Our Figure Skating Academy is shaped by the coaches who lead it. This Coach Spotlight Series introduces the experienced professionals guiding skaters from their first steps on the ice through advanced training and competition.
We’re proud to launch the series with Oleksii Oliinyk, a figure skating and ice dance coach whose approach emphasizes strong fundamentals, movement efficiency, and long-term athlete development.
Coach Spotlight: Oleksii Oliinyk
Figure Skating & Ice Dance Coach | PSM Skating Academy
At PSM Icehouse, strong skating skills are the foundation of long-term success — and Oleksii Oliinyk brings that philosophy to every athlete he coaches.
As a figure skating and ice dance coach with the PSM Skating Academy, Oleksii works with a wide range of skaters, including figure skaters of different levels, ice dancers, and hockey players looking to improve skating efficiency, edge quality, and overall movement on the ice. His focus is on developing core skills that allow athletes to move with confidence, control, and purpose.
Building Strong Skaters from the Ground Up
Oleksii believes strong fundamentals are essential for consistent performance. Edge quality, balance, posture, and body control form the base for everything that follows — from jumps and spins in figure skating to speed, agility, and transitions in hockey.
“Strong skating skills allow athletes to move efficiently and maintain control at higher speeds,” Oleksii explains. “Without proper edges and balance, advanced skills become difficult to execute consistently.”
By reinforcing these fundamentals at every stage, skaters build habits that support long-term development.
The Role of Ice Dance in Skater Development
Ice dance plays an important role in Oleksii’s coaching approach, even for skaters who do not compete in the discipline. Through ice dance training, athletes develop musicality, timing, rhythm, and detailed body awareness — skills that translate across the ice.
Ice dance helps skaters connect movement to music, use edges more effectively, and skate with greater flow and intention, improving both performance quality and confidence.
Creating Complete Programs and Confident Performers
When developing choreography or full programs, Oleksii focuses on matching movement to each skater’s abilities, personality, and music. Emphasis is placed on flow, clean transitions, edge usage, and clear structure.
“Technique supports performance,” Oleksii says. “When skaters feel secure in their skills, they can focus on expression and storytelling instead of just executing elements.”
Coaching with Purpose and Individual Attention
Oleksii’s coaching philosophy is built on patience, strong fundamentals, and individualized development. He adapts his approach based on each athlete’s age, discipline, and goals, creating a supportive environment where skaters can progress safely while building confidence and technical understanding.
His work spans multiple disciplines, but the goal remains the same — helping athletes develop awareness, consistency, and confidence in their skating.
The Importance of Off-Ice Training
Off-ice training is a key part of Oleksii’s development model. Through dance, ballet, and conditioning, skaters improve posture, alignment, flexibility, strength, and coordination. This training supports better movement on the ice and helps reduce injury risk by strengthening stabilizing muscles.
By combining on-ice instruction with purposeful off-ice training, skaters return to the ice better prepared to progress.
A Strong Fit Within the PSM Skating Academy
According to Oleksii, the PSM Skating Academy provides a professional, supportive environment focused on quality skating skills and long-term development. With experienced coaches and individualized training pathways, the academy supports athletes from Learn to Skate through Aspire and Elite training.
This approach aligns closely with Oleksii’s coaching philosophy and commitment to strong fundamentals.
Advice for Skaters and Hockey Players
For athletes looking to elevate their skating ability, Oleksii offers straightforward advice: focus on the basics and trust the process.
“Strong edges, balance, and posture take time to develop,” he says. “Consistency and attention to detail always lead to better skating and long-term success.”
Oleksii Oliinyk is proud to be part of the PSM Skating Academy coaching staff, working alongside a team dedicated to helping athletes build confidence, skill, and a strong foundation for the future.
To learn more about Oleksii and our other PSM Skating Academy coaches, click here. You can explore their backgrounds, see what they offer, and reach out with any questions.
⛸️ Figure Skating • Ice Dance • Skating Skills • Off-Ice Training