I think the first 2 spots are rock solid, barring any weird or catastrophic injuries. I think the 3rd spot is wide open. Let's review:
- G/P did not help themselves by finishing 18th in the World. Just because they have been overly gifted with high marks in Canada doesn't mean the rest of the world will buy what they're selling right now. There is only so much pep and pizzazz and hype that will be tolerated before everyone starts asking "where's the beef?!" If they want to be taken seriously on the world stage, they have to work very hard at coming together as a team with some matching lines, edges, and real quality between the cool tricks.
- P/I have beautiful chemistry, skating skills, edges, smoothness, matching lines, and so on. They also are training in a great rink to allow them to keep pushing themselves and getting stronger mentally. I think Detroit did wonders for W/P and their inconsistency issues. But P/I are going to have to bring it this season. They can do it. And they just might get the nod as the 3rd team. I predict we will see Skate Canada giving them some more head-to-head matchups in Senior B's with G/P in the upcoming season.
- Then there's O/W. They had a Cinderella season last year, and I think will not finish on the podium at Nationals again. The SD was perfectly suited to Williams, and allowed them to really put in a great effort. I don't think they are as strong as P/I in any way, but, as we found out at Nationals, the ice is slippery. It's about who brings it on the day of competition.
- Then we should also not write off R/H, who could be in the running if they have some decent material this year, and get the time and attention they deserve in order to be competitive.
There are a couple of teams from Quebec. I liked P/O at the beginning of the season, but they didn't thrill me at Nationals. It was messy. But they have some great raw talent. I loved the clean lines and crisp feet and interesting choreography of P/S. If they are focused, work hard, and deal with their inconsistencies, they have a chance at top 5, perhaps.
And then there are the new ones to Senior: E/P, our Junior Champions, are way better than O/W in my opinion. There is a ton of talent in those 2, and they just might not out-grow each other. They have had a number of years together, and they are getting better every year. Their SD this year was a favourite of mine. And an honourable mention for a strong start at Senior is C/B from Quebec. I love their classical lines and sensibilities. They've really grown these last 2 seasons.
Folks, that's already 10 teams. It's going to be a great upcoming season!!
I look forward to your commentary when the season is in progress.
Wishing them and all the other teams the best.
