Ashville resident Carl Linamen can surely relate to magical journeys. In fact, it's not a reach to suggest, he's living one.

Thanks to the coaching and connections of Jamestown Skating Academy co-directors Kirk Wyse and Lenel van den Berg, the 19-year-old Linamen is getting his first taste of professional skating, having recently landed a part in the show's ensemble.

''I sent in a DVD of myself skating and a day later they e-mailed Kirk and Lenel that I had the job,'' said Linamen. ''I couldn't believe it.''

The notification capped a whirlwind six months for Linamen, who not only realized a lifelong dream to be part of an ice show, but also passed five skating tests, including his senior gold test, in about two months time. The tests were required in order for him to be eligible to apply for the Disney On Ice gig.

Ironically, Linamen, the son of Steve and Lisa Linamen, gave up skating altogether about a year ago. During the time off, he worked at Quality Markets in Lakewood and continued to contemplate if skating, a sport he'd taken up at the age of 12, would continue to be part of his life.

In March, he decided it would.

''As soon as I called (Lenel), he said, 'I knew you'd be back sooner or later,' '' Linamen recalled.

From that point, he pulled out all the stops to improve his skating skills.

''It took a couple weeks to get back into it,'' Linamen said. ''It was kind of like riding a bike. Your body doesn't forget how to do it.''

A past regional and two-time national competitor, Linamen participated in ''Excellence On Ice,'' in April and continued to work on the skills required for his skating tests, which he took over the summer.

As it turned out, all the hard work was worth it, culminating with the e-mail Wyse and van den Berg received from Disney On Ice that confirmed Linamen's place in the show.

''I was just speechless,'' Linamen said.

Linamen is just the latest JSA member to earn a spot in an ice show.

Kristen Treni, Lindsey Moore, Trey Ehre, Justin Cogley, Janelle Cogley, Kelly Wilson, Carrie Slater, Angela DePinto and Sarah Glovack are just a few of the JSA alumni to tour the country and, in some cases, the world in recent years.

''This is the best job I could ever get,'' Linamen said. ''You're just out there having fun and enjoying yourself,''