Two skaters from Skate Canada-New Brunswick are currently on tour with Disney’s popular show High School Musical: The Ice Tour.

Bonard Muck, of Blackville, N.B., and former member of the Moncton Mariposa Skating Club, plays the supporting role of Ryan Evans. Bonard started skating with Disney in 2001 and joined High School Musical: The Ice Tour this past summer when it opened. He is scheduled to take part in 55 stops of the show around the continent, including Toronto, Winnipeg, London, Hamilton, Ottawa, and Kingston in Canada.

“Things are fantastic and I could not be happier,” says Bonard. “Our entire group has become a large extended kind of family that just run around the continent and is able to hang out with friends as our job.”

When asked what’s been the biggest adjustment for him from competing to performing, Bonard says it really does not feel like work when it is something you really enjoy doing.

“I guess the biggest adjustment from competing to performing is just the ‘enjoying myself’ even more. I really enjoyed competing and the adrenaline rush, but this is a lot different. There is no pressure, so the adrenaline just turns into pure energy and a connection with the crowds,” adds Bonard.

The second skater from Skate Canada-New Brunswick on the High School Musical: The Ice Tour is James Adair of the Petitcodiac & District Club. This is Adair’s first participation in a Disney show. He plays different roles including a jock, a Lava Springs Resort employee, and his personal favourite, a brainiac.

The East High Wildcats get ready to take the ice in Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour (West Coast Tour): Jordan Brauninger as Troy; Lane Walker as Gabriella; Sandra Rucker as Sharpay; New Brunswick’s Bonard Muck as Ryan; Simeon Hanks as Chad; Tetona Jackson as Taylor

“So far we have played in cities all over Florida, California, and in New York. The places I can't wait to perform in are in my home country in Ontario and Manitoba,” says Adair. “I love doing the show! It's always great to see the kids and even the parents smiling, singing, and dancing along. The energy from everyone in the audience is amazing. It is kind of like being at a rock concert. I always look forward to doing it all over again in another city.”

Adair believes his experience as a STARSkater play a major role in helping him succeed in this musical ice show adventure.

“If it was not for the STARskate program I probably wouldn't have gotten as far as I have, that's for sure. The STARskate program is where it all started for me. My passion for figure skating started to grow early on in my STARskate competition years. All of this lead me to where I am today,” says Adair.

The global tour will feature a group of 34 skating stars that includes Olympic and world championship competitors, national champions from around the world and professional skaters.

The global tour, comprised of three touring groups, is expected to play more than 100 cities in its first year alone, including New York, Los Angeles in addition to cities in Europe, Mexico and Canada.

Disney’s High School Musical : The Ice Tour stops in Canada include the Rogers Centre in Toronto (December 21-30, 2007), the John Labatt Centre in London (February 29-March 2, 2008), Scotiabank Place in Ottawa (March 7-9, 2008) and the Copps Coliseum in Hamilton (March 14-16, 2008).

For more details about the show or for an updated tour schedule go to www.highschoolmusicaltheicetour.com.