Words and Photos by Matt Petricone
The ICKS fam’ is back at it again with the King and Queen of the Fridge rail jam hosted by Big Snow. With a cash purse—a mini fridge filled with twelve hundred dollars in cold crisp cash—the season and spirit of giving is here. What makes this event different was it was purely for the people by the people. Self funded and out of pocket expenses covered by ICKS themselves. “No big name sponsors here, we’re just doing it for the love,” says frontman Joey B. I do think he might’ve traded a block of parmigiano for some product toss swag, but either way it was fruitful for all. Items from Giro, ICKS gear and vintage outerwear from Thrifty T’s were flying all over the place and the people were hyped on it. ICKS most certainly set off the 2025 season properly.
As far as the riding was concerned, it was actually a few of the contestants' first day on hill which made it all the more special to gather the local scenes in a convergence of harmonious vibrations to say the least. Local talent, as well as individuals who came from all over the east and west to compete merged to make a pretty stacked field. Three heats, twenty minutes a piece, then one final heat to battle it out. All judged by ICKS finest, Joey B, Tristan, Sean Callaghan and Jamo.
Quite the battle it was, heavy hitters LJ Henriquez, Tonya & Lucas Magoon, Justin Kipilla, Wes Heffernan, Brian Kalenowicz, Taylor Stendel, Joey McEvoy, Seb Diaz, Jon Koch, Liam Doyle, poach lord Jake Aaronson and the legend himself Jasper Kahn (along with his own personal cheering squad) set the benchmark high. Bodies were flying everywhere and bolts were being bashed, the pole jam to down flat was the showstopper. Justin Kapilla, Wes, LJ, & Jake all gave us some bangers making this one, unlike the Tyson fight, one to remember. It’s always a family affair when it’s an Ice Coast gathering no matter what. The sheer good times are always impeccable when it comes to an ICKS event and it’s exactly what snowboarding needs. No bullshit, just love, good times and solid camaraderie.
The beloved fridge was fully stocked and the kids were all eating well. High honors homecoming crowns were given with due respect to the Queen herself Tonya Magoon as well as to the newly crowned King, PA’s own Wes Heffernan. Also some last minute impromptu award categories were added, in part by the donation of extra funds and the honest workings of the riders themselves. As follows, the Grown Ass Man Award went to Jon Koch, the Mario Andretti Award went to Jalen Geter, the Big Slam Award was unfortunately given to Chris Johnson. Best Trick was Joe Mcevoy, and the coveted Big Banger Awards went to Justin Kapilla and LJ Henriquez. The east is under new rule and parmigiano reggiano is considered the new accepted currency.
ICKS would like to thank Kingpin Sean Callahan, Helen Ho, Joey B, Tristan Waldvogel & Thrifty T’s, Kai Stendel, Leigh LaBrake, Matt Petricone, the Big Snow staff (Kris and Pablo), Giro helmets, Hovland snowskates, Goon Gear, Dang shades, Spiral wax, Bunger Sayville, Crash snowboards (who flew in all the way from Denver with handmade trophy boards), Dave Dynamite for contributing $250 of his own money to support local snowboarding and everyone who came to spectate, support and compete. It was a night to remember in east coast snowboard history. ICKS says stay tuned for more events this season, things are in the works and they’re back to give the community just what it needs and we thank them for that.
May the snow fall at your feet and the milk pour straight from the teet of life into your heart.
