(September 10, 2004)

Due to a demanding monitoring schedule designed to give Canadian National Team athletes an edge on the international competition this International Skating Union Grand Prix season, Skate Canada has changed the format of the exhibition performance planned for Sept. 25 at the Maurice Richard Arena in Montreal.

Instead of holding the National Team show in the evening, lucky ticket holders and interested members of the media are invited to attend the full National Team monitoring session, which will be held from 1-4 p.m. At this monitoring session, each National Team athlete will run through his or her new competitive free program in a training session environment.

Immediately following the monitoring, Skate Canada will hold a media conference and a reception to launch the talented and accomplished Canadian National Team into the 2004-2005 competitive season.

Those attending the reception will have the opportunity to greet all team members to pass along congratulations and best wishes for a successful competitive season. The reception will be held following the monitoring session from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Hôtel Auberge Universel.

Members of the media attending the media conference will have the opportunity to interview members of the 2004-2005 Skate Canada National Team. The media conference will take place at the Maurice Richard Arena from 4-5 p.m.

All funds raised from the monitoring session and reception will go to the Skate Canada Athlete Trust Fund, which supports Canada’s high performance skaters as they continue their Olympic preparation.

Tickets prices to the monitoring session and reception are as follows:

Adult (over 12):
a) Ice session only - $15 ($10 for Skate Canada members)
b) Ice session plus reception - $30 ($25 for Skate Canada members)

Child (12 and under) / Senior:
a) Ice session only - $5 (free for Skate Canada members)
b) Ice session plus reception - $10 ($5 for Skate Canada members)

Tickets are available through the Skate Canada Member Services department at the Skate Canada national office at 1-888-747-2372, online, or at the door (Maurice Richard Arena) starting at 12:30 p.m. on the day of the event (cash only). Reception capacity limited.