2016-2017 State of Canadian Figure Skating

[lyndichee]

honestly, about that 'thing' written (I can't even name it as an article/publication, because it would harm all good journalists' ethics and proper work) - I am shocked that someone has an audacity and flair to publish this. I often wonder how twisted this kind of 'authors' mind is and how it actually works to come up with such nonsense and word vomit...

ETA - moreover, it seems that a lot of people can't stand the fact that Kaetlyn is back with such strength and poise for competition, healthy and successful, with such great scores. It is mind-boggling for me why these ppl can't keep their traps shut and let her be if they have nothing constructive to say, especially about her performance qualities, presence and expression (which are top notch level)...Haters will hate, dogs will bark and she will get her stuff going

It's called clickbait and ad revenue Ethics and integrity is out the window these days.

When Gracie was rising to prominence in 2014, I remember interviews with Michelle Kwan saying she could one of the best and end the world medal drought etc.etc. but somehow here in Canada Kaetlyn got an article demeaning her.

I hope next year we will see articles about figure skaters promoting them as medal contenders for the Olympics. Canada is a big country in terms of land but small in terms of people so endorsements are hard to come by if they aren't winning medals/Olympic season. Even Patrick who had RBC and General Mills (probably others too) sponsoring him had trouble affording figure skating fees sometimes.

On the topic of Nationals, I am so sad to see Bruce Waddell so low after such a great outing for him last year. He really caught my attention last year.

 

[TGee]

On the topic of Nationals, I am so sad to see Bruce Waddell so low after such a great outing for him last year. He really caught my attention last year.

Bruce skated in multiple events yesterday. He is also an ice dancer.

He did two pattern dances earlier in the morning in the Novice Dance event with his partner Natalie D'Alessandro. Today, they took the top of the podium with their free dance.

Hopefully, he'll have more energy for his long program in the Junior Men's event tomorrow.

On a more general note, I think that it's important to point out that, in Canada, some promising young skaters compete in more than one discipline for as long as they can. It makes nationals very challenging. Ice Dance and singles is a fairly common combination lower levels. Ice dance is not only great in itself, but can lay down the early foundations for skating with a partner that are essential for pairs. We see the benefits of that in seniors in pairs teams like Ruest/Wolfe -- Drew Wolfe skated as both an ice dancer and a singles skater before switching to pairs. And we've seen pairs girls like Julianne Séguin, who have competed for as long as possible in singles to raise their technical skill, while developing their pairs skills with a partner.

 

[Mango]

Bruce has been struggling with jumps all season. If he can get his feet under him again I think Skate Canada will give him an assignment. Likely Autumn Classic. He took bronze at sectionals. Right now his ice dance career is better than his singles career, and as Ted mentioned he may have to choose one day as they go higher. Him and Natalie did a great exhibition last year to 'Anything you can do I can do better' where they showed off their individual skills. The two of the have got strong individual and dance skills. It's interesting to see the crossover in their programs.

 

[Ares]

Bruce skated in multiple events yesterday. He is also an ice dancer.

He did two pattern dances earlier in the morning in the Novice Dance event with his partner Natalie D'Alessandro. Today, they took the top of the podium with their free dance.

Hopefully, he'll have more energy for his long program in the Junior Men's event tomorrow.

On a more general note, I think that it's important to point out that, in Canada, some promising young skaters compete in more than one discipline for as long as they can. It makes nationals very challenging. Ice Dance and singles is a fairly common combination lower levels. Ice dance is not only great in itself, but can lay down the early foundations for skating with a partner that are essential for pairs. We see the benefits of that in seniors in pairs teams like Ruest/Wolfe -- Drew Wolfe skated as both an ice dancer and a singles skater before switching to pairs. And we've seen pairs girls like Julianne Séguin, who have competed for as long as possible in singles to raise their technical skill, while developing their pairs skills with a partner.

Skater competing both ... in Ice Dance and Solo :agree: There were some changing disciplines and some competing in singles and in pairs but this is the first time I see anyone mentioning ID & singles for one skater simultaneously and even for couple of them in Canada.

 

[TGee]

For any who are interested in the future of Canadian pairs, the Juniors are coming up with their SPs next at nationals.

Richard Gauthier and Bruno Marcotte's Novice Pairs team of Panetta/Lapointe are in first place after the SP in that event. Ice coverage, lift, twists, SBS spin and death spiral all looking solid even at this level.
SPvideo

 

[lyndichee]

Does anyone know why Justine Brasseur/Matthew Ostiguy withdrew? I was really looking forward to seeing them.

 

[Kypma]

Does anyone know why Justine Brasseur/Matthew Ostiguy withdrew? I was really looking forward to seeing them.

From the junior pairs SP thread:

There have been two withdrawals, Dawson/Reekie and Brasseur/Ostiguy. Brasseur/Ostiguy mentioned on their Facebook that their season ended due to Justine injuring her ankle, and Justine is also not on the junior women's entries list despite qualifying. Hannah has confirmed she'll be competing in junior women and she's still on the list so it seems Christian is injured.

We are down to 5 junior pairs.

 

[4everchan]

if i am not mistaken, paul poirier also did both singles and ice dance

Skater competing both ... in Ice Dance and Solo :agree: There were some changing disciplines and some competing in singles and in pairs but this is the first time I see anyone mentioning ID & singles for one skater simultaneously and even for couple of them in Canada.

 

[Mango]

Corey Circelli, who won the novice men's title today, is also doing double duty. He came 4th with partner Katerina Kasatkin in novice ice dance today.

I hope you guys will join in some of the discussions we're having during the seniors events at least. It's crickets over there, and that doesn't include the ones being given out to skaters from Cricket Club.

 

[TGee]

I hope you guys will join in some of the discussions we're having during the seniors events at least. It's crickets over there, and that doesn't include the ones being given out to skaters from Cricket Club.

Well, even though it seems like you and I are holding the fort close to on our own sometimes, I'm noting that there are a lot of views.....

I'm hoping that there might be a few new GS lurkers with an interest in Canadian skating along for the ride with us...

 

[Mango]

Well, even though it seems like you and I are holding the fort close to on our own sometimes, I'm noting that there are a lot of views.....

I'm hoping that there might be a few new GS lurkers with an interest in Canadian skating along for the ride with us...

I guess Canadian junior and novice level skaters aren't very exciting. No kids of big skaters like in the US. Justine Brasseur is the closest we came to that, but she WD. Well, it's ok. Those of us keeping up with the kids have a head start into evaluating the future of Canadian skating.

 

[4everchan]

hi hi sorry TGee and Mango.. i am one of the lurkers.... because I am going to Ottawa later this week, I am trying to do as much work as possible and not following novice and junior skaters as much... on top of that, I am guilty of watching some of the tennis from the Australian open

I have seen a few of the junior men SP ... I really liked Conrad he has a spring in his jumps... I am looking forward to seeing him develop. Gogolev did well but I know this wasn't his best skate.

I also have watched the SD by Lavoie and Lagha... and I think they are future stars. They have a lot of flair and their twizzles were cool !!!!

I am hoping to watch a few free dances and perhaps, if I dare having time, I may watch the junior boys tomorrow... But no promise... Keep up the great work!

 

[TGee]

I guess Canadian junior and novice level skaters aren't very exciting. No kids of big skaters like in the US. Justine Brasseur is the closest we came to that, but she WD. Well, it's ok. Those of us keeping up with the kids have a head start into evaluating the future of Canadian skating.

Uhm, just need to keep telling them what they're missing. [Just think 4everchan about missing out on years of getting to know the next Patrick...]

But I am so happy to see some of the usually quiet folks we got to know during our Challenge discussions are back. Loved also how catlen hung in from Poland to see the Junior Pairs...and with elements like 3Tw3 and Th3Lz being delivered, she noted that there were definitely elements that many senior pairs aren't up for at ISU events. We have lots to look forward to post 2018 in this discipline, and at Junior Worlds before that in my view.

But really hope that our senior men's fans will drop in for the Junior Men's FS tomorrow starting at 4:40 pm / 16:40h. Conrad Orzel, who took a silver in the JPG event in Germany, is sitting first, with Stephen Gogolev right behind. Some of these young men will be competing domestically in the seniors events next season, even if they will still be eligible to compete as juniors [or novice] internationally. Suggest that now is the time to get to know the final flight at least.

 

[4everchan]

wow!!! good for catlen... I knew she's a pair fan but that's awesome!!!

I saw the protocols but not the junior pairs SP yet... WOW at the 3Tw and the 3lz throw!! shows that they are following the leaders here (D/R) in upping the technical content!!! Looks like there is a future here for Canada?


and 4everchan tells you right now : there is only one Patrick and will only 4ever be only one I have followed many many skaters, and was a huge fan of many from Yagudin to Kurt to Brian O... to Jeff... to Kulik to Lambiel to Daisuke... etc... but never I felt so "artistically" close to a skater like I do for Patrick. I don't think I will feel that anytime soon for any other skater But you are right... maybe I will miss out on discovering the next Kurt or Brian

Uhm, just need to keep telling them what they're missing. [Just think 4everchan about missing out on years of getting to know the next Patrick...]

But I am so happy to see some of the usually quiet folks we got to know during our Challenge discussions are back. Loved also how catlen hung in from Poland to see the Junior Pairs...and with elements like 3Tw3 and Th3Lz being delivered, she noted that there were definitely elements that many senior pairs aren't up for at ISU events. We have lots to look forward to post 2018 in this discipline, and at Junior Worlds before that in my view.

But really hope that our senior men's fans will drop in for the Junior Men's FS tomorrow starting at 4:40 pm / 16:40h. Conrad Orzel, who took a silver in the JPG event in Germany, is sitting first, with Stephen Gogolev right behind. Some of these young men will be competing domestically in the seniors events next season, even if they will still be eligible to compete as juniors [or novice] internationally. Suggest that now is the time to get to know the final flight at least.

 

[Mango]

Good points TGee. Those who want to tune into junior men but only want to see the last flight can start watching around 6.30 PM EST.

4everchan mate I'm a bit disappointed that you don't know we already have our next Kurt. It's Nadeau! Well, if he gets healthy again. There are no Patricks in terms of SS yet, I think. He won his first senior National title in 2007-2008 and there's been no one who can touch him nationally in that time apart from Buttle, who retired promptly after that 1st title Chiddy won.

Shaquille Davis is ready to unleash his 4S: https://www.instagram.com/p/BPY1pkQBrsU/

Asher Hill has moved on to coaching and choreography: https://twitter.com/AsherHill/status/821581730528235520
Marc-André Servant is also coaching: https://www.instagram.com/p/BPYu9NyDjMD/

Good to see those who've retired stay involved.

 

[4everchan]

i think Nic will make his own name he is so tall and such a good performer. I wouldn't place him in the kurt category??? but i can see why one could do Yes ... I LOVE NIC NADEAU!!!! I hope he is healthy enough to skate well this weekend!

Good points TGee. Those who want to tune into junior men but only want to see the last flight can start watching around 6.30 PM EST.

4everchan mate I'm a bit disappointed that you don't know we already have our next Kurt. It's Nadeau! Well, if he gets healthy again. There are no Patricks in terms of SS yet, I think. He won his first senior National title in 2007-2008 and there's been no one who can touch him nationally in that time apart from Buttle, who retired promptly after that 1st title Chiddy won.

Shaquille Davis is ready to unleash his 4S: https://www.instagram.com/p/BPY1pkQBrsU/

Asher Hill has moved on to coaching and choreography: https://twitter.com/AsherHill/status/821581730528235520
Marc-André Servant is also coaching: https://www.instagram.com/p/BPYu9NyDjMD/

Good to see those who've retired stay involved.

 

[Mango]

i think Nic will make his own name he is so tall and such a good performer. I wouldn't place him in the kurt category??? but i can see why one could do Yes ... I LOVE NIC NADEAU!!!! I hope he is healthy enough to skate well this weekend!

Wilson and whoever was announcing with her last year during the FS already made the connection. Nic really looks up to Kurt as well. Go Nic!

 

[4everchan]

corey circelli is the new Eman

 

[Dr. Jenn]

Here's a new article about Meagan and Eric, which has details about the changes to their programs: https://www.thestar.com/sports/amat...radford-go-with-flow-minus-throw-dimanno.html

I hope that they have a great competition at Canadians!

 

[TGee]

Rockerskating's Jackie Wong has his Canadian nationals preview [Men's and Pair's] up :

http://www.rockerskating.com/news/2...w-menpairs-chan-duhamelradford-look-to-repeat

Personally, disagree with his ranking of the men. Seems to just be looking at the ISU SB list, rather than trajectories this season. Would be surprised to see Nam in silver or Liam in fourth, and I think he's underestimating Kevin. But it looks like he's aware that there is a pack of contenders that could lead to a surprising result.