Canadian juniors win gold at Leon Lurje Trophy

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GOTHENBURG, Sweden – Les Suprêmes from St-Léonard, Que., won gold in junior competition on Sunday to highlight a triple medal performance for Canada at the Leon Lurje Trophy synchronized skating competititon.

Les Suprêmes, second after Saturday’s short program, won the free skate to take the gold with 152.88 points. Sunrise from Russia were second at 149.03 and Les Pirouettes from Laval, Que., were third out of 10 entries at 129.50.

The skaters for les Supremes Juniors were Jessica Allaire, Alessia Arsenault, Amélie Béland, Julia Bernardo, Véronik Boisvert, Rachel Cerere, Lynnson Ceneston, Ariane Conn, Alice Coté, Marie-Ève Deschenes, Olivia Di Giandomenico, Giulia Hart-Lewis, Jessica Iacono, Anélie Jalbert-Tousignant, Grace Le Touzel, Andréanne Paradis, Florence Poulin, Julia Spilak, Anne-Laurence Trudeau and Sarah Verville.

The Skaters for les Pirouettes were Amelia Asparian, Anouk Bégin, Marlyne Bernier, Rosalie Bernier, Anne-Claude Champagne, Evgenia Christoforou, Loriana Cocca, Samantha Daher, Alexandra Dowse, Veronica Dowse, Anne-Korine François, Marie-Pier Haineault, Marie-Noelle Jean, Annaelle Maheux, Florence Mallette, Daynn-Lissa Morrisseau, Léonie Nadeau, Brittany Pham, Élise Potvin, Émilie Villeneuve and Bianca Garabedian.

In senior competition, The Rockettes from Finland held on for top spot with194.33 followed by the Haydenettes of the U.S. at 193.32 and Les Supremes Seniors from St-Léonard, Que., for the bronze at 181.91 out of seven teams.

Les Supremes skaters were Rebecca Allaire, Katherine Beaucage, Alexandra Bernardo, Audrey-Anne Blouin, Joannie Brazeau, Marie-Ève Comtois, Emma Maria Corona, Alessandra Criscuolo, Laurie Désilets, Molly Katherine Farber, Sora Hatano, Ditte Rosa Miranda Louhikoski, Dana Malowany, Agathe Sigrid Merlier, Christina Morin, Alessia Malissa Polletta, Geneviève Rougeau, Claudia Sforzin, Sofya Squalli and Hélène Stojanovski.

Full results: 2017 Leon Lurje Trophy

Canadians in medal hunt at Leon Lurje Trophy

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GOTHENBURG, Sweden – All three Canadian entries at the Leon Lurje Trophy synchronized skating competition are in medal positions after Saturday’s short programs.

In senior competition, The Rockettes from Finland stands first at 69.26, the Haydenettes from the U.S., are second at 67.02 and Les Supremes Seniors from St-Léonard, Que., are third at 59.37.

Les Supremes skaters are Rebecca Allaire, Katherine Beaucage, Alexandra Bernardo, Audrey-Anne Blouin, Joannie Brazeau, Marie-Ève Comtois, Emma Maria Corona, Alessandra Criscuolo, Laurie Désilets, Molly Katherine Farber, Sora Hatano, Ditte Rosa Miranda Louhikoski, Dana Malowany, Agathe Sigrid Merlier, Christina Morin, Alessia Malissa Polletta, Geneviève Rougeau, Claudia Sforzin, Sofya Squalli and Hélène Stojanovski.

In junior competition after the short program, Russia is first with 58.02, Les Supremes Juniors follow at 55.88 and les Pirouettes from Laval, Que., are third at 48.96 put of 10 entries.

The skaters for Les Supremes Juniors are Jessica Allaire, Alessia Arsenault, Amélie Béland, Julia Bernardo, Véronik Boisvert, Rachel Cerere, Lynnson Ceneston, Ariane Conn, Alice Coté, Marie-Ève Deschenes, Olivia Di Giandomenico, Giulia Hart-Lewis, Jessica Iacono, Anélie Jalbert-Tousignant, Grace Le Touzel, Andréanne Paradis, Florence Poulin, Julia Spilak, Anne-Laurence Trudeau and Sarah Verville.

The skaters for Les Pirouettes are Amelia Asparian, Anouk Bégin, Marlyne Bernier, Rosalie Bernier, Anne-Claude Champagne, Evgenia Christoforou, Loriana Cocca, Samantha Daher, Alexandra Dowse, Veronica Dowse, Anne-Korine François, Marie-Pier Haineault, Marie-Noelle Jean, Annaelle Maheux, Florence Mallette, Daynn-Lissa Morrisseau, Léonie Nadeau, Brittany Pham, Élise Potvin, Émilie Villeneuve and Bianca Garabedian.

Free skates are on Sunday.

Full results: 2017 Leon Lurje Trophy

Canadian Synchronized Skating Teams in Sweden for 2017 Leon Lurje Trophy

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OTTAWA, ON:  Canada will have three teams competing at the 2017 Leon Lurje Trophy in Gothenburg, Sweden. The international synchronized skating competition takes place from January 27-29, 2017, and features 26 teams from seven countries, in senior, junior, and novice. Canada will have one entry in senior and two entries in the junior category.

Canadian champions Les Suprêmes are the Canadian entry in senior. Last season, they won the silver medal at the Neuchâtel Trophy and placed fourth at the French Cup. The representatives of CPA Saint-Léonard are coached by Marilyn Langlois, assisted by Pascal Denis and Amélie Brochu.

Canadian junior silver medallists, Les Suprêmes are the first Canadian entry. Last year, the representatives of CPA Saint-Léonard won gold at the 2016 French Cup, and won the 2016 ISU Junior World Challenge Cup. Les Suprêmes junior are coached by Marilyn Langlois, assisted by Pascal Denis, Amélie Brochu, and Kassandra Patenaude.

Les Pirouettes, representing CPA Laval, will be the second Canadian entry in the junior category. Last season, they placed fifth at the 2016 Mozart Cup. The four-time consecutive Canadian junior bronze medallists are coached by Nancy Alexander and Stéphanie Savoie.

Andrew Bosco of Thorold, Ont., will be the sole Canadian official at the event.

For more information on the event please visit the event website.

2017 Mozart Cup Results

Last weekend, Nexxice junior began the synchro international season at the 2017 Mozart Cup. The 2016 Canadian junior champions returned from the event with the silver medal. Nexxice junior are coached by Trish Perdue-Mills and represent the Burlington Skating Centre.

IMG ANNOUNCES REPRESENTATION OF SKATE CANADA

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TORONTO, ON: IMG today announced its representation of Skate Canada, Canada’s national governing body for figure skating, for corporate marketing and commercial alliances. IMG will work closely with Skate Canada to create new marketing structures and assets as well as secure partners that help promote the sport of figure skating nationally.

“Developing new business relationships is critical for the success of Skate Canada’s programs, events and overall brand,” said Debra Armstrong, CEO, Skate Canada. “We are thrilled to be teaming up with IMG. As a worldwide marketing leader in evolving effective partnerships, we are confident their strategic vision will advance Skate Canada’s profile. We look forward to leveraging their knowledge in developing new partnerships that will raise our national brand and inspire more Canadians to embrace the joy of skating.”

With more than 175,000 registered members, Skate Canada produces and operates two major figure-skating events each year: Skate Canada International (part of the ISU Grand Prix), which takes place in October; and the Canadian Tire National Skating Championships in January. Both events generate more than 10 hours of live national television coverage with more than 3 million live viewers. Skate Canada is also responsible for the national team. The national team represents Canada at international events throughout the year and they act as role models to help Skate Canada execute the vision of inspiring all Canadians to embrace the joy of skating.

“IMG is uniquely positioned to support Skate Canada,” said Sam Galet, SVP and Managing Director, Canada, IMG. “Our global relationships across sports and entertainment will bring unique opportunities to the table, and we look forward to helping them increase their national presence with a renewed partnership strategy.”

About IMG

IMG is a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, operating in more than 30 countries. The company represents and manages some of the world’s greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages hundreds of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is one of the largest independent producers and distributors of sports media. IMG also specializes in sports training; league development; and marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions. In 2014, IMG was acquired by WME, a leading global entertainment agency.

Contact

Maura McGreevy, IMG
[email protected]

Emma Bowie, Skate Canada
[email protected]

SKATE CANADA NAMES TEAMS FOR 2017 ISU CHAMPIONSHIPS

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OTTAWA, ON: At the conclusion of the senior events at 2017 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships, Skate Canada named the teams for three upcoming ISU Championships. The championships took place in Ottawa, Ont., from January 16-22 at TD Place.

2017 ISU WORLD FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Helsinki Finland, March 29 – April 2, 2017

MEN
Patrick Chan
Kevin Reynolds

WOMEN
Kaetlyn Osmond
Gabrielle Daleman

PAIR
Meagan Duhamel & Eric Radford
Lubov Ilyushechkina & Dylan Moscovitch
Julianne Séguin & Charlie Bilodeau

ICE DANCE
Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir
Kaitlyn Weaver & Andrew Poje
Piper Gilles & Paul Poirier

2017 ISU FOUR CONTINENTS FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Gangneung, South Korea – February 14-19 ,2017

MEN
Patrick Chan
Kevin Reynolds
Nam Nguyen

WOMEN
Kaetlyn Osmond
Gabrielle Daleman
Alaine Chartrand

PAIR
Meagan Duhamel & Eric Radford
Lubov Ilyushechkina & Dylan Moscovitch
Kirsten Moore-Towers & Michael Marinaro

ICE DANCE
Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir
Kaitlyn Weaver & Andrew Poje
Piper Gilles & Paul Poirier

2017 ISU JUNIOR WORLD FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Taipei City, Chinese Taipei – March 15-19, 2017

MEN
Nicolas Nadeau
Roman Sadovsky
Conrad Orzel

WOMEN
Sarah Tamura

PAIR
Evelyn Walsh & Trennt Michaud
Lori-Ann Matte & Thierry Ferland

ICE DANCE
Marjorie Lajoie & Zachary Lagha
Ashlynne Stairs & Lee Royer

Record sixth title for Duhamel and Radford, ninth Canadian crown for Chan

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OTTAWA – Ice dancers Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, Kaetlyn Osmond Patrick Chan and pairs skaters Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford were crowned senior champions Saturday at the 2017 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships.

In pairs, two-time world champions Duhamel and Radford, from Lively, Ont., and Balmertown, Ont., collected a pairs’ record sixth national title with 227.23 points. Lubov Ilyushechkina and Dylan Moscovitch of Toronto were second at 208.24 and Kirsten-Moore-Towers of St. Catharines, Ont., and Michael Marinaro of Sarnia, Ont., third at 198.74.

‘’There were some small mistakes but it didn’t take away from the overall performance of the program,’’ said Radford. ‘’It’s actually the perfect kind of skate we want to have at this point in the season and especially after that rough skate at the Grand Prix Final (in December)’’.

In men’s competition, Chan, from Toronto, equalled the mark for most national titles with his ninth earning 296.86. Kevin Reynolds of Coquitlam, B.C., was second at 255.77 and Nam Nguyen of Toronto third at 240.60.

In women’s competition, Osmond, fromMarystown, N.L., survived two falls to win the gold medal with 219.66 points. Gabrielle Daleman of Newmarket, Ont., took the silver with 211.09 and defending champion Alaine Chatrand of Prescott, Ont., was third at 182.07.

‘’I was so nervous,’’ said Osmond, with her third career national crown. ‘’I didn’t deliver the program that I wanted but I’m super happy with the result. This third win feels so much better. I may have taken the first two for granted. I’m going to enjoy this as much as I can and get ready for worlds.’’

In ice dancing, Virtue and Moir, from London, Ont., and Ilderton, Ont., dominated with 203.15. Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje of Waterloo, Ont., were second at 192.73 and Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier of Toronto third at 189.68.

‘’That was a big program for us,’’ said Moir, now with seven national titles with Virtue. ‘’It’s always special to get a Canadian title. Tessa and I were proud of both our performances here. It’s a huge step for us as we build for the world championships.’’

Full results: 2017 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships Results

National records for Osmond and Virtue/Moir at 2017 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships

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OTTAWA – Kaetlyn Osmond of Marystown, N.L., and ice dancers Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir broke Canadian records in their respective short programs Friday at the 2017 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships.

In women’s competition, Osmond landed three triple jumps, including two in her opening combo, and earned a Canadian record 81.01 points. Gabrielle Daleman of Newmarket, Ont., is second after collecting 75.04 and defending champion Alaine Chartrand of Prescott, Ont., is third 67.41 points.

‘’The crowd was phenomenal, I’m glad they enjoyed it as much as I did,’’ said Osmond. ‘’I was able to get a clean program and enjoy every moment of it. The short program is one that’s been given me confidence all season long.’’

In ice dancing, 2010 Olympic champions Tessa Scott of London, Ont., and Scott Moir of Ilderton, Ont., topped the field after the short dance with a Canadian record 84.36. Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje of Waterloo, Ont., are second at 78.92 just ahead of Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier of Toronto in third at 78.15.

“Every competition is different and this is a special part of our journey because we decided to come back (to competition),” said Moir, who returned to competition this season with his partner after a two-year absence. “This is on our shoulders. We have a different perspective, but the pressure seems to be higher. But we kind of welcome that.”

In the pairs short, two-time world champions Meagan Duhamel of Lively, Ont., and Eric Radford of Balmertown, Ont., tabulated 80.72. Lubov Ilyushechkina and Dylan Moscovitch of Toronto are second at 72.19 and Kirsten Moore-Towers of St. Catharines, Ont., and Michael Marinaro of Sarnia, Ont., are third at 70.69.

‘’This is a moment to savour for us,’’ said Duhamel. ‘’We came here to nail that short program and we did that. I was hoping to come here and find some balance with the program and I did.’’

In the men’s short program, eight-time Canadian champion Patrick Chan of Toronto is first at 91.50, Kevin Reynolds of Coquitlam, B.C., second at 81.76 and Elladj Baldé of Pierrefonds, Que., third at 77.45.

All four free skates are on Saturday.

Full results: 2017 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships Results

Decisive women’s junior win for Aurora Cotop at 2017 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships

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OTTAWA – Aurora Cotop of Richmond Hill, Ont., won the women’s junior gold medal on Thursday at the 2017 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships.

Cotop, the national novice champion last year, tabulated 163.11 points for the victory. Emily Bausback of Vancouver took the silver at 151.52 and Alison Schumacher of Windsor, Ont., was third at 150.17.

‘’Unbelievable,’’ said Cotop after her win. ‘’This season has been difficult for me with my performances. I have had trouble finding my knees. However, tonight I just didn’t worry about the placement and just showed everyone what I could do.’’

In men’s junior competition, Stephen Gogolev of Toronto won the gold medal with Conrad Orzel of Woodridge, Ont., second and Samuel Turcotte of Varennes, Que., third.

“In the beginning, it was a bit shaky,” said Gogolev, who fell on a triple during the first minute of his program. “Then, as I went through the first three jumps, I kind of got used to it and it got much easier later in the program.”

In junior pairs, Evelyn Walsh of London, Ont., and Trennt Michaud of Trenton, Ont., were the winners with 155.73. Lori-Ann Matte and Thierry Ferland of Lévis, Que., followed at 141.33 and Olivia Boys-Eddy and Mackenzie Boys-Eddy of Brampton, Ont., were third at 122.53.

‘’We still have things to work on but it feels pretty great to get the win,’’ said Walsh. ‘’We worked as a team and kept the performance sharp. We still have our sights on landing a triple twist in both the short and long programs and cracking 100 points for the free skate.’’

Marjorie Lajoie of Boucherville, Que., and Zachary Lagha of Greenfield Park, Que., won the junior ice dance title on Tuesday.

In novice competition, the champions were: Corey Circelli of Toronto in men’s singles, Catherine Carle of Milton, Ont., in women’s singles, Natalie D’Alessandro and Bruce Waddell of Toronto in ice dancing and Chloé Panetta of Acton Vale, Que., and Steven Lapointe of Laval in pairs.

Senior competition gets underway Friday with the short programs in all four events.

Full results: 2017 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships Results

Vancouver to host 2018 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships

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OTTAWA, ON: The 2018 Canadian Tire National Skating Championship will head to the west coast as Vancouver, B.C., will host the momentous championships at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre from January 8-14, 2018. The 2018 event will serve as a qualification event for the team that will compete at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea later that same year.

“Vancouver holds a special place in skating fans’ hearts. It is where we saw Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir win the first ever Olympic gold for Canada in ice dance and the home province of so many great skaters,” said Debra Armstrong, CEO, Skate Canada. “We are thankful for the support of our title partner, Canadian Tire. Their commitment to figure skating in Canada sets our skaters up for success domestically and internationally. We know Vancouver will be a fabulous host for this important championships. The dedication of the community, volunteers, and fans will be critical to the execution of the event and we are looking forward to a very exciting competition in Vancouver next January.”

The pre-eminent all-Canadian sporting event will feature approximately 250 skaters in the men, women, pair, and ice dance disciplines, competing in three levels: senior, junior, and novice. Athletes will vie for spots on the Skate Canada National Team and the Canadian teams that will compete at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, 2018 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, 2018 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, and 2018 ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships.

“Figure Skating was extremely successful here when we hosted the 2010 Olympic Games and we are so thrilled to bring another world-class skating competition back to Vancouver,” exclaimed Mayor Gregor Robertson, City of Vancouver. “We have a rich history of hosting skating events and are sure that the 2018 National Championship will bring together our whole city in celebration once again.”

This will be Vancouver’s sixth time hosting the national championships. Most recently they hosted the event a decade ago in 2008. They also hosted in 1997, 1973, 1968 and 1951. The city has also hosted several international figure skating events: the 2009 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, 2001 & 1960 ISU World Figure Skating Championships and the 1978 Skate Canada International.

“UBC is thrilled to host the 2018 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, and we are confident that our 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games legacy venue will be a spectacular theatre to showcase the sport to spectators and fans across the country. It is an honour to host such an vital event in the lead up to the 2018 Olympics, and together with our partners, UBC is ready to welcome Canada’s best athletes, their fans and all visitors to our beautiful city and campus.” – Kavie Toor – Senior Director, Facilities, Recreation and Sport Partnerships

Ticket information for the championships will be available shortly. Register at www.skatecanada.ca for ticket sale notifications.

EVENT HASHTAGS
#CTNSC18 (English)
#CNPCT18 (French)

Séguin & Bilodeau withdraw from the 2017 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships

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OTTAWA, ON: Julianne Séguin, 20, Longueuil, Que., and Charlie Bilodeau, 23, Trois-Pistoles, Que., have withdrawn from the 2017 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships due to injury. They were scheduled to compete in the senior pair category.

“Julianne sustained a concussion for which she has been receiving care, and which has been improving.

She has been able to resume practices, but has not yet been cleared to return to full practices or competition. Her progress has been on track, and is expected to continue,” explained Dr. Tatiana Jevremovic, Skate Canada, Chief Medical Advisor.

Séguin sustained the concussion in late December. The team will still be in consideration for the 2017 ISU championships.

Lajoie and Lagha win first junior title at 2017 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships

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OTTAWA – Marjorie Lajoie of Boucherville, Que., and Zachary Lagha of Greenfield Park, Que., won the junior ice dance title on Tuesday at the 2017 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships being held this week at TD Place.

Lajoie and Lagha totalled 153.55 points with Ashlynne Stairs of Calgary and Lee Royer of St. Albert, Alta., second at 139.63 and Danielle Wu and Nik Mirzakhani of Burnaby, B.C., third at 133.98.

‘’This is a great accomplishment for us,’’ said Lajoie, who competed at the world junior championships last winter with her partner. ‘’We are super happy.’’

The couple, runners-up last year, are in their sixth season together.

‘’So far we’ve accomplished a lot in our career and we want to keep that progress going,’’ said Lagha.

Corey Circelli, Catherine Carle and ice dancers Natalie D’Alessandro and Bruce Waddell all won novice titles on Tuesday

In men’s competition, Circelli, of Toronto, took the gold with 139.27 points. Dawson Nodwell of Calgary was second at 132.67 and Alistair Lam of Hamilton, Ont., was third at 127.75.

‘’It feels amazing to get the gold,’’ said Circelli, who also competed in the ice dancing event. ‘’I have trained so hard this year. It was very satisfying when I finished and it went so well.’’

In women’s competition, Carle, from Milton, Ont., earned 133.73 points for the victory. Emma Bulawka of Edmonton followed at 122.68 and Élodie Adsuar of Greenfield Park, Que., was third at 119.96.

‘’It feels good because all my hard work has paid off,’’ said Carle, the pre-novice national champion last year. ‘’I kept calm and kept training hard this season.’’

In ice dancing, D’Alessandro and Waddell, of Toronto, totalled 90.49 for top spot. Jade McCue and Gabriel Clemente of Brampton, Ont., had 80.48 for second and Jessica Lee-Behiel and Jackson Behiel of Calgary were third at 83.20.

‘’We had a lot of fun here,’’ said Waddell. ‘’Our goal was to win and we came out and did it.’’

The couple were pre-novice Canadian champions last winter.

‘’This season we worked a lot on our speed and going out there and having fun every day in practice,’’ added D’Alessandro.

Competition continues Wednesday with junior free skates and the novice pairs free skate. The senior competition gets underway Friday.

Full results: 2017 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships Results

The Nation’s Top Skaters in Ottawa for the 2017 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships

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OTTAWA, ON: Canadian figure skaters will kick-off Ottawa’s year-long celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday with the 2017 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships. The event will take place in Ottawa, Ontario at The Arena at TD Place from January 16-22, 2017. The pre-eminent all-Canadian sporting event will feature approximately 250 skaters in the men, women, pairs, and ice dance disciplines, competing in three levels: senior, junior, and novice.

“We are thrilled to be back in Ottawa for the 2017 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships. The championships will kick off the yearlong celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday and we are proud to be the first major sporting event to take place in Ottawa in 2017,” said Debra Armstrong, CEO, Skate Canada. “Fans in Ottawa will get to see the best skating our great nation has to offer and we hope the community will be inspired to embrace the joy of skating this winter.”

Ottawa hosted the very first National Skating Championships in 1914 as well as in 1922, 1925, 1929, 1935, 1940, 1949, 1953, 1958, 1987, 1996, 1999, 2006 and 2014. The 2017 event will be 15th time that Ottawa will have hosted the largest gathering of Canadian skating talent.

“At Canadian Tire, we believe in the power of sport to unite families, communities and the nation,” said Allan MacDonald, President, Canadian Tire Retail. “We are proud to return to Ottawa as title sponsor of the National Skating Championships and to support Canada’s top skaters as they help inspire the next generation of young skating hopefuls.”

The week long competition will begin with the novice ice dance on Monday, January 16 and the senior events will begin on Friday, January 20. Athletes will vie for spots on the Skate Canada National Team and the Canadian teams that will compete at the 2017 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, 2017 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, and 2017 ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships. Three-time world champion Patrick Chan will lead the excitement in the men’s category as he looks to claim his ninth Canadian title, which will see him tie the all-time record with Montgomery Wilson.

In the pair discipline, two-time world champions Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford will look to capture their sixth consecutive Canadian title, while facing off against the youthful team of Julianne Séguin and Charlie Bilodeau who saw success on the international circuit this season.

In women’s, Alaine Chartrand will defend her 2016 Canadian title in front of a hometown crowd. She will be up against previous Canadian champions Gabrielle Daleman and Kaetlyn Osmond, who will both be looking to recapture the title.

In ice dance,  Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, the Canadian favourites, return to competition after a two season hiatus. They look to capture their seventh national title, but will face tough competition from two-time defending Canadian champions Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje.

Fans will get to see emerging talent in the junior and novice categories earlier in the week as they look to make their mark on the national stage. For full entries and the event start orders please click here. In addition to the competing skaters, Kurt Browning, one of the most popular and charismatic figure skaters in Canadian history, is back with Skate Canada as the 2017 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships’ Athlete Ambassador. During the week of the championships, Browning will handle speaking engagements, media interviews, make appearances on behalf of the competing athletes, and of course, make time for his fans.

The Skate Canada School Program will add some extra enthusiasm to the rink. Approximately 800 Ottawa area kids from grades three to five will have the opportunity to participate in a free session to watch and learn about the sport during the senior practices on Thursday, January 19. This initiative is part of Skate Canada’s vision to help youth develop a love for skating and encourage them to get active at their local skating club.

A special ceremony to honour coach Richard Gauthier, one of the most respected pair coaches in the world for more than three decades, will take place on Sunday, January 22, in conjunction with the Gala. Gauthier will take his place in the Skate Canada Hall of Fame in the professional discipline.

TICKETS Single event ticket prices for the senior short programs are priced at $25, $35 and $45. Prices for the senior free programs and gala are priced at $30, $40 and $50. All tickets are subject to applicable surcharges.

Tickets can be purchased online at TDPlace.ca, by phone at 1-877-489-2849 or 613-232-6767, or in person at The Box Office at TD Place.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Facebook Skate Canada / Patinage Canada

Twitter @SkateCanada

Instagram skate_canada

YouTube SkateCanada PatinageCanada 

EVENT HASHTAGS

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Media who have not already applied for accreditation are asked to contact Emma Bowie, Communications Manager. She will be the onsite media contact at the event and can be reached at 613-914-2607 or at [email protected].