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By Jay Betsill
The Dallas Stars Ice Girls auditions began with over 100 ladies on hand and when the day was complete, director Christina Swanson and assistant director Kamwin Dietz welcomed 31 ladies to the team’s training camp.
Training camp was held evenings beginning at 6:30 at Ortho Texas and Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco. Each night began with an hour of dance technique followed by work on abs, turns and kicks across the floor and then performing the routine they had learned the previous night. Afterward, they would make their way to the ice, where they worked on posture, technique, speed and conditioning and reviewed basic drills including stopping, swivels and cross-overs.
The ladies were expected to participate in both parts of training camp — dancing and skating — but they were only judged on which they auditioned in. For example, dancers were judged on their dance ability and skaters judged on skating ability. The directors only wanted to see that a candidate was willing to try, but did not have expectations that they would perfect a skill they did not audition in.
There was also an interview portion of the auditions where each candidate had a one-on-one interview with the directors. They also had a quiz that covered Dallas Stars history and overall hockey knowledge.
Cuts were made throughout training camp. The process culminated in the squad photo shoot where the ladies took their cameo pictures and official squad photo.
“I am so excited about this year’s team,” Swanson said. “We have 22 beautiful ladies that make up the 2015-16 Dallas Stars Ice Girls. It is important that we find young ladies that can uphold the high standards we expect from our Ice Girls while performing at games, that they can carry conversations with fans about hockey and that they are positive role models for our younger fans.
“This group of ladies encompasses all of these traits, but the attribute that I admire most about my girls are their hearts'” she continued. “Each lady has a passion and drive for their skill (skating or dancing) but also to help each other and see her sister succeed.”
The 2015-16 Dallas Stars Ice Girls are: (Veterans) Stephanie (Captain), Melissa (Assistant Ice Captain), Whitney (Assistant Ice Captain), Emma (Assistant Dance Captain), Courtney C. (Assistant Dance Captain), Courtney J., Taryn, DeAmber and Mariyah and (Rookies) Kayla, Hilary, Shelby, Olivia, Nichole, Kalyssa, Rachel, Kristina, Bre, Madi, Jennifer, Becky and Tristen.
The team released its squad photo at the Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco on Sept. 12 at a big event that was open to the public and gave fans the chance to get photos, autographs and skate with the Ice Girls.
The Dallas Stars season gets underway on October 8 when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins at American Airlines Center.
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