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Streichsbeir skates home in Alberni

Ice dancer Eric Streichsbier returns to Port Alberni to skate this weekend at the AV Multiplex and he’s bringing a new partner.
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Ice dancers Eric Streichsbier and Elise Von Holywede skate at the AV Multiple on Saturday.

Ice dancer Eric Streichsbier returns to Port Alberni to skate this weekend at the Alberni Valley Multiplex. And he’s bringing a brand new partner.

Streichsbier and Elise Von Holwede are competing in the regionals, a two-day competition hosted by Mt. Arrowsmith Skating Club. Although Streichsbier was raised in Port Alberni, he and Von Holwede now train at the Racquet Club in Victoria. It is a treat for his fans to be able to watch him at home, said his mother, Sherry.

Streichsbier and Von Holwede will skate in the compulsory novice dance beginning at 3:20 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 29 at the AV Multiplex and later, the novice free dance at 6:50 p.m. The regionals are ongoing all weekend.

The pair have only been skating together since July, following a Canada-wide search for a new partner on Streichsbier’s part. His former partner turned 19 this year and was no longer eligible to compete in junior categories, Sherry explained.

Von Holwede, from Spiritwood, Sask., had been training in Ottawa. The skaters’ coaches already knew each other and arranged a tryout for Von Holwede.

The pair have gelled quickly. In August they won a silver medal at Summer Skate in Vancouver, and at Thanksgiving in Saskatchewan they won a bronze medal.

“Their goal this year is nationals. This is a big year for them.”

editor@albernivalleynews.com