2013 Skate Canada
Pairs – Free Skating
Detailed Classification
Judges Scores
Final Result
Links to Other Reports:
Ice Dance - Short Dance
Ice Dance - Free Dance
Ladies – Short Program
Ladies – Free Skating
Men - Short Program
Men - Free Skating
Pairs – Short Program
Disclaimer: The GOE values listed next to the elements are ones I would award if I was a judge and they’re intended to give you a general impression of how each element was executed. I try to describe each of the elements but there's not always time to be as detailed as I would like and a numbers can sometimes say a thousand words.
I am generally very nitpicky, try to pay a lot of attention to detail and attempt to notice various errors that judges might have missed. I realise that I’m being very harsh but I try my best to apply the same high standard to all of the skaters.
Any questions, comments, criticisms and discussion are all very welcome.
1. Margaret PURDY / Michael MARINARO /CAN/
Casablanca (soundtrack) by Max Steiner
dance lift to 3twist [-3] – lack of height, underrotated, catch assisted by his shoulder, two-footed
3toe(she stepped out)/2toe(she did it later than him and landed on two feet) [-3]
2axel [-2] – she lacked flow out, was over the toe on the landing and turned out
step in lasso to change of position to one hand to difficult dismount [-2] – a little strained, he stopped rotating for a while changing positions and two-footed the landing
arabesques into fids with change of hold [0]
spread eagle into axel lasso to one hand [-3] – she went down on his back after switching to one hand hold
throw 3loop [0] – clean but not a lot of height and distance
camel/sit/up L(off-synch)/change sit forward holding foot/up [0] – rotation speed not bad
star lift to one hand to carry to difficult dismount [-2] – messy footwork, he two-footed the dismount
dance lift into throw 3salchow [1] – very slightly over the toe on the landing but it was solid otherwise
choreographic sequence: front spirals / spread eagles [1] – quite well extended
into pair change combination spin [0] – could use more speed
They didn’t let their unsuccessful short program performance defeat them. This was skated with more confidence, accentuating the choreographed movements quite well throughout. Their postures need work, they both skated with rounded shoulders.
She has grown too tall for him. The majority of female pair skaters are just over 150cm tall. Purdy has 166cm listed in her ISU bio and the Russian Sport 2 commentator claimed she is 168cm now. It must feel very frustrating for them as it is something completely beyond their control.
2. Lindsay DAVIS / Rockne BRUBAKER /USA/
Les Parapluies de Cherbourg by Michel Legrand
3salchow [0] – solid with nice extension on the landing but entry a little off-synch (+1-1)
3twist [-1] – good height but a late catch, two-footed
2axel/2toe [1] - solid
choregraphic sequence: front spirals (could have been better extended) / dance lift / footwork [0]
reverse lasso to change of position [-3] – she went down when they attempted to change position and then she stumbled after she went down
flying camel/sit/up raised free leg/change sit broken leg [0] – synch a little off in some places, quite far apart, rotation speed was decent though (+1-1)
axel lasso to one hand hold and dismount [0]
throw 3salchow [-3] – two-footed, step out, messy landing
throw 3lutz [-3] – two-footed, fall
twist entry into press lift to one hand star position to difficult dismount [-1] – a little laboured
shoot-the-duck into fids with change of hold [0] – position a little strained
into pair change combination spin [-1] – a little slow, very slightly off-centred after change of foot
They seemed tense and it looked as if they were just focusing on getting through all of their technical elements, which is understandable for a new team which needs more time to gel and become comfortable with one another. Again, there wasn’t much relation between them and they looked like two single skaters.
3. Paige LAWRENCE / Rudi SWIEGERS /CAN/
Oz – The Great and Powerful
3toe [-3] – she fell, quite a short entry into it though
3twist [-2] – not a lot of height, catch assisted by his shoulder, two-footed
1axel into 1axel [0]
flying camel/sit/up raised free leg/change sit broken leg/up [0] – a little far apart, could have used some more speed
shoot-the-duck into bods with change of hold and pivot variation [0] – her position not great
choreographic sequence: spread eagle and front spiral / dance lift / spiral with her lying down [1] – creative and varied movements
step in lasso to one hand change of position to difficult dismount [1]
throw 3loop [1] – not a great deal of height and distance but a solid landing with decent flow out
axel lasso to one hand to difficult dismount [1] – solid, good flow, she should be pointing her toes though
press lift to change of position, reverse rotation and carry to difficult dismount [0] – lacked flow
throw 3lutz [0] – off-axis in the air but landed cleanly
pair change combination spin [1] – quite good rotation speed
Good projection throughout, their movement was quite sharp and confident and it reflected the character of the music well. The program featured some nice choreographic touches and it flowed quite well. They have improved their performance skills a lot.
I wonder whether they both just happened to single both of their axels or whether it’s something they have agreed upon.
4. Haven DENNEY / Brandon FRAZIER /USA/
Notre Dame de Paris (soundtrack) by Richard Cocciante
3twist [0] – fast rotation, strong catch but two-footed by him on the landing (+1-1)
throw 3loop [1] – good height and distance covered, nice extension on the landing
3salchow [-1] – his landing was two-footed slightly, jumps were done quite far apart
choreographic sequence: front spirals / footwork / dance lift [0] – nicely done to the bells in the music but the movements could have been sharper and more pronounced
2axel [-3] – he overrotated, she fell
stood for a little, waiting for the change in the music (maybe because they missed the axel exit)
camel/sit/up raised free leg/change sit/up [0] – could use a little more speed
shoot-the-duck into forward inside death spiral with change of hold [1] – decent position
axel lasso to reverse rotation to change of position and one hand hold [0] – his footwork a little slow
dance lift to throw 3salchow [-2] – over the toe, turnout with foot down
star lift to change of position and one hand hold to difficult dismount [0] – two-footed although he then went quickly into ina bauer (which is a difficult landing position)
toe lasso to carry to change of position and one hand [1] – nice carry position from her (although she needs to point her toes)
to pair change combination spin [0]
Whilst they responded to the music at times, there movement lacked extension and wasn’t well pronounced, and most of the program was quite empty in between the elements. He has visibly rounded shoulders.
They have improved their personal best by 0.60 (but their previous SB was from 2013 Junior Worlds and a senior program has more elements).
5. Mari VARTMANN / Aaron VAN CLEAVE /GER/
Notre Dame de Paris (soundtrack)
3twist [-3] – quite good height but she grabbed his shoulder on the catch and landed on two-feet
3toe(his landing a little shaky)/2toe(he was way over half a revolution short and fell) [-3]
choreographic sequence: catchfoot spiral(good extension) / dance lift / back spiral and ina bauer [1]
3salchow [-3] – she doubled, he fell, crashed into the boards and then fell again bouncing back from them
Y spiral into bods with change of hold and pivot variation [1] – nice entry, decent position from her
flying camel/sit/up(hers slightly off-balance)/change sit broken leg [-2] – off-synch throughout
backward lasso to one hand hold and dismount [0] – quite solid but two-footed (+1-1)
throw 3loop [-3] – she stepped out and then fell
axel lasso to changes of position to difficult dismount [0] – good flow throughout but stopped rotating at one point when changing positions
long coe spread eagle into throw 3salchow [1] – landing a little shaky but good flow out (+2-1)
counterbalance dance lift into star lift to one hand to carry to difficult dismount [1]
to pair change combination spin [0] – nicely extended positions by her, could use more speed though
Choreography needs fleshing out. There were a few dance lifts between the elements but most of the time they were just stroking into elements and not responding to the music.
There is a jarring contrast between her lines and elegance and his rounded shoulders and unextended movements.
6. SUI Wenjing / HAN Cong /CHN/
Kalinka (Russian Folk Music)
steps to 4twist [-1] – good height, catch assisted by his shoulder however and it was a little bit underrotated (+1-2)
3toe/2toe/2toe [-1] –entry to the first jump a little off-synch, poor flow out (especially from her)
2salchow [1] – high and solid
she skated into him after exiting the jump landing and fell
spread eagles towards throw 3flip [1] – great height and distance but slightly over the toe on the landing (+2-1)
shoot-the-duck into bods with change of hold [0] – position a little high
flying camel to forward camel catch(a tiny bit off-synch)/up raised free leg/change sit broken leg/up [-1] – quite far apart, could use a little more speed
impressive dance lift into star lift to one hand and spread eagle carry to difficult dismount [2] – quite effortless throughout
twist entry into reverse lasso lift to change of position and one hand to difficult dismount [1]
dance lift to throw 3salchow [2] – good height and distance, very solid landing
choreographic sequence: mirrored spirals / footwork [0]
spread eagle into axel lasso to change of position and one hand to difficult dismount [1] – solid
to pair change combination spin [1] – good rotation speed, impressive Mishkutenok position at the end
Good expression throughout. They sold the program very well. Quite a lot of appropriately perky upper body movement throughout. The music and the choreography was a good match for them and played to their strengths.
There’s still some details to iron out. Their postures aren’t perfect, toes often aren’t pointed but Zoueva has cleverly put together a program with a fast tempo and busy movement, which takes the attention away from those flaws.
Being moved from Bo Luan to Yao Bin’s group seems to have worked out very well for them. They seem to have their mojo back.
7. Stefania BERTON / Ondrej HOTAREK /ITA/
Dracula by Phillip Glass
3toe/2toe/2toe [1] – solid landings, good flow throughout
steps towards 3twist [-1] – not a lot of height, catch assisted by his shoulder, his free leg a little late coming out on the landing
3salchow [-2] – she landed it but then put her free foot down and turned out
flying camel to forward camel var/change sit cannonball/up Y [0] – far apart, synch could have been a little sharper
choreographic sequence: spread eagle and spiral / Y spirals [1] – well extended positions
throw 3salchow [1] – good height, solid landing
dance lift into star lift to one hand to changes of position [1]
Y spiral into bods with change of hold [0] – position quite high
reverse lasso to change of position and one hand hold to difficult dismount [0] – impressive position but could use better flow throughout
throw 3loop [2] – good distance covered, very solid landing
axel lasso to one hand [1]
steps to pair change combination spin [2] – good positions and rotation speed
Elegant and controlled movement, good flow throughout. It was a very polished performance but the program could have used some more character and expression. It lacked highlights (aside from the low lying ‘oh noes, a vampire just drained most of my blood’ signature move at the start) and light and shade with the music being quite constant throughout.
They have improved their personal best by 1.35 points.
8. Meagan DUHAMEL / Eric RADFORD /CAN/
Alice in Wonderland (soundtrack) by Danny Elfman
Everlasting by Two Steps from Hell
3twist [-1] – decent height and clean catch but she landed on two feet (+1-2)
3lutz [-2] – she cheated over 1/4, tight landing from her; take-off very slightly off-synch
reverse lasso to one hand hold and dismount [0] – a little slow
spread eagle and shoot-the-duck into back outside death spiral with change of hold and pivot variation [1] – good rotation speed and flow from entry to exit
into transitions into pair change combination spin [0] – good positions and rotation speed but he went off balance and put his free foot down at the end (+1-1)
3salchow/2toe [0] – she was a little off-axis in in the air on the salchow but managed to land it and get the toe done as well, not enough momentum for the planned third jump in the combination however
spread eagle to axel lasso [-3] – had to be aborted soon after going up, they didn’t get the balance point right
throw 3loop [-1] – a little over the toe on the landing, entry telegraphed
throw 3lutz [1] – solid landing, decent speed out
counterbalance dance lift into press lift to star and one hand hold carry to difficult dismount [0] – a little strained
choreographic sequence [2] – good attack, varied movement, done well to the music
flying camel/sit/forward camel var/change sit to cannonball [1] – quite well synchronised, good rotation speed
An incredible amount of detail in the choreography. Lots of creative and varied upper body movement and connecting footwork throughout. Very good attack and expression.
Their postures and lines could still use some work, though, hers especially. Having said that, she has definitely already improved in that regard over the last few seasons, so they are heading in the right direction.
Pairs – Free Skating
Detailed Classification
Judges Scores
Final Result
Links to Other Reports:
Ice Dance - Short Dance
Ice Dance - Free Dance
Ladies – Short Program
Ladies – Free Skating
Men - Short Program
Men - Free Skating
Pairs – Short Program
Disclaimer: The GOE values listed next to the elements are ones I would award if I was a judge and they’re intended to give you a general impression of how each element was executed. I try to describe each of the elements but there's not always time to be as detailed as I would like and a numbers can sometimes say a thousand words.
I am generally very nitpicky, try to pay a lot of attention to detail and attempt to notice various errors that judges might have missed. I realise that I’m being very harsh but I try my best to apply the same high standard to all of the skaters.
Any questions, comments, criticisms and discussion are all very welcome.
1. Margaret PURDY / Michael MARINARO /CAN/
Casablanca (soundtrack) by Max Steiner
dance lift to 3twist [-3] – lack of height, underrotated, catch assisted by his shoulder, two-footed
3toe(she stepped out)/2toe(she did it later than him and landed on two feet) [-3]
2axel [-2] – she lacked flow out, was over the toe on the landing and turned out
step in lasso to change of position to one hand to difficult dismount [-2] – a little strained, he stopped rotating for a while changing positions and two-footed the landing
arabesques into fids with change of hold [0]
spread eagle into axel lasso to one hand [-3] – she went down on his back after switching to one hand hold
throw 3loop [0] – clean but not a lot of height and distance
camel/sit/up L(off-synch)/change sit forward holding foot/up [0] – rotation speed not bad
star lift to one hand to carry to difficult dismount [-2] – messy footwork, he two-footed the dismount
dance lift into throw 3salchow [1] – very slightly over the toe on the landing but it was solid otherwise
choreographic sequence: front spirals / spread eagles [1] – quite well extended
into pair change combination spin [0] – could use more speed
They didn’t let their unsuccessful short program performance defeat them. This was skated with more confidence, accentuating the choreographed movements quite well throughout. Their postures need work, they both skated with rounded shoulders.
She has grown too tall for him. The majority of female pair skaters are just over 150cm tall. Purdy has 166cm listed in her ISU bio and the Russian Sport 2 commentator claimed she is 168cm now. It must feel very frustrating for them as it is something completely beyond their control.
2. Lindsay DAVIS / Rockne BRUBAKER /USA/
Les Parapluies de Cherbourg by Michel Legrand
3salchow [0] – solid with nice extension on the landing but entry a little off-synch (+1-1)
3twist [-1] – good height but a late catch, two-footed
2axel/2toe [1] - solid
choregraphic sequence: front spirals (could have been better extended) / dance lift / footwork [0]
reverse lasso to change of position [-3] – she went down when they attempted to change position and then she stumbled after she went down
flying camel/sit/up raised free leg/change sit broken leg [0] – synch a little off in some places, quite far apart, rotation speed was decent though (+1-1)
axel lasso to one hand hold and dismount [0]
throw 3salchow [-3] – two-footed, step out, messy landing
throw 3lutz [-3] – two-footed, fall
twist entry into press lift to one hand star position to difficult dismount [-1] – a little laboured
shoot-the-duck into fids with change of hold [0] – position a little strained
into pair change combination spin [-1] – a little slow, very slightly off-centred after change of foot
They seemed tense and it looked as if they were just focusing on getting through all of their technical elements, which is understandable for a new team which needs more time to gel and become comfortable with one another. Again, there wasn’t much relation between them and they looked like two single skaters.
3. Paige LAWRENCE / Rudi SWIEGERS /CAN/
Oz – The Great and Powerful
3toe [-3] – she fell, quite a short entry into it though
3twist [-2] – not a lot of height, catch assisted by his shoulder, two-footed
1axel into 1axel [0]
flying camel/sit/up raised free leg/change sit broken leg/up [0] – a little far apart, could have used some more speed
shoot-the-duck into bods with change of hold and pivot variation [0] – her position not great
choreographic sequence: spread eagle and front spiral / dance lift / spiral with her lying down [1] – creative and varied movements
step in lasso to one hand change of position to difficult dismount [1]
throw 3loop [1] – not a great deal of height and distance but a solid landing with decent flow out
axel lasso to one hand to difficult dismount [1] – solid, good flow, she should be pointing her toes though
press lift to change of position, reverse rotation and carry to difficult dismount [0] – lacked flow
throw 3lutz [0] – off-axis in the air but landed cleanly
pair change combination spin [1] – quite good rotation speed
Good projection throughout, their movement was quite sharp and confident and it reflected the character of the music well. The program featured some nice choreographic touches and it flowed quite well. They have improved their performance skills a lot.
I wonder whether they both just happened to single both of their axels or whether it’s something they have agreed upon.
4. Haven DENNEY / Brandon FRAZIER /USA/
Notre Dame de Paris (soundtrack) by Richard Cocciante
3twist [0] – fast rotation, strong catch but two-footed by him on the landing (+1-1)
throw 3loop [1] – good height and distance covered, nice extension on the landing
3salchow [-1] – his landing was two-footed slightly, jumps were done quite far apart
choreographic sequence: front spirals / footwork / dance lift [0] – nicely done to the bells in the music but the movements could have been sharper and more pronounced
2axel [-3] – he overrotated, she fell
stood for a little, waiting for the change in the music (maybe because they missed the axel exit)
camel/sit/up raised free leg/change sit/up [0] – could use a little more speed
shoot-the-duck into forward inside death spiral with change of hold [1] – decent position
axel lasso to reverse rotation to change of position and one hand hold [0] – his footwork a little slow
dance lift to throw 3salchow [-2] – over the toe, turnout with foot down
star lift to change of position and one hand hold to difficult dismount [0] – two-footed although he then went quickly into ina bauer (which is a difficult landing position)
toe lasso to carry to change of position and one hand [1] – nice carry position from her (although she needs to point her toes)
to pair change combination spin [0]
Whilst they responded to the music at times, there movement lacked extension and wasn’t well pronounced, and most of the program was quite empty in between the elements. He has visibly rounded shoulders.
They have improved their personal best by 0.60 (but their previous SB was from 2013 Junior Worlds and a senior program has more elements).
5. Mari VARTMANN / Aaron VAN CLEAVE /GER/
Notre Dame de Paris (soundtrack)
3twist [-3] – quite good height but she grabbed his shoulder on the catch and landed on two-feet
3toe(his landing a little shaky)/2toe(he was way over half a revolution short and fell) [-3]
choreographic sequence: catchfoot spiral(good extension) / dance lift / back spiral and ina bauer [1]
3salchow [-3] – she doubled, he fell, crashed into the boards and then fell again bouncing back from them
Y spiral into bods with change of hold and pivot variation [1] – nice entry, decent position from her
flying camel/sit/up(hers slightly off-balance)/change sit broken leg [-2] – off-synch throughout
backward lasso to one hand hold and dismount [0] – quite solid but two-footed (+1-1)
throw 3loop [-3] – she stepped out and then fell
axel lasso to changes of position to difficult dismount [0] – good flow throughout but stopped rotating at one point when changing positions
long coe spread eagle into throw 3salchow [1] – landing a little shaky but good flow out (+2-1)
counterbalance dance lift into star lift to one hand to carry to difficult dismount [1]
to pair change combination spin [0] – nicely extended positions by her, could use more speed though
Choreography needs fleshing out. There were a few dance lifts between the elements but most of the time they were just stroking into elements and not responding to the music.
There is a jarring contrast between her lines and elegance and his rounded shoulders and unextended movements.
6. SUI Wenjing / HAN Cong /CHN/
Kalinka (Russian Folk Music)
steps to 4twist [-1] – good height, catch assisted by his shoulder however and it was a little bit underrotated (+1-2)
3toe/2toe/2toe [-1] –entry to the first jump a little off-synch, poor flow out (especially from her)
2salchow [1] – high and solid
she skated into him after exiting the jump landing and fell
spread eagles towards throw 3flip [1] – great height and distance but slightly over the toe on the landing (+2-1)
shoot-the-duck into bods with change of hold [0] – position a little high
flying camel to forward camel catch(a tiny bit off-synch)/up raised free leg/change sit broken leg/up [-1] – quite far apart, could use a little more speed
impressive dance lift into star lift to one hand and spread eagle carry to difficult dismount [2] – quite effortless throughout
twist entry into reverse lasso lift to change of position and one hand to difficult dismount [1]
dance lift to throw 3salchow [2] – good height and distance, very solid landing
choreographic sequence: mirrored spirals / footwork [0]
spread eagle into axel lasso to change of position and one hand to difficult dismount [1] – solid
to pair change combination spin [1] – good rotation speed, impressive Mishkutenok position at the end
Good expression throughout. They sold the program very well. Quite a lot of appropriately perky upper body movement throughout. The music and the choreography was a good match for them and played to their strengths.
There’s still some details to iron out. Their postures aren’t perfect, toes often aren’t pointed but Zoueva has cleverly put together a program with a fast tempo and busy movement, which takes the attention away from those flaws.
Being moved from Bo Luan to Yao Bin’s group seems to have worked out very well for them. They seem to have their mojo back.
7. Stefania BERTON / Ondrej HOTAREK /ITA/
Dracula by Phillip Glass
3toe/2toe/2toe [1] – solid landings, good flow throughout
steps towards 3twist [-1] – not a lot of height, catch assisted by his shoulder, his free leg a little late coming out on the landing
3salchow [-2] – she landed it but then put her free foot down and turned out
flying camel to forward camel var/change sit cannonball/up Y [0] – far apart, synch could have been a little sharper
choreographic sequence: spread eagle and spiral / Y spirals [1] – well extended positions
throw 3salchow [1] – good height, solid landing
dance lift into star lift to one hand to changes of position [1]
Y spiral into bods with change of hold [0] – position quite high
reverse lasso to change of position and one hand hold to difficult dismount [0] – impressive position but could use better flow throughout
throw 3loop [2] – good distance covered, very solid landing
axel lasso to one hand [1]
steps to pair change combination spin [2] – good positions and rotation speed
Elegant and controlled movement, good flow throughout. It was a very polished performance but the program could have used some more character and expression. It lacked highlights (aside from the low lying ‘oh noes, a vampire just drained most of my blood’ signature move at the start) and light and shade with the music being quite constant throughout.
They have improved their personal best by 1.35 points.
8. Meagan DUHAMEL / Eric RADFORD /CAN/
Alice in Wonderland (soundtrack) by Danny Elfman
Everlasting by Two Steps from Hell
3twist [-1] – decent height and clean catch but she landed on two feet (+1-2)
3lutz [-2] – she cheated over 1/4, tight landing from her; take-off very slightly off-synch
reverse lasso to one hand hold and dismount [0] – a little slow
spread eagle and shoot-the-duck into back outside death spiral with change of hold and pivot variation [1] – good rotation speed and flow from entry to exit
into transitions into pair change combination spin [0] – good positions and rotation speed but he went off balance and put his free foot down at the end (+1-1)
3salchow/2toe [0] – she was a little off-axis in in the air on the salchow but managed to land it and get the toe done as well, not enough momentum for the planned third jump in the combination however
spread eagle to axel lasso [-3] – had to be aborted soon after going up, they didn’t get the balance point right
throw 3loop [-1] – a little over the toe on the landing, entry telegraphed
throw 3lutz [1] – solid landing, decent speed out
counterbalance dance lift into press lift to star and one hand hold carry to difficult dismount [0] – a little strained
choreographic sequence [2] – good attack, varied movement, done well to the music
flying camel/sit/forward camel var/change sit to cannonball [1] – quite well synchronised, good rotation speed
An incredible amount of detail in the choreography. Lots of creative and varied upper body movement and connecting footwork throughout. Very good attack and expression.
Their postures and lines could still use some work, though, hers especially. Having said that, she has definitely already improved in that regard over the last few seasons, so they are heading in the right direction.
