 also brought home another runner up trophy at their Thanksgiving tournament in Chicago!
Congratulations to all our Yellowjackets and Stingers travel teams!
Steve Martins
Hockey Director
|  | |
Pack the Hive & Follow Online
Want to follow your favorite black and yellow team in person or from afar? We've got you covered! You can also watch the action from the comfort of home using Live Barn (save 10% with promo-code 050d-330d).
|
Congratulations Corner
Accolades are in order for our amazing coaches and skaters!
| Coach Diana qualified for U.S. Figure Skating's 2023 Solo Dance Series Final in Glenview, IL. A U.S. Figure Skating Triple Gold Medalist in Skating Skills, Singles, and Dance, Diana started off in our Group Lessons. This year - her first competing in Solo Dance - Diana made it all the way to the Finals placing 15th in Gold Solo Pattern Dance. Diana's Crystal Ice House-based coaching team includes Renee Tessmer-Brainerd and Susie Wynne. Diana is now settling into her first year of college with the title of "National Competitor" added to her impressive list of accomplishments. |  | Coach Brooke represented Wagon Wheel Figure Skating Club at U.S. Figure Skating's 2024 Midwestern Sectionals placing 5th in a competitive field of 20 Senior Women and earning a 2nd place medal for her placement in the Upper Great Lakes Region. Brooke has called the Crystal Ice House home for her entire skating career. A U.S. Figure Skating Double Gold Medalist in Skating Skills and Singles, this was Brooke's second year competing at the Senior level at Sectionals. Brooke's Head Coach, Lars Jensen, also coaches our Saturday morning class alongside Brooke for our Unlimited Ice and ASPIRE Ice skaters. When she's not training, Brooke can be found teaching group and private lessons, and coaching her students at local competitions. | Don't let the kids have all the fun! Our Adult Recreational Developmental League registration is now open. The league is great for adult skaters just beginning their hockey journeys, as well as those getting back into the game. The season consists of 14 league games and at least 1 playoff game running from 1/21 through 6/23. Player evaluations will take place Sunday, January 14. |
Try Hockey for Free
Over thirty skaters took part in our last Try Hockey for Free of 2023. These events are great for skaters to get the feel for what it's like to play hockey. All equipment and instruction is provided. Thank you to the over twenty-five volunteers and coaches who took the time to welcome potential hockey players to the ice! Future "Try Hockey" events to be announced soon.
| |
 |  |  |  |
Facility Update from the General Manager
On October 4, 2023 the Crystal Ice House roof project was completed by our roofing vendor ACR1 Commercial roofing. One of the reasons they were selected was due to the comprehensive warranty and maintenance program they offered. Their program provided the Crystal Ice House with a 15-year material and labor warranty. As a result, all buckets have been removed from the rink ceilings. Now if we experience a leak, we just call for warranty service.
Let there be lights! This fall the rink oversaw the installation of new LED lighting. LED lights were installed in all three rinks, including having all the other lights inside the building retrofitted with LED lighting. Additionally new LED parking lot and building lights - complete with with photocell sensors providing dusk to dawn functionality - were installed. All of the new lights are much brighter than before, offering increased visibility in the rinks, parking area, and around the building.
As an older facility, there is the constant need for repairs and maintenance projects. This fall we tackled the West Rink locker room doors. All the doors in the West Rink now operate smoothly and the locker room doors can be locked. To obtain a key, a team representative must leave their name, telephone number, and a set of valid car keys.
As a non-for-profit, our goal is to provide the best possible facility at a fair price. One way to help keep prices reasonable is to be aware of what is happening at the rink when you are there. If you see something, say something. Report it to the rink office or send an email directly to me. A few weeks ago, someone using locker room 6 stole two of the new LED light strips and caused other damage. As a result, the rink incurred costs to make the necessary repairs. Notifying us when you see an issue would be greatly appreciated.
We listen! Over the past several months rink staff have been receiving complaints about the West Rink being too warm during certain ice times. We also heard complaints that the ice was taking “too long to set up” after resurfacing. As a result of your feedback, action was taken. New programmable thermostats were installed to better control the temperature in the rink during certain ice periods. In addition, the louvers on the heaters were adjusted to eliminate blowing warm air directly onto the ice surface.
I hope you noticed the improvements as we continue to work on improving your overall experience at the rink. From all of us at the Crystal Ice House, we wish everyone Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year!
David Lichterman
General Manager
|  | |
Look who's been creating a buzz! Summer Moon Coffee, Wagon Wheel Figure Skating Club, Illinois Bone & Joint, Stingers Hockey Club, and Rookies Sports Bar & Grill dashers and banners have brightened our rinks over the last few months. Coming soon to join our banners - The Joint Chiropractic - Crystal Lake. Be sure to give all of our generous advertisers a like, follow, and visit - and tell them you saw them at the Crystal Ice House!
If you're interested in getting on our rink boards or know a local business that would be a perfect fit, act fast. Availability is limited to the line of sight from our stands. Reach out today!
We love to share photos of our advertisers with their new dasher boards here and on social media!
|  |
Ice Resurfacer Fund Launching Soon
Have you ever had a practice or game impacted by one of our aging ice resurfacers? We know how frustrating that can be! That's why Fire Wagon Hockey will be kicking-off our Ice Resurfacer Fund benefiting the Crystal Ice House in a few short weeks. Every gift will get us closer to our goal to #cleantheice with reliable NEW machines!
| Save 10% with promo-code 050d-330d | Looking for YJ apparel? The Squadlocker store is always open. | Hoodies and flannels and hats, oh my! While the window to order in time for a December 24 delivery has passed, fresh Crystal Ice House designs are still live in our shop! Don't see what you're looking for? Make a Crystal Ice House spirit wear request here. |
We're Hiring!
Crystal Ice House is always looking for reliable and responsible employees. Currently we are seeking:
| Figure skaters keep an eye out for Ice Show Tryout Registration in the new year. Both Unlimited Ice and ASPIRE Ice skaters consecutively enrolled from September 2023 through May 2024 will be eligible to try out. Questions? Contact Kim Johnson. | |
