A young skater with dreams of competing in the Olympics can find plenty of inspiration and encouragement at the Arctic Edge Training Center in Canton because of those impressive names on the banners above the ice. These youngsters with big dreams realize that former and likely future Olympians have stood on this very same sheet of ice they find themselves, and just maybe they too will compete with the best in the world.

Arctic Edge features several Olympian banners, including a tribute to Meryl Davis and Charlie White for their 2014 Olympic gold medal in ice dancing, along with fellow Olympians who trained at the arena such as Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto (2006 silver medalists), Maia and Alex Shibutani (2018 bronze medalists), and Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir (2010 and 2018 gold medalists, and 2014 silver medalists). In fact, after the success of these Olympians, Canton Township became known as the ice dance capital of the world.

The Edge also was the training facility for three-time world champion and 2022 Olympic gold medalist Nathan Chen.

In addition to training Olympic medalists, The Edge is also home to the renowned Arctic Figure Skating Club (AFSC). Founded in 2004, the club is a member club of the United States Figure Skating Association and features several different competitive teams at all levels, from beginner to national-qualifying divisions.

While The Edge is proud of its successful past, it’s also excited about the present and future. The AFSC currently has more than 200 members, ranging in age from 4 to 80, and offers training in every area of figure skating, including Singles, Pairs, Ice Dance, Showcase and more.

“What’s really special about our program is that we welcome skaters of all ages, levels and disciplines, from beginners just learning the basics to national and international competitors,” said Figure Skating Director Tammy Liptak, who has been with Arctic Edge for 21 years and coaching all levels of skating for more than 25 years. “The Arctic Edge is a very special place to me. It’s more than just a rink. It’s a community where skaters grow, friendships form and people discover a lifelong love of skating.”

One of the many things that makes the Arctic Edge Ice Arena unique and special is the coaching staff.

“We have an incredibly talented and diverse team that works together to support each skater's individual goals,” Liptak said. “It is truly a community where everyone can find their place on the ice.”

Arctic Edge is also home to the Michigan Ice Dance Academy (michiganicedanceacademy.com), which offers a comprehensive approach to the elite training environment. Its goal is to empower and encourage the athlete to face challenges without fear of failure, and to provide an environment which nurtures performance excellence as much as overall well-being.

The Arctic Figure Skating Club will host its annual holiday show in December and the spring ice show in March.

“They’re always a highlight of the year and such a fun way to celebrate the hard work our skaters put in, and the public is invited to attend,” Liptak said.

The Arctic Figure Skating Club will also host a celebration of National Skating Month in January as well as two competitions in April 2026, featuring skaters from Michigan and surrounding states. For more information on the club and events, visit arcticfsc.org.