Valen Collins from Terrace, B.C. won the Can Skater of the Year award for B.C. and Yukon, given by Skate Canada for his effort, good attitude and progress in skating.
In two years, Valen advanced all the way from stage one to five of the six Can Skate levels.
“This young skater works hard each day he is on the ice and proudly wears his Can Skate achievements on the sleeve of his hockey jersey,” said his coach Shannon Benmore.
“He displays his 1000-watt smile while skating around the fast track and is attentive during lesson time. He is sure to be careful around the other skaters on the ice, and his pure joy for skating is evident to anyone that watches him.”
The award is given to one skater from B.C. or Yukon who displays a love of skating, listens carefully, is friendly on the ice, tries their best, and shows progress in their skating skills.
Valen was nominated by the Terrace Skating Club to the provincial skating body after he won Can Skater of the Year for both the Terrace club and the Caribou North Central region.
He and his family were flown to Vancouver earlier this month for the B.C.-Yukon skating awards banquet.