The swishy crunchy sound of a blades cutting through the ice, the passion, the athleticism, the speed, the camaraderie off the ice and rivalry on the ice, and the energy of the crowds, is filling TD Garden in Boston and this time it’s not for a Bruins game. The International Skating Union prestigious Worlds 2016 have arrived in Boston and are under way.  Through Sunday April 3rd, the top skaters in the world are practicing and competing right under our noses in Boston’s North End.

I have been buzzing with excitement about having the worlds in Boston because I grew up watching skating and figure skating is almost a religion in Canada.  As a Canadian, skating was a big part of my childhood.  There were the skating lessons, the viewing of the Olympics, and come winter, an outdoor rink in just about every park or open area.  This week, I was invited to check out a practice session and I was like a child visiting the North Pole!  I have only seen this level of competition on television, but as with any art and sport nothing compares with being there in person.

This opportunity doesn’t come often, and it probably won’t come again for Boston any time soon.  If you have the opportunity to come take in a little of the world’s best on ice, I highly recommend it.  Tickets range from $25 to $1295.  There are competitions during the day and in the evening as well.  For a complete schedule you can visit the ISU World Figure Skating Championships‘ site.