The top South Australian snow and ice sport athletes to watch in 2022
South Australia’s hidden snow and ice sport gems have been revealed. See how you can get involved and the local athletes who hope to represent the nation.
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The Winter Olympics is nearly over and Australia’s athletes have more-than impressed on the world stage in Beijing.
The games may be ending, but you can still get your snow and ice sport fix right here in SA.
Snow sports like skiing and snowboarding, as well as ice sports including figure skating and ice hockey, are all available for South Australians to train or compete in.
We’ve detailed how you can get involved and also listed the local athletes making waves in these sports.
Snow sport (skiing/snowboarding)
The SA Snowsports Association offers opportunity for South Australians of any age to train and compete in skiing and snowboarding each year.
Participants generally get involved through SA school ski and snowboarding trips to Falls Creek in Victoria – with inter-school racing competitions taking place every July.
The association also organises the little shredders program – a snowboard activity kids take part in on their school ovals.
“There’s little opportunity to hold competition in Adelaide at the moment but we offer pathways into the competitions in Falls Creek through the ski trips which we use as an introduction and training for people of any age,” president Dave de Lacy said.
“As long as you can be in Falls Creek in July you can take part.
“It’s a fantastic set up and a great opportunity to learn, train and compete.”
De Lacy said the SA Snow sports Association was in the process of unifying with Snow Australia, and hoped for more SA-based initiatives to come along with the unification.
“It’s my hope we can bring in a whole lot of initiatives. You see massive water facilities in Brisbane, we can bring in facilities like that for with snow, and develop connection points with gymnastics for people to practice their aerial skills,” he said.
“I urge anyone who is interested to get in touch with us through our social media or any other contacts and they can get involved.”
SA SNOW SPORT ATHLETES TO WATCH IN 2022
Alfie Wenk
Wenk started in the SA Snow sports Association interschools competition at just six years old and has gone on to become the state’s first ever world cup competitor.
Wenk won the North American Cup and then competed in Canada last month as a ski-cross athlete and finished in the top 50.
The 22-year-old sensation from Verdun in the Hills spends significant time training in SA, Victoria and Europe.
Grace Breen
Breen, part of a keen snow sport family from Strathalbyn and Eastern Fleurieu School has impressed at inter-school competitions.
She has shown the ability to pick up skills fast and consistently finishes strong in racing.
Brother, Josh is also one who has potential according to de Lacy.
Adelaide Michel
Michel is only five but has already won multiple races at interschools in Falls Creek.
She also spends her time training and racing with the Mount Hotham Race Club.
Michel is from Marryatville Primary School and will undoubtedly be one to keep an eye on in future years.
Figure skating
The South Australian Ice Skating Association (SAISA) hosts various competitions for figure skaters each year, and also offers opportunities in casual performance skating for those who do not want to compete.
There are three clubs affiliated with SAISA – Silver Blades Figure Skating Club, Noarlunga Figure Skating Club and South Australian Synchronised Ice Skating Club – all selecting a range of members.
“We have two main competitions this year, SA Skate in July and the SA State Championships in October. Both provide pathways for skaters to compete at the national championships and obtain a benchmark score to compete overseas,” SAISA vice president Chelsea Skene said.
“In addition, clubs also run a range of competitions including the NFSC Artistic Competition, Autumn Trophy, NFSC Club Championships and the Panda Challenge.
“Some of our members do not want to compete in competitions and enjoy the recreational and performing side of skating, so we also offer opportunities to participate in the Disney on Ice Pre-Show which is popular with young skaters.”
To learn to skate, the IceArenA offers trial lessons for all ages in the ‘learn to skate’ program and skaters can join lessons run each school term.
For any more information, visit the SAISA website.
Note: SA does not have a facility which caters for speed skating and the sport will be reintroduced once a facility appropriate enough returns.
SA FIGURE SKATERS TO WATCH IN 2022
James Min
Min skates in the senior men’s division internationally and in the most recent international competition last month – in Estonia – was confirmed as a reserve skater of his division in the Beijing Winter Olympics.
He is set to continue his training in South Australia and at times internationally as he aims to qualify for the 2026 Games in Italy.
India Nette and Eron Westwood
Nette and Westwood compete in the senior ice dance division as a duo.
Their most recent competition was also the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in Estonia.
The two have performed consistently around the world for multiple years now and are knocking on the door for Olympic qualification.
ICE HOCKEY
Ice Hockey SA hosts several training programs at the Ice Arena in Thebarton, and also runs four competitive divisions – Premier Grade (full-checking men), A Grade, B Grade, and C Grade which are all non-checking mixed.
Winter competition starts on April 6 and is made up of five clubs – Adelaide Blackhawks, Adelaide Falcons, Adelaide Jokers, Adelaide Redwings and Adelaide Tigers.
Players are selected from the Premier Grade competition to represent Australia at U20 and Open men’s teams.
Ice Hockey SA also has a junior competition in April ranging from under-10 to under-17.
“Core skills development and teamwork are the focus of junior competitions and there is no checking. National competitions also happen at all levels,” president Glen Winkler said.
“If anyone is interested in learning or if parents are interested in enrolling their child to winter programs they should contact us by email or Facebook for details and updates.”
SA ICE HOCKEY PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2022
Jake Riley (Adelaide Jokers)
Riley was part of the inaugural Adelaide Ice Hockey competition and continues to dominate around the arena for the Jokers, helping them to the title in 2020 and 2021.
He has also become a regular prospect for Australia.
Joey MacDougall (Adelaide Tigers)
MacDougall has also been a consistent star in Adelaide’s Ice Hockey scene since its start two years ago. He will be a significant part of any success the Tigers have this year.
Steve Best (Adelaide Redwings)
The Redwings are poised for a championship run in 2022 and Best could spearhead their upsurge. The team was runner-up last season, with Best dominating offensively and defensively.
Zac Steele (Adelaide Blackhawks)
Steele was the Blackhawks’ second round pick in the league draft last season and proved his worth. The 20-year-old continues to develop and is set to be a top player in the competition this year.
Josh Holland (Adelaide Falcons)
Young winger Josh Holland was a recent pick for the Falcons. While his team has struggled, he has shown his potential to be one of the best in SA. His skills and quick decision making may see him in an Australia jersey soon.
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