New and Experienced Skaters to Compete at Third ISU Junior Grand Prix in Istanbul

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OTTAWA, ON (August 30, 2023) – A solid squad of 9 NextGen skaters, including one woman, two men, one pair team and two ice dance teams, will represent Canada at the third stop of the ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating series. The event will take place in Istanbul, Turkey from September 6-9, 2023. 

New NextGen Team member and NextGen Competition bronze medalist Uliana Shiryaeva will be the sole Canadian to compete in the women’s event. She will be joined by David Bondar, 2022 Skate Canada Challenge silver medalist, as well as Terry Jin, who will both be taking part in the men’s competition.   

In the pair discipline, the newly formed team of Jazmine Desrochers and Kieran Thrasher will have their sights set on the podium. In 2022, Thrasher and his former partner, Chloe Panetta, won a bronze medal on the ISU Junior Grand Prix circuit and qualified for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. 

Two promising ice dance teams will also be competing, with 2023 NextGen Competition silver medalists Dana Sabatini-Speciale and Nicholas Buelow and the newly formed team of Emma Goodstadt and Christian Bennett both looking to gain valuable international experience. 

Competition begins on Thursday with the women’s, pair, and men’s short programs, followed by the rhythm dance and the pair and women’s free programs the following day. The event concludes on Saturday with the men’s free program and the free dance.  

Team Canada  

Name | Age | Hometown | Coach | Training Location  

Women 

Uliana Shiryaeva | 16 | Coquitlam, B.C. | Joanne McLeod | Burnaby, B.C.  

Men 

David Bondar | 16 | Richmond Hill, Ont. | Lee Barkell | Toronto, Ont.
Terry Jin | 17 | Surrey, B.C. | Joey Russell | Toronto, Ont.  

Pair 
Jazmine Desrochers | 17 | Mississauga, Ont. & Kieran Thrasher | 19 | Amherstburg, Ont. | Bruno Marcotte | Oakville, Ont. 

Ice Dance 

Emma Goodstadt | 18 | Oakville, Ont. & Christian Bennett | 20 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Carol Lane | Scarborough, Ont.
Dana Sabatini-Speciale | 17 | Springwater, Ont. & Nicholas Buelow | 16 | Barrie, Ont. | Mitch Islam | Barrie, Ont. 

Team Leaders – Josée Bourdon & Michael Slipchuk
Medical Team – Shirley Kushner & Lydia Shultz
Officials – Jodi Abbott & Lynne Dey  

For the full competition schedule, entries and results, please visit www.isu.org. 

NextGen Skaters Shine at First Junior Grand Prix of the Season in Thailand

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BANGKOK, THA (August 26, 2023) – The first Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating event of the season wrapped up Saturday at the IWIS International Training Center in Bangkok, Thailand with strong results for the seven NextGen athletes making their debut for the season. 

The ice dance team of Layla Veillon and Alexander Brandys of London, Ont., had the top finish of the competition finishing just off the podium in fourth with a total score of 139.17. The team from Korea of Jinny Kim and Namu Lee just edged them for bronze with a total score of 139.32. Leah Neset and Artem Markelow of the USA won gold with a score of 168.47 while Celina Fradji and Jean-Hans Fourneaux of France captured the silver with a score of 150.98. 

“Our performance felt really into the ice,” said Veillon following the free dance where they placed third with a personal best score of 86.80. “It was definitely one of our stronger performances of the season, and we’re excited to keep exploring and building on the program as the season goes on.” 

Victoria and Andrei Carandiuc of Saint-Constant, Que., were competing in their first Junior Grand Prix and finished 10th overall with a score of 112.12.  

“At first I was a bit scared because I know that there are a lot of good skaters out there in juniors and I was scared to be less good than the other skaters, but in the end, it was a really good experience and we’re going to keep getting better and better,” said Andrei. 

Hetty Shi of Northville, Michigan, the 2023 Canadian Junior Champion, had a strong performance in the junior women’s competition finishing seventh overall with a total score of 156.70. Ami Nakai of Japan won gold with a score of 190.65. Yuscong Kim of Korea took silver with a score of 189.92 while Heesue Han, also of Korea, took bronze with a score of 173.99. 

“I feel relieved that it’s over,” said Shi who set new personal best scores in her second international competition. “I’m not happy about my score (in the free skate) but it’s similar to what I’ve been doing in training, so there’s not much I can expect. I’m going to keep working on the consistency of my jumps and focus on my spin levels moving forward.” 

Canada had two competitors in the junior men’s competition with Grayson Long of Mississauga, Ont. and Rio Morita of Thornhill, Ont. finishing 9th (172.94) and 11th (171.89) overall respectively. Rio Nakata of Japan won gold with a total score of 217.65, with François Pitot of France just behind in silver with a score of 217.50. Yanhao Li of New Zealand took the bronze with a score of 210.08. 

“I think this competition was an amazing experience, especially because it was the first junior grand prix in Southeast Asia, and the crowd here is amazing and so it felt really fun to be on the ice, and although I made some mistakes at the end of my long, I was really happy to be out there,” said Long following his free skate.  

Morita, who recently won the 2023 NextGen competition, rebounded strongly from his 14th place in the short program to place 7th in the free skate.  

“I feel great,” said Morita following his free skate. “I wanted to go home with a better performance and feeling better after my short program and I think the free was going in the right direction. I need to keep working on everything, but I think the way I’m training right now with Tracy (Wilson) and all the other coaches is really good for me and so I think I’m going to continue working with them and the execution of my jumps and the consistency of my spins.” 

The second Junior Grand Prix of the season takes place this upcoming week in Linz, Austria from August 30 to September 2, 2023 and will feature eight NextGen skaters for Canada – one woman, one man, one pair team, and two ice dance teams. 

For full results please visit www.isu.org.  

Skate Canada Mourns the Passing of Olympian Alexandra Paul

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It is with a heavy heart that Skate Canada announces the sudden passing of a cherished member of our skating community, Alexandra Paul. A shining star on and off the ice, Alexandra’s dedication, passion, and remarkable talents have left an indelible mark on the world of figure skating.

During her illustrious career, Alexandra and partner Mitchell Islam won multiple international medals, claimed three Canadian Championship medals and competed at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. Her commitment to excellence was matched only by her warmth and kindness, which endeared her to fellow athletes, coaches, and fans alike.

As we remember Alexandra’s contributions to the sport, we also reflect on the camaraderie and sportsmanship she exemplified. She was not only an accomplished athlete but also a true role model for aspiring skaters, demonstrating the values of resilience, perseverance, and sportsmanlike conduct.

Our thoughts are with Alexandra’s family, friends, and everyone who was fortunate enough to know her during this difficult time.

Empowering Joy: How Figure Skating Transformed Jayda’s World

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Life opens up for all of us at different times and in different ways. Sport is something unique that pushes us, asking us to give it a shot, to improve and most of all, to have fun. Sport also provides social structures and opportunities to bond. In a positive and inclusive sporting environment, people thrive. This is exactly what happened for Jayda Yang when she took up skating.

Jayda started skating at five years old and seven years later, she still loves going to the rink. She thrives off the relationships she has built with her coaches, especially Coach Lisa, and while group activities have been difficult for her in the past, she absolutely loves being involved in programs at not just one but two skating schools in her area. In fact, Jayda loves skating so much that her mother registers her for a double session in the winter.

Jayda is also autistic and has limited verbal communication. For special needs individuals, group and social activities can often be challenging, anxiety provoking and stressful, but just as essential as they are for neurotypical people. Individuals all need a place where they belong and can develop relationships and skating has done just that for Jayda.

The rink has become a place where she is engaged, feels safe, and looks forward to being. Her clubs have adapted to keep her interested and enjoying the experience. Jayda is a very visual learner and sometimes needs things like timers and choices to help her continue to succeed. Her bond with her coaches, particularly Coach Lisa, gives her the motivation to keep going session after session.

Jayda’s autism diagnosis brings with it certain struggles. Some days it can take almost half an hour for Jayda to summon the motivation to get out of bed, but on days when she knows she has skating, she is excited to get up and get going. These are some of the small but hugely impactful differences Jayda’s mother has noticed as a result of skating.

Following her skating sessions, Jayda is “often happier, calmer and more open.” These become teachable moments where they get to communicate more. Jayda has limited verbal capacity and communicates largely by sign language and via an iPad. After skating, she will often sit outside with her mom having a snack and watch other skaters through the window of the arena with a smile on her face.

The clubs that Jayda skates at are a key contributor to this world of difference for her. The class sizes are small at both clubs which allows for more one-on-one attention. These classes are also organized in a way that works well for Jayda, with children moving station to station with their teacher and the rest of their group. Her coaches will also take time to bring her back to the group and have put in place accommodations that ensure a positive experience and the opportunity to learn and progress.

“It sounds like a small thing, but it’s not a small thing. It takes a lot of people’s goodwill and consideration to keep this a positive experience” for Jayda and others who might have additional needs to succeed and thrive in a skating environment.

There is no doubt that Jayda’s clubs, coaches and friends have contributed to her skill development and continue to provide her with a wonderful opportunity to grow. For a parent, there is nothing sweeter than seeing your child find joy, especially after periods of hardship. For Jayda, figure skating is that joy, that social circle we all crave so deeply and a place for her to grow. It’s been a gift and one that will hopefully continue to give to her for years to come.

Eight Skaters Heading to Second ISU Junior Grand Prix in Austria

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OTTAWA, ON (August 24, 2023) – Eight NextGen skaters will represent Canada at the second ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating which will take place in Linz, Austria from August 30 to September 2, 2023. One woman, one man, one pair team and two ice dance teams have been selected to compete.  

The team will be led by 2022-2023 Skate Canada Challenge junior gold medallist Kara Yun in the women’s event, as well as 2023 Cranberry Cup International silver medalist David Li in the men’s competition.  

Newly appointed NextGen Team members and 2023 NextGen Competition winners Martina Ariano Kent and Charly Laliberté-Laurent will be looking to impress on the world stage as they compete in the pair event.  

In ice dance, two newly formed teams will make their international competition debut, including 2023 NextGen Competition gold medalists Brendan Giang and his new partner Chloe Nguyen, as well as Savanna Martel and William Oddson. 

Team Canada 

Name | Age | Hometown | Coach | Training Location 

Women
Kara Yun | 14 | Burnaby, B.C. | Joanne McLeod | Burnaby, B.C. 

Men
David Li | 16 | Richmond, B.C. | Keegan Murphy & Eileen Murphy | Richmond, B.C. 

Pair
Martina Ariano Kent | 16 | Mount Royal, Que. & Charly Laliberté-Laurent | 17 | Boucherville, Que. | Marc-André Craig & David Alexandre Paradis | Chambly, Que. 

Ice Dance
Savanna Martel | 18 | Calgary, Alta. & William Oddson | 20 | Calgary, Alta. | Kim Weeks & Tyler Myles | Calgary, Alta.
Chloe Nguyen | 18 | Vancouver, B.C. & Brendan Giang | 19 | Burnaby, B.C. | Aaron Lowe & Megan Wing | Burnaby, B.C. 

Team Leaders – André Bourgeois & Cynthia Ullmark
Officials – Laura Carr & Sabrina Wong
Medical Team – Erika Persson & Josiane Roberge 

For the full competition schedule, entries and results, please visit www.isu.org. 

ISU World Figure Skating Championships® 2024 Day Tickets Available Shortly

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OTTAWA, ON (August 17, 2023) – Day tickets for the ISU World Figure Skating Championships® 2024 will be available for pre-sale starting on Monday, August 21, 2023, at 10:00 AM (ET), and on sale to the public on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 10:00 AM (ET). The championships will take place from March 18-24, 2024, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. 

Fans will have the opportunity to watch the world’s best figure skaters compete to become the next world champions and experience all that the city of Montreal has to offer. 

Day tickets will be priced starting at $78.25 CAD and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.ca. Each day ticket includes access to the daily competition and early practice at the Bell Centre (excluding the Exhibition Gala practice). 

Monday, March 18, 2024 – Official Practice
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 – Official Practice
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 – Pair Short Program, Opening Ceremony, Women’s Short Program
Thursday, March 21, 2024 – Men’s Short Program, Pair Free Program
Friday, March 22, 2024 – Ice Dance Rhythm Dance, Women’s Free Program
Saturday, March 23, 2024 – Ice Dance Free Dance, Men’s Free Program
Sunday, March 24, 2024 – Exhibition Gala   

About the ISU World Figure Skating Championships® 

The ISU World Figure Skating Championships® is an annual event that moves around the globe, attracting more than 300 million television viewers worldwide and showcasing the 200 best athletes from 50 countries in four disciplines: men, women, pair, and ice dance. An event of this magnitude could not take place without the support of the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec, the City of Montreal, and Montreal Tourism. 

For more information, visit montreal2024.com.  

Seven NextGen Skaters to Compete in the First ISU Junior Grand Prix of the 2023-2024 Season

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OTTAWA, ON (August 16, 2023) – Seven NextGen athletes will kick off the season at the first ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating, which is set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand from August 23-26, 2023. One woman, two men and two ice dance teams will be representing Canada throughout the week. 

2023 Canadian junior champion Hetty Shi will be competing in the women’s event, while 2023 Canadian junior silver medalist Grayson Long and Rio Morita, who recently won the 2023 NextGen Competition, will be highlighting the men’s event.  

In ice dance, 2023 Novice Canadian Championships silver medallists Victoria Carandiuc and Andrei Carandiuc will make their international competition debut after being named to the NextGen Team . They will be joined by 2022-2023 Skate Canada Challenge junior bronze medalists Layla Veillon and Alexander Brandys.  

Team Canada 

Name | Age | Hometown | Coach | Training Location   

WOMEN

Hetty Shi | 14 | Northville, Michigan | Andrew Evans & Paul Parkinson | Mississauga, Ont. 

MEN

Grayson Long | 15 | Oakville, Ont. | Brian Orser | Toronto, Ont.
Rio Morita | 18 | Thornhill, Ont. | Tracy Wilson | Toronto, Ont. 

ICE DANCE

Victoria Carandiuc | 15 | Saint-Constant, Que. & Andrei Carandiuc | 16 | Saint-Constant, Que. | Mylène Girard | Chambly, Que.
Layla Veillon | 17 | London, Ont. & Alexander Brandys | 18 | London, Ont. | Scott Moir | London, Ont. 

Team Leaders – Laura Baker & Shae Zukiwsky 
Officials – Karen Butcher & Andrea Derby
Medical Team – Susan Massitti 

For the full competition schedule, entries and results, please visit www.isu.org.