International Skating Family to meet in Croatia

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While wrapping up the Canadian skating season in Newfoundland at the Ice Summit, another meeting is in preparation mode in Dubrovnik, Croatia, June 5th to 10th for the International Skating Union’s Congress, held every two years. Some 70 member nations, including Canada, will be represented.

Every Congress has been important in the ISU’s 124-year history however this year’s meeting has special significance. Not only will a new President be elected after Ottavio Cinquanta’s reign of more than 20 years but a whole fresh slate of candidates, some old faces, some new, are also up for election, including Skate Canada’s popular Past President, Benoît Lavoie who is running for a seat on the ISU Figure Skating Council.

Many of you already know Benoît from his 30 years of volunteer experience in our sport. From competitor, to International Judge, Referee and Technical Controller, to his knowledgeable volunteer contributions and leadership domestically and internationally, Benoît has experienced skating around the world.

In addition, prior to the start of Congress, Skate Canada will be posting three short videos on this website May 30th, May 31st and June 2nd to give you a chance to get to know Benoît even better.

Here at Skate Canada we’re proud of Benoît and his contributions to our sport. We’re confident he has the experience, skills and collaborative vision to help skating and the ISU grow around the world.

To Benoît and the entire Canadian team at Congress, best of luck in Croatia!

Skating Community Heading to St. John’s for the 2016 Ice Summit

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OTTAWA, ON: Hundreds of skating delegates are headed to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2016 Ice Summit. The conference will take place from May 25-28, 2016 and will include a variety of opportunities for members at all levels within Skate Canada. The Ice Summit was formerly known as the Skate Canada Annual Convention and General Meeting (ACGM) and National Coaches’ Conference (NCC).

Attendees will have the chance to Converge, Connect and Collaborate through a wide range of activities, with over 40 workshops, daily networking sessions and nightly social activities. The workshops focus on everything from branding and programming, to off-ice and mental training, to skating essentials, creative movements, edges, spins, and jumps.

Over the four-day event, attendees will be able connect with some of the greatest skating minds in the country. The on-ice workshops feature top coaches and choreographers, including Bruno Marcotte, Joanne McLeod, Anne Schelter and David Wilson. Two-time World Pair Champions Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford will also lend their expertise. Keynote speakers Elvis Stojko and Dr. Stephen Norris will both be featured during separate social networking functions.

The annual Skate Canada Achievement Awards Gala and Banquet will take place on Friday evening. The gala celebrates the accomplishments of skaters, volunteers, officials and coaches who made significant contributions to progress the quality of skating in Canada.

Saturday’s activities include the inaugural edition of The Ice Den. Based on the popular TV show, Dragon’s Den, Skate Canada will be hosting a similar segment designed to generate new and innovative ideas. The event will conclude on Saturday with the 103rd Annual General Meeting of the association. Members will again be able to participate remotely as the AGM and voting will be available via live stream.

This marks Skate Canada’s first return to St. John’s since 2005, when the city played host to Skate Canada International. St. John’s hosted the Skate Canada ACGM/NCC last in 1985.

Patrick Chan Relocating to Train in Vancouver

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OTTAWA, ON: Three-time world champion and two-time Olympic silver medallist Patrick Chan, 25, Toronto, Ont., has announced that he will relocate to Vancouver, B.C., this summer. Chan will continue to be coached by Kathy Johnson at the Champs International Skating Centre located in Burnaby, B.C.

Johnson has been Chan’s head coach since 2012. They will both make the move from Detroit to Vancouver in July.

“I am excited to come home and train full-time in Canada in the lead up to the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. Vancouver holds a special place in my heart and I am looking forward to calling the city home,” said Chan. “I am thankful for the years I spent at the Detroit Skating Club and all the support they provided me. The decision to change environments was a collaborate decision with my team and after reflecting on the past season we decided to make the move to Vancouver. Everyone from Skate Canada and Skate Canada BC/YK have been very supportive, and Kathy and I know Vancouver will be a great environment for us.”

Champs International Skating Centre is under the direction of coach Joanne McLeod. The facility is also home to the Skate Canada BC/YK Section office. The centre supports many top skaters and coaches from Canada and around the world.

PHOTO: © ISU