MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – St. Paul is expected to get a big economic boost in January when the Red Bull Crashed Ice event comes to the downtown area.

It’s a part of the city that has been hit hard economically by the NHL lockout. Many businesses have had to reduce staff without the Minnesota Wild playing.

Red Bull Crashed Ice came to St. Paul for the first time last year, and it was such a hit here that they’ve decided to come back. It’s a wild skating course that features jumps and turns, and plenty of danger for the competing skaters.

Cameron Naasz, one of the top competitors, stopped by the WCCO Morning Show on Thursday to talk about the event.

“It’s a great time. It’s a thrill, it gets your blood flowing and the fans love it,” Naasz said. “It’s just something exciting to do in the winter.”

Naasz, a Lakeville native who is a student at St. Cloud State University, will represent the USA in the event. This year, the St. Paul course will be more challenging than last year. The starting gate will be 12 feet higher and there will be four jumps this year.

The Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championships are Jan. 26 in downtown St. Paul.