Pride Season 2023

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As we mark the start of Pride Season, Skate Canada celebrates the history, resilience, and diversity of individuals who identify as two spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and additional ways of self-identification (2SLGBTQIA+).

June kicks off the Pride season that runs from coast to coast to coast until the end of August. During this period, the Pride merchandise continues to be available. Proceeds from this collection will go to Rainbow Railroad to support their initiatives in helping 2SLGBTQIA+ people escape state sponsored violence.

Pride Season also gives us the opportunity to focus on educating ourselves on equity, diversity, inclusivity, here are some resources:

We have come a long way, and yet we still have a lot of work to do so that everyone can experience the joy of skating. This month and throughout, let us skate with Pride!

National Indigenous History Month 2023

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Skate Canada is committed to working in good ways with Indigenous communities and partners. Let us celebrate National Indigenous History Month through learning, appreciating, and acknowledging the contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

Throughout the month, we will be sharing inspiring stories to share the voices and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and to deepen understanding of Indigenous participation in skating. This will help ensure our community stays engaged as real and lasting change must be constant with our collective effort.

We wish everyone a meaningful Indigenous History Month.

For more information: About National Indigenous History Month (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca)

Members Honoured at 2023 Skate Canada Awards Celebration

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Ottawa, ON (May 29, 2023) – Skate Canada was pleased to honour 19 award winners at its annual Skate Canada Awards Celebration at the 2023 Ice Summit which took place virtually over the weekend.  

The Skate Canada Awards program honours dedicated members of the skating community who have donated their time to help contribute to improving the quality of skating in Canada.   

The 2022-2023 recipients were:   

National Grassroots and STAR Pathway Coach Award 
Cheryle Gaston-McMullen (NS)  

National Podium Pathway Coach Award 
Patrice Lauzon (QC)  

National Grassroots Official Award
Ginette Charbonneau (QC)  

National Official Award  
Beth Crane (BC/YT)  

National Event Volunteer Award  
Ron Matsuba (AB/NT/NU)  

National Operational Committee Member Award 
Patty Klein (QC)  

National Athlete Impact Award 
Keegan Messing (AB/NT/NU)  

National Club/School Award 
Mount Pearl Paradise Skating Club (NL)  

Billie Mitchell Award 
Glenn Fortin (ON)

Skate Canada also presents a volunteer award to one member of each of the Skate Canada sections. The following exceptional volunteers were awarded the 2022-2023 National Volunteer Award:   

British Columbia/Yukon Section  
Shelley Verhelst  

Alberta/Northwest Territories/Nunavut Section  
Diana Peters  

Saskatchewan Section  
Blair Seifert  

Manitoba Section  
Donna Wytinck  

Ontario Section  
Muriel Blaker  

Quebec Section  
Rémi Gibara  

New Brunswick Section  
Tracey Carroll  

Nova Scotia Section  
Sarah-Jane Raine  

Prince Edward Island Section 
Debbie MacMurdo  

Newfoundland/Labrador Section  
Susan Dean  

Skate Canada congratulates all the award winners, nominees and our countless volunteers on their invaluable contributions to the sport. 

Two-Time National Champion Keegan Messing Retires from Competitive Skating

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OTTAWA, ON (May 26, 2023) – National Team member Keegan Messing, of Anchorage, Alaska has announced his retirement from competitive skating after practicing the sport for more than twenty-eight years. As a five-time national medallist and two-time Olympian, Messing has been a positive leader and fan-favourite in the skating community.

“As I step away from competitive figure skating, I don’t feel burdened with what I couldn’t achieve but fulfilled with what I’ve gained and accomplished,” said Messing, “I can step away knowing that I’ve truly made a difference in the sport and that I’ve accomplished all I set out for. I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped me make it this far in the sport. I couldn’t have done it without all of you and I am forever grateful.”

“In the past eight seasons Keegan became a key member and leader for our National team and Skate Canada. In a career marked with so many highlights, he was always very humble, well respected by his peers, and wanted the best for all his competitors,” said Mike Slipchuk, High Performance Director, Skate Canada. “He will be missed but has left a strong impact not only on our program but in figure skating worldwide, and we look forward to his continued involvement with skating in Canada.”

Over the course of his career, Messing has proudly represented Canada on the world stage on numerous occasions, claiming gold medals at the 2018 and 2022 Nebelhorn Trophy, silver at Skate Canada International in 2018 and most recently a silver medal at the 2023 ISU Four Continents Championships. He is also the current Canadian champion, a title he has held for the past two seasons.

Despite his success on the ice, Messing would say his biggest accomplishments are his two children, Wyatt and Mia. Since the birth of Wyatt in 2021, he has delighted fans from all over the world by sharing updates and photos in the kiss & cry at every event he competes in. He now looks forward to spending more time with his family and is planning to continue skating in professional shows.

Legendary Figure Skaters Joannie Rochette and Patrick Chan Named Event Ambassadors For the 2024 ISU World Figure Skating Championships

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MONTREAL, QC (May 25, 2023) – The road to the top is never easy. It takes time, dedication, grit and a lot of hard work. To win a medal on the world stage is one of the peak accomplishments in any athlete’s career, but to become a legend is a category onto itself. As figure skating fans descend on Montreal, Quebec next March for the 2024 ISU World Figure Skating Championships ®, they will be welcomed by two of Canada’s finest: Olympians Joannie Rochette and Patrick Chan. The event is scheduled to take place at the Centre Bell from March 18-24, 2024. 

Rochette is best known for her heart wrenching battle to bronze at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, where she decided to compete mere days after the passing of her mother. Rochette was also crowned national champion six times and competed at seven world championships, winning a silver medal in 2009. The l’Île-Dupas native also won three ISU Four Continent medals and 10 medals on the ISU Grand Prix circuit.  

Chan is the most decorated male figure skater in Canadian history, holding 10 national titles, three Olympic medals and three world titles. Between them they share 16 national titles and have served as idols and role models to young Canadian figure skaters from coast to coast to coast.  

“I am thrilled to see the championships returning to Montréal following the cancellation in 2020. It is exciting to be able to finally step fully into my role as event ambassador and welcome the world to Montreal,” shared Rochette. “Montrealers are known to be welcoming and open to the world and I am honoured to represent Skate Canada and all the athletes participating at this incredible event.”  

In their role, Rochette and Chan will interact and engage with fans, conduct interviews with the media and be available for speaking engagements. The event ambassadors help share the athlete experience with media and fans so that the competing athletes can focus on the task at hand. 

When reflecting on his own experience, Chan shared how competing on his home soil served as a difference maker that catapulted him to the top of the podium.  

“One of my fondest memories in figure skating was when I competed at the 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships in London, Ontario. Having the support of a home crowd energized me to be the best I could be and ultimately achieve a gold medal.” 

This will be the first time the championships have been hosted in Montreal since 1932. They were previously scheduled in 2020, which would have been their first return since, but were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“We are honoured to have Patrick and Joannie return as our event ambassadors. Skate Canada is thrilled to finally be able to implement our plans and bring the world championships to Montreal,” said Debra Armstrong, Skate Canada’s Chief Executive Officer. “Over their careers, Joannie and Patrick have both taken part and won medals at every major skating event and know first-hand the pressures of competition and we know they will help make an unforgettable event for all participants.” 

All-event tickets for the 2024 ISU World Figure Skating Championships® will be on sale in mid-June.
For up-to-date ticket information, please sign up to our Worlds 2024 fan list at montreal2024.com. 

ABOUT THE ISU WORLD FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS 

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

Canadian Skaters Climb the Podium at the Adult International Figure Skating Competition

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OBERSTDORF, GERMANY (May 23, 2023) – Canadian athletes came away with 23 medals over the weekend at the 17th International Adult Figure Skating Competition taking place in Oberstdorf, Germany. Over 40 adult skaters and one synchronized skating team were competing for Canada at the six-day international competition.

“Once again this has been a great competition and our Canadian skaters performed exceptionally well against some very tough competition,” said Diana Barkley, member of the ISU Adult Figure Skating Group. “We are so fortunate in Canada to have access to ice, highly qualified coaches and the support of Skate Canada.”

The following Canadian skaters took home medals in their respective categories:

Gold

Gary Beacom – Masters Elite Men IV Free Skating & Masters Elite Men IV Artistic Free Skating
Karen Ciprietti – Bronze Women IV Artistic Free Skating & Bronze Women IV Free Skating
Christopher Giuliani-Berneck – Masters Elite Men I & Masters Men I Free Skate
Alanna Rittich – Silver Women IV Artistic Free Skating
Natasha Taylor – Masters Women II Artistic Free Skating
Angie Zurita – Bronze Women III B Free Skating
Team Force – Synchronized Skating Adult

Silver

Patricia Clarke – Bronze Women IIIB Free Skating
Cathy Lund & Fred Gutz – Ice Dance Silver Free Dance
Linda Maundrell – Bronze Women V Artistic Free Skating
Donald Murray – Gold Men III + IV Free Skating
Ryoko Natori – Masters Elite Women I & II Artistic Free Skating
Barbara Tkach – Silver Women V Free Skating & Silver Women V Artistic Free Skating
Tanner White – Masters Men I Artistic Skating
Angie Zurita – Bronze Women III Artistic Free Skating (A group)

Bronze

Patricia Clarke – Bronze Women III Artistic Free Skating (A group)
Joanne Johnson – Bronze Women V Free Skating
Jonathon Keuhl – Silver Men I + II Free Skating
Lesley Ricci – Silver Women IV Artistic Free Skating
Karen Smith – Gold Women III Free Skating

For full competition results, click here.

Over 40 Canadians Competing at ISU Adult Competition

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Oberstdorf, Germany (May 17, 2023) – Over 40 Canadian skaters plus one synchro team will be competing at the 17th International Adult Figure Skating Competition, taking place from May 15-20, 2023 in Oberstdorf, Germany.  

Skaters will be competing in the following categories: 

  • Women and Men Free Skating 
  • Women and Men Artistic Free Skating 
  • Pair Free Skating 
  • Pair Artistic Free Skating 
  • Ice Dance –  Pattern Dance 
  • Ice Dance – Rhythm Dance 
  • Ice Dance –  Free Dance 
  • Synchronized Skating 

Since the event’s inception in 2005, Canada has been well represented in terms of number of competitors and podium results. For more information about the event, click here. 

Skate Canada Unveils 2023-2024 Domestic Events Calendar

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OTTAWA, ON (May 16, 2023) – Skate Canada is excited to announce the seven events that will make up its domestic events calendar for the 2023-2024 season. Events will be held across five provinces, culminating with the long-awaited ISU World Figure Skating Championships® 2024 in Montreal.  

The season will kick off with the 2023 Autumn Classic International at the Sportplexe Pierrefonds in Pierrefonds, Québec, from September 14-16, 2023. Pierrefonds previously hosted Autumn Classic International in 2021. 

Athletes then head out West for 2023 Skate Canada International, which returns to the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia, from October 27-29, 2023. The event will feature some of the top skaters from around the world, including a solid team of Canadian National Team athletes.  

Skate Canada Challenge will continue to be divided into two separate events, starting with the 2023-2024 Skate Canada Challenge – Junior/Senior which will take place from November 29 to December 3, 2023, at the Seven Oaks Arena at Garden City Community Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for the second consecutive year. 

The New Year will start in exciting fashion as the best skaters from around the country converge at Calgary’s WinSport Arena at Canada Olympic Park from January 8-14, 2024, for the 2024 Canadian National Skating Championships. This venue most recently played host to the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships® 2023, as well as the 2023 Novice Canadian Championships & 2023 Skate Canada Cup. 

The 2023-2024 Skate Canada Challenge – Pre-Novice/Novice will take place from February 1-4, 2024, in Oakville, Ontario. It will be followed by the 2024 Novice Canadian Championships & 2024 Skate Canada Cup, which will both be held at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex in Waterloo, Ontario, from February 20-25, 2024. 

The season will wrap up with the ISU World Figure Skating Championships® 2024, which returns to Montreal’s Centre Bell from March 18-24, 2024. This will mark the eleventh time that Skate Canada has hosted this premier sporting event.  

2023-2024 Skate Canada Events Calendar: 

2023 Autumn Classic International
Location: Sportplexe Pierrefonds | Pierrefonds, Que.
Dates: September 14-16, 2023 

2023 Skate Canada International
Location: Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre | Vancouver, B.C.
Dates: October 27-29, 2023 

2023-2024 Skate Canada Challenge – Junior/Senior
Location: Seven Oaks Arena at Garden City Community Centre | Winnipeg, Man.
Dates: November 29 – December 3, 2023  

2024 Canadian National Skating Championships
Location: WinSport Arena at Canada Olympic Park | Calgary, Alta.
Dates: January 8-14, 2024  

2023-2024 Skate Canada Challenge – Pre-Novice/Novice
Location: Sixteen Mile Sports Complex | Oakville, Ont.
Dates: February 1-4, 2024  

2024 Novice Canadian Championships/2024 Skate Canada Cup
Location: Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex | Waterloo, Ont.
Dates: February 20-25, 2024  

ISU World Figure Skating Championships® 2024
Location: Centre Bell | Montreal, Que.
Dates: March 18-24, 2024 

This month is Asian Heritage Month!

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In May 2002, the Government of Canada signed an official declaration to announce May as Asian Heritage Month as proposed by Senator Vivienne Poy.

During this month, let us amplify the voices of our fellow Asian members by listening to their diverse stories, by joining our discussion panel and by learning from our upcoming workshop on model minority myth. We will be sharing this in our social media platforms, watch out for it!

As we commemorate Asian History Month, let us aim to become strong allies to push for more equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility across our sport – from clubs to the international stage – this month and always!

For more information : May is Asian Heritage Month – Canada.ca

Skate Canada Statement regarding Figure Skating for Change Canada’s Open Letter

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Skate Canada is deeply troubled by the allegations made in an open letter regarding a club in our organization (Champs International Skating Centre of BC).

Skate Canada would like to acknowledge the open letter that was posted to Twitter today by Figure Skating for Change Canada, we also received the letter via email. We have had no previous contact with this group and have not received any complaints or any communications regarding the matters listed in the letter.

Skate Canada is committed to providing an environment where everyone can experience the joy of skating in a safe and healthy manner. We take misconduct extremely seriously, and we have a comprehensive process to address allegations of such behaviour.

In accordance with our policies, Skate Canada has referred the allegations listed in the letter to Skate-Safe. All matters related to misconduct at Skate Canada are managed by Skate-Safe, a misconduct reporting system that is operated by IntegrityCounts a third-party service provider. Complaints received through Skate-Safe are submitted to an independent external Case Manager to ensure an independent review, investigation, and disposition.

Skate-Safe will review the information and determine if the matter should be redirected to Abuse-Free Sport and the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner.  Complainants can also report directly to Abuse-Free Sport.

Skate Canada recognizes that historically we have not always had the proper policies and processes in place to address misconduct but since the launch of the National Safe Sport Program in 2019 we believe we are equipped to support our community. We know that trust must be earned, and we hope to rebuild that trust with any members who have been negatively impacted.

Our dedication to a safe environment is a top priority and we have responded directly to Figure Skating for Change Canada through email. We have invited them to work in collaboration to achieve our collective goals in making skating a safe environment for everyone.

All-Event Tickets On Sale Now for 2023 Skate Canada International

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All-event tickets for the 2023 Skate Canada International are on sale now! Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.ca for full access to competitions, as well as Thursday practices, and the highly coveted Exhibition Gala. 

All-event tickets will be priced at: P1: $350, P2: $300, P3: $275, P4: $225. All prices are in Canadian dollars, plus applicable taxes, and fees. 

The 2023 Skate Canada International will take place at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, in Vancouver, B.C., from October 27-29, 2023. 

For more information about tickets click here.  

Calgary to Host 2024 Canadian National Skating Championships

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OTTAWA, ON (April 26, 2023) – Skate Canada is pleased to announce that Calgary, Alta. will host the 2024 Canadian National Skating Championships from January 8-14, 2024. The week-long competition will take place at WinSport Arena at Canada Olympic Park, a world-class facility that has played host to multiple high-profile events in the past. The championships will feature the best Canadian figure skaters in men, women, pair, ice dance, and synchronized skating competing at both the junior and senior levels.  

‘’We are excited to return to WinSport Arena after a highly successful 2023 ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships at this facility,’’ said Debra Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer at Skate Canada. ‘’Calgary is no stranger to hosting sports events and we are confident that athletes from across the country will have a memorable experience at these Canadian National Skating Championships.’’ 

“Calgary looks forward to welcoming back the best skaters from across the country in January 2024,” said Carson Ackroyd, Senior Vice President of Sales with Tourism Calgary. “This event will inject a projected $3.1 million into our visitor economy and will bring hundreds of athletes, coaches, and officials to the city allowing for the opportunity to showcase Calgary’s venues, accommodations, and unique winter visitor experiences.” 

Athletes competing at the 2024 Canadian National Skating Championships will be vying for spots on the Skate Canada National Team and the Canadian teams that will compete at the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships® 2024, the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships® 2024, the ISU World Figure Skating Championships® 2024 in Montréal, the ISU World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships® 2024 and the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships®2024. 

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