CHANDLER, Ariz. — From beginners to Olympians, the Ice Denettes welcome skaters at all levels, and they all work together to turn what's usually known as an individual sport into a team experience.
The Ice Denettes are a synchronized ice-skating team that train out of both Ice Den Chandler and Ice Den Scottsdale. They have 12 teams with skaters aged 6-65 years old.
Tara Patterson is the senior director of skating and programming. She said this is such a fun way to grow the sport.
“Everyone is used to skating individually, so it helps builds camaraderie and it’s a fun way to build the sport while working together as a team,” she said.
Leaders at the Ice Den Chandler told 12News this season, the numbers have increased significantly in the adult divisions-- which make up a quarter of the teams.
"Our 12 teams just got back from Irvine in the hopes of taking home some hardware and creating new memories. Plus, it’s a great avenue for those who have retired."
Seven of their teams are preparing for sectionals with the hopes of qualifying for nationals.
"It’s the Pacific-Region Sectional Championships, each team usually has about 6 people in their division and only four advance,” Patterson said.
The team is always looking for new members at all levels and anyone who is interested can reach out to either location for more information.
Plus, they're hosting their 3rd annual toy and clothing drive for the Navajo Nation soon. The Ice Denettes have partnered with Camelback Moving again, as they store what the teams collect and then drive it up to the reservation.
"Last year, we collected over 10,000 pounds. We collect new and used toys, bikes, playsets, clothing, blankets and more to help holiday miracles happen for those in need."
Watch the Ice Denettes in action in the video below. For more information on the team, click here.