It's not just a question of being "too busy" to attend the challenge event... the top 4 or 5 from the previous Nationals are considered on the "National Team", get international assignments, and so don't need to prove their "competence/competitiveness" in order to re-qualify to Nationals. I don't know what the exact rule/criteria is, but along those lines. ....And anyway (I know this is not the deciding factor, but) Lacoste and Phaneuf were both in the top 10 at last year's 4CC, and Szmiett a JPG finalist... I'd say that is plenty proof that they would be competitve at Nationals
The only reason I see Skate Canada picking Kevin is because of the need to have someone finishing in the top 3 countries. If Balde were healthy, I could see SC not sending Kevin at all.
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I actually think a healthy Balde would do better than Reynolds at JW ( he did last year ) simply because his triple axel is far more consistent. Alas, he is injured.
Agreed~ I am very curious how much Balde progresses this season, it's so unfortunate that he's injured during this transition period.
I heard from one of the Pierrefonds coaches tonight that Elladj just landed a double Lutz today, and he hadn't done a double flip or Lutz (maybe loop either, not sure) since his injury last Spring. The coach sounded quite excited about that, which suggests that Elladj's recovery has taken quite a while. I unfortunately don't think he'll be ready by Jr Worlds, though, if he's only getting his doubles back now.
A quick followup on Elladj... I heard from one of the Pierrefonds skaters that he is now doing most of his triples again and that he is really happy to be getting everything back.