The Canada Winter Games were a great experience for a trio of athletes who are members of Skate Virden.
Shallen Bear, a 16-year-old from Whitewood, and 17-year-old Marty Haubrich of Dubuc teamed up to place fourth in novice pairs. Dauphin 13-year-old Breken Brezden placed ninth in pre-novice female at the prestigious event in Red Deer.While all three have competed at a high level, the Winter Games are unique.
“The atmosphere at the Games is different from any normal skating competition because there are so many different sports going on,” Haubrich said. “The amount of camaraderie with your team is amazing. You just cheer everyone on. There are also a lot more people watching you at Games because the community is really involved.”
For Brezden, one of the best parts was the pin trading that went on at the event because “I got to meet a lot of new people and it was also really fun,” she said. Another big highlight for her was watching Special Olympics figure skating.
Brezden also had fun on the ice. She posted a short program score of 26.09 and a free skate of 47.45.
“She had awesome skates. For her, really pleased to be in top 10,” said Virden’s Patty Hole, who coaches Brezden as well as Bear and Haubrich.
Brezden said her Winter Games experience was motivating.
“I’ve shown myself that I can compete while nervous, etc. I think this experience has helped a lot because sometimes I get nervous, then it affects the way I skate.”
Twice a week Brezden and her family comes to Virden for training – usually staying overnight. Hole called the commitment Brezden and her whole family displays “amazing.”
“She’s a trooper,” the coach said. “She just loves to skate.”
Brezden, who represents Skate Dauphin, was on Team Manitoba, while Bear and Haubrich, who represent Skate Whitewood and Skate Esterhazy respectively, were on the Saskatchewan provincial squad.
The pairs duo has strong ties to the Winter Games. Bear’s sisters, Shayanne and Shasta, have skated in past Winter Games. Bear said, the “Canada Games is something that is part of our family and is really special to all of us.” In 2015, Haubrich competed in pre-novice dance with a different partner.
“Competing at the Games was a huge achievement for Marty and me,” she said. “Not only did both of my sisters compete there, but Marty has already been to the Games so that’s really incredible. Just being at the Games is a big accomplishment.”
At the event, the team had a short program score of 29.93 and a long program mark of 52.63. At the Canadian Tire National Skating Championships, they placed fourth. Before the season, Bear, Haubrich, and Hole set goals.
“Our biggest goal was to be our best at Canadians,” Hole said. “We certainly did.”
Bear and Haubrich are in their first season together after Haubrich opted to focus on skating rather than hockey. Their personalities have helped them mesh into a team.
“Marty is so laid back. … Shallen is one I have to reel in. … It is a great contrast,” Hole said.
Haubrich and Bear live and train in Virden. They have appreciated the support of the community.
“I like training in Virden because it is a competitive environment,” Haubrich said. “Everyone is training to compete. Living there has been a treat because everyone is so friendly and will always say hello when walking down the street.”
