Winnipeg Jet Mark Scheifele glides onto ballet stage in Nutcracker

You're used to seeing him on the rink, but later this week, you can see Winnipeg JetMark Scheifele hit the ballet stage.

On Dec. 30, Scheifele is set to strap into roller blades, not ice skates, and appear in the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's production ofNutcracker. He'sone of17 city celebschosen for annual walk-on roles.

The tradition has been going on for nearly a decade, according to the RWB.

"The purpose of walk-on roles is to highlight notable members of the Winnipeg community," said Andr Lewis, artistic director of the RWB, in a press release.

Walk-on appearancesusually take place duringthe party scene, butScheifele's skating skills earned him a spot in the pond hockey game a distinctly Canadian addition to the holiday classic.

Instead of an arena organ, he'll be accompanied by music played by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

Scheifelesaid in a press release he was looking forward to the production.

"It is important to connect communities and I am happy to do my part," he said.

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Also appearing are Fred Penner,Minister of Sport, Culture and HeritageRochelle Squires and Maurice Leggett of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

You can catchNutcrackerat the Centennial Concert Hall until Dec. 30.