Melanie Marshall (L) and Chad Little performing the routine that won them gold in the Adult category in the first-ever Saugeen Shores Battle of the Blades April 1.

Hub Staff

A filled-to-capacity crowd at the Plex in Port Elgin on Friday night was eager to watch figure skaters and hockey players join forces to compete in Saugeen Shores' first ever Battle of the Blades (BOTB) competition, a fundraiser for the Saugeen Shores Skating Club (SSSC) and Liv-A-Little Foundation.

Erin Little of Liv-A-Little addressed the crowd before the show. “We are just once again overwhelmed with support and, from our whole hearts, I thank you. You are making a huge difference.”

The Chantry Singers got the event underway with the singing of O' Canada before 15 teams of one figure skater and one hockey player took to the ice to perform their routines.

“I'm so excited,” said BOTB figure skater Melanie Marshall of her upcoming performance. “I've been wound for sound all day. I'm just happy and emotional and proud and excited,” she said.

One of the five judges for the evening, Canadian National Novice Dance Champion, Dan Seymour, said he was looking for a balance of engagement, skating skills, and “the team who's having the most fun”.

Fellow judge, Saugeen Shores Mayor, Mike Smith was impressed with the event and the turnout. “Being mayor of this community is a pretty easy job when you see things like this. This community, no matter what it is....come together and make everything happen,” he said.

Medals were awarded in four categories. Gold went to Hannah Meyer and Logan Burnham in the Under 13 category, siblings Jacquie and Patrick Fenton in the 13 and Over category, Alexa and Tori James in the Family category and Melanie Marshall and Chad Little in the Adult category.

There was a split vote for the People's Choice with Abby Pilger and Talon Martin, Alexa and Tori Janes, and Jessica Foucault and John Rich all winning the award.

Special recognition was given to one of Saugeen Shores’ favourite residents, Vi Cottrill, who celebrated her 80th birthday in December. Cottrill was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a framed photo of the BOTB participants as a gesture of thanks from the SSSC. “She spends more time in this arena than anyone else,” said the event's Master of Ceremonies, Dave Middleton.

After the show, BOTB Event Chair and SSSC Coach, Janet Dawson said she couldn't imagine things going any better, “We had to close the door, we were at capacity, I think it's 1,100 people," she said, adding that she would have been pleased with 300 to 400 people.

“I don't know why I'm so surprised because this community just shows up," said Dawson.

She praised everyone who had a hand in making the show a success. “We have a lot of things to be proud of here,” Dawson said. “I couldn't be more proud than I am this very moment.”

Additional medals went to: Under 13 Silver, Hannah Weisgerber and Sam Kozelenko; Under 13 Bronze, Abby Pilger and Talan Martin; 13 and Over Silver, Jennifer Janowski and Erin Collinson; Family Silver, Aura and Sawyer; Adult Silver, Amanda Allen and Dave Mackay; Adult Bronze, Jordan Hutton and Josh Jackson.

Skating partners, Jessica Fourault (L) and John Rich were one of three teams voted to win the People's Choice Award at Battle of the Blades April 1.

Brother and sister team, Jacqueline Fenton (L) and Patrick Fenton won gold for their Battle of the Blades performance in the 13 and Over category.

Saugeen Shores Skating Club Coach, Brittany Sanderson (L) and former Saugeen Shores Winterhawk, Matt Turcotte, perform their Battle of the Blades routine.

For more photos, see Battle of the Blades in pictures