2024-25 Canadian Figure Skating

[4everchan]

Robert Brodie articles:

Maddie, Kaiya and Sara-Maude

#SCNats25: 'It's just makes me feel better'

It's a piece of music that Maddie Schizas was saving for the Olympic season. But she's decided the Canadian Championships are the right place to unveil a new free program.

rwbrodiewrites.substack.com

Roman, Aleksa, Deanna/Max and Lia:

#SCNats25: The door is open wide for a familiar face

Roman Sadovsky has been here before as a Canadian men's skating champion. And now the door is wide open in Laval for him to get back to the top of the podium.

rwbrodiewrites.substack.com

Aleksa is getting over RSV.

I had RSV. It was hell.

 

[Sackie]

So at this point the only one of those who have the mins for worlds who is healthy (even though he has had his share of injuries too) is Roman.
Our men really have not been able to get a break over the last few years.

 

[4everchan]

So at this point the only one of those who have the mins for worlds who is healthy (even though he has had his share of injuries too) is Roman.
Our men really have not been able to get a break over the last few years.

Roman, at this point, is the clear choice for me. I know skate canada is waiting for 4CC. I know Wesley placed above Roman at worlds last year.. but if Roman does win and skates relatively well today, I'd give him the nod. Roman needs confidence. It's not by waiting until 4CC with many more weeks of stress on his shoulders that he will build calm, confidence and poise.

 

[saine]

Skate Ontario had an interview with Roman which said that he's working with a mental strength coach, so I'm hopeful that it's paying off for him. He did well for skating last yesterday, and he was in the same position at Challenge that he's in now. He's had that experience at least once this season against pretty much the same field of men.

 

[4everchan]

Skate Ontario had an interview with Roman which said that he's working with a mental strength coach, so I'm hopeful that it's paying off for him. He did well for skating last yesterday, and he was in the same position at Challenge that he's in now. He's had that experience at least once this season against pretty much the same field of men.

about time

 

[RatedPG]

Fingers crossed for Roman!!
He just needs to make sure he executes his combos. Even if this means 3S eu 3S or a 3S 2A 2A combo in the second half. This is what cost him a win at the Challenge event.

4CC - Roman, Aleksa, Wesley (if Wesley not healed, hoping Matthew has a chance to go)
Jr. Worlds - Anthony has this on lock. David Bondar should get the other spot as Grayson has basically knocked himself out. But, John Kim and David Li could surprise
Sr. Worlds - Roman (if he wins Canadian Nationals, I don’t see anything knocking him off)

Ladies 4CC - OMG!! It will be a battle
Maddie though has one of these spots on lock, even with a disastrous Nationals. I’m hoping Katherine takes one of the remaining two spots.
Jr. Worlds - If Lulu doesn’t recover, I will actually send the highest two finishers from Nationals that are eligible.
Sr. Worlds - Is Maddie’s to lose. 180+ is what is required. So, the only person scoring over this mark internationally, is Katherine. We need top 12 at Worlds and these are the only two skaters that have shown 180 skates. I’m hoping someone else proves themselves at Nationals and then at 4CC

 

[RatedPG]

Sr. Women - I’m excited for this competition. I’m hoping we get SIX 55+ skates in the SP, at least.

Sr. Dance - I’m rooting for LaLa. Who will take the third place is the question?

Sr. Men - Fingers crossed for Roman. It is between him and Anthony for the title. Love these two skaters. Third place, is wide open. A chance to make it to the National Team automatically

Sr. Pairs - I loved the Short programs.
I’m actually a bit worried about Max. He looks like he has a sickness and looked pale and weak. I hope he looks healthy today. Lia/Trentt shocked me with how much I liked the SP. Kelly and Loucas want this so bad. I hope they stay in third place. Fiona/Benjamin… Fiona is a star…. Benjamin is not. He always falls apart on his jumping passes and ruins her chances. I hope they do better today.

I will be watching this competition with a smile today. I’m looking forward to all the events.

 

[4everchan]

I just want to say how much I love our pairs. Not only seniors but juniors. Canada rocks the pair world

 

[TontoK]

I watched a lot of the Men's event and part of the Synchro and Pairs events, and I was going to hang out on the live thread but then fell asleep for a bit - it's been a long week.

I enjoyed some of the lower ranked skaters and loved Anthony Paradis - he threw it all out there! I also enjoyed Roman even though he wasn't perfect. What did you think of his performance? Were there skaters that you liked?

Roman split the difference between how I hoped he'd skate and how I feared he'd skate. I'm calling that a win. To my eye his 4S was glorious, and I'm surprised it earned a "q." Typically, we don't see harsh panels at national events. But I'm not against harshness so long as it's consistently applied to all. I hope we have a stricter tech panel at US Nationals than usual - again, equally applied.

John Kim was a bright spot for me, even with a fall. That's mainly because I did not know his skating, so I got to be surprised. He was ambitious with his content, and I liked his style very well. I'm told he has consistency problems, so I hope he holds his nerve in the long.

I'm not a fan of Anthony's brand of skating (just personal preferences) - but I can appreciate that he's original and artistically daring. He has to up his technical content to be relevant internationally, but I'm sure he and his team know that. There's absolutely nothing wrong with skating within one's abilities, and doing so cleanly landed him in a solid position. To nitpick, while satisfactorily completed, I thought his jumps lacked amplitude. I haven't reviewed the protocols, but if his spins didn't earn great GOE, then something is wrong.

I don't have anything constructive to say about the rest of the field.

Edit to add about Roman: It's a failure on the part of his team to NOT choreograph that final jumping pass into the bonus. I think he misses by just a few seconds.

 

[Weathergal]

Roman split the difference between how I hoped he'd skate and how I feared he'd skate. I'm calling that a win. To my eye his 4S was glorious, and I'm surprised it earned a "q." Typically, we don't see harsh panels at national events. But I'm not against harshness so long as it's consistently applied to all. I hope we have a stricter tech panel at US Nationals than usual - again, equally applied.

John Kim was a bright spot for me, even with a fall. That's mainly because I did not know his skating, so I got to be surprised. He was ambitious with his content, and I liked his style very well. I'm told he has consistency problems, so I hope he holds his nerve in the long.

I'm not a fan of Anthony's brand of skating (just personal preferences) - but I can appreciate that he's original and artistically daring. He has to up his technical content to be relevant internationally, but I'm sure he and his team know that. There's absolutely nothing wrong with skating within one's abilities, and doing so cleanly landed him in a solid position. To nitpick, while satisfactorily completed, I thought his jumps lacked amplitude. I haven't reviewed the protocols, but if his spins didn't earn great GOE, then something is wrong.

I don't have anything constructive to say about the rest of the field.

Edit to add about Roman: It's a failure on the part of his team to NOT choreograph that final jumping pass into the bonus. I think he misses by just a few seconds.

"Roman split the difference between how I hoped he'd skate and how I feared he'd skate."

Your comment about Roman perfectly sums up my feelings on his skate! I haven't looked at the protocols and didn't know his 4S got a q, but that surprises me as well. I thought it was a great jump. I think Kevin Reynolds gushed over it and even said it was the best one he had seen him do.

I'm OK with a strict panel as well, as long as it's a consistent one. I think it would serve Canadian and US skaters well to make sure they're getting true feedback during Nationals so they can work on any issues rather than be caught off guard at future international comps.

I don't necessarily care for overly dramatic skating if it seems forced and put on and can find it cringy, but Anthony works for me - I think it's because it feels genuine from him, and I enjoy his actual skating and his passion. I find his personality very charming. But I can understand why he might not be everyone's cup of tea. I thought his combo and 2A looked good - his 2A, in particular, looked greatly improved. Kevin made the comment he thought he's getting ready for the 3A, and I think he or Ted mentioned during the warmups that he might have tried one in practice or warmups? I hope he can get it because he really needs it as he transitions out of juniors.

I also liked John Kim. Some of the lower ranked skaters I liked were Damien Buckert - I loved his "Mechanisms" program choreography, Brian Chlem - great arms, and Edrian Paul Celestino - personality on ice.

 

[TontoK]

For @Weathergal I confess I watched the earlier groups with only half an eye. I'll try to go back and watch those you highlighted.

I'm pretty impressed with Kevin's commentary. He doesn't bash, but he's also not overly gushy and pretending we didn't just see what we saw. That has bugged me about some commentators at Canadian Nationals.

I agree that stricter panels at US and Canadian Nationals would be a good thing. I'll be interested to see if they're strict with the women. US Nationals usually has a blind tech panel for the ladies. Everyone gushes about the dresses and makeup, and I'm like "How can you NOT call that under-rotation? It's not even close!"

 

[discodisco]

Sr. Women - I’m excited for this competition. I’m hoping we get SIX 55+ skates in the SP, at least.

Sr. Dance - I’m rooting for LaLa. Who will take the third place is the question?

Sr. Men - Fingers crossed for Roman. It is between him and Anthony for the title. Love these two skaters. Third place, is wide open. A chance to make it to the National Team automatically

Sr. Pairs - I loved the Short programs.
I’m actually a bit worried about Max. He looks like he has a sickness and looked pale and weak. I hope he looks healthy today. Lia/Trentt shocked me with how much I liked the SP. Kelly and Loucas want this so bad. I hope they stay in third place. Fiona/Benjamin… Fiona is a star…. Benjamin is not. He always falls apart on his jumping passes and ruins her chances. I hope they do better today.

I will be watching this competition with a smile today. I’m looking forward to all the events.

If Anthony wins, it's a sad representation of the level Canadians men's skating is at. Yes, he has interesting choreography, and is definitely a show skater, but his technical Arsenal is lower than any Canadian Mentalist I've seen since the mid-90s, which was a very low time for Canadian men skating beside Elvis. Right now his technical abilities would put him possibly in the final group of the women at Canadians.

I agree that Max looks a little different, but I think it's actually because he has less facial hair, and a fresh haircut it makes him look a little trimmer and younger, to be honest.

I'm in agreement that I don't actually see what everybody else sees in Benjamin and fiona. Sure I love fiona, and I think she's pretty fantastic the way she can lend her jumps, but I actually don't think they are a good match at all in terms of body line, stroking, etc. She obviously has a lot of talent and is adding a bit of spark to the relationship, but as much as they weren't my favorite team, I think that Benjamin and Brooke were a far better match.

 

[figureskatingandrainbows]

Yes, he has interesting choreography, and is definitely a show skater, but his technical Arsenal is lower than any Canadian Mentalist I've seen since the mid-90s, which was a very low time for Canadian men skating beside Elvis.

all hail Mysterion the Canadian Mentalist & Mind Reader, who has the best technical arsenal in the nation since the mid-90s (he is also a "magician, collector, comedic writer and occasional wrestling manager" according to Wikipedia)


sorry, it was a really funny typo lol

 

[discodisco]

Roman split the difference between how I hoped he'd skate and how I feared he'd skate. I'm calling that a win. To my eye his 4S was glorious, and I'm surprised it earned a "q." Typically, we don't see harsh panels at national events. But I'm not against harshness so long as it's consistently applied to all. I hope we have a stricter tech panel at US Nationals than usual - again, equally applied.

John Kim was a bright spot for me, even with a fall. That's mainly because I did not know his skating, so I got to be surprised. He was ambitious with his content, and I liked his style very well. I'm told he has consistency problems, so I hope he holds his nerve in the long.

I'm not a fan of Anthony's brand of skating (just personal preferences) - but I can appreciate that he's original and artistically daring. He has to up his technical content to be relevant internationally, but I'm sure he and his team know that. There's absolutely nothing wrong with skating within one's abilities, and doing so cleanly landed him in a solid position. To nitpick, while satisfactorily completed, I thought his jumps lacked amplitude. I haven't reviewed the protocols, but if his spins didn't earn great GOE, then something is wrong.

I don't have anything constructive to say about the rest of the field.

Edit to add about Roman: It's a failure on the part of his team to NOT choreograph that final jumping pass into the bonus. I think he misses by just a few seconds.

I agree about anthony. He's very creative when it comes to choreography, but his skating skills are not particularly good. He jumps so tiny, and I think he's just so expressive that he gets more elevated PCS than he deserves to be honest. Overall, that was not a 40 plus point program, but it's good for him for pretty much maxing out his potential at this point. She has been skating that program for a couple years now, so I was hopeful that repeating the program would mean more opportunity to spend extra time on the triple axle, which he really needs to at least start trying.

I agree about John kim. Good for him. Skate Canada needs to invest in this guy if nothing else just for the guts to go for it, and escape with a lot more abandoned than a lot of other senior men. Regarding Roman and The Quad sal, 100% agree that it looks fantastic. He actually almost always gets a quarter on it, and it's more difficult to tell with other skaters from under rotate. If you look closely though, because his toes are pointed, they typically touch down about a quarter of a rotation short, which he kind of disguises on the landing. But because she is such a big, tall powerful skater, I agree, that his quads out is pretty breathtaking even with the slight under rotation.

Interesting note about Roman and the timing of the combo. I had not noticed that - good call.

I think that this setup for the triple axle was all wrong - none of speed, and I wonder if that's partly due to the fact that he cuts in so tight on the corner for the takeoff...?

 

[discodisco]

Watching US Nationals feels like US MasterChef—more about drama than substance—while UK MasterChef focuses on skills.

Roman’s quad call seemed tough, but fair given his history.

Kevin’s knowledge and articulation make him one of the best commentators. While he can sound robotic compared to Mark Hanretty, who brings more personality and passion, Kevin’s insights and clear delivery are unmatched.

 

[discodisco]

all hail Mysterion the Canadian Mentalist & Mind Reader, who has the best technical arsenal in the nation since the mid-90s (he is also a "magician, collector, comedic writer and occasional wrestling manager" according to Wikipedia)


sorry, it was a really funny typo lol

Lol - oops, I really need to check for typos haha

 

[discodisco]

The junior men's choreography has been the highlight for me. While lacking the finesse of some seniors, their programs were far more creative and engaging. Both short and long programs featured impressive composition, unique slides/kicks/steps/spirals and other choreographic elements, many of which I hadn’t seen in 35 years of watching skating—not just the usual recycled moves. Kudos to the choreographers and the skaters for executing it so convincingly! Now, if someone could just bring back some early 1990s era Russian split jumps, I'd be really happy

 

[Diana Delafield]

I'm in agreement that I don't actually see what everybody else sees in Benjamin and fiona. Sure I love fiona, and I think she's pretty fantastic the way she can lend her jumps, but I actually don't think they are a good match at all in terms of body line, stroking, etc. She obviously has a lot of talent and is adding a bit of spark to the relationship, but as much as they weren't my favorite team, I think that Benjamin and Brooke were a far better match.

Couldn't agree more. What I see is not a pair, not yet anyway, although I don't buy the "still a new team" line. They've had enough time together to gel more than that. After what, a year? Still just a reasonably good singles skater (although not as good as her mother was) with a too-tall skater of lesser skill sharing the same ice, looming over her and lending a hand with pairs moves. Mismatched.

 

[Colonel Green]

Couldn't agree more. What I see is not a pair, not yet anyway, although I don't buy the "still a new team" line. They've had enough time together to gel more than that. After what, a year?

I think being new is pretty relevant when she is a newcomer to the entire discipline.

 

[Diana Delafield]

I think being new is pretty relevant when she is a newcomer to the entire discipline.

She's been playing around with the elements for a long time, learning them all for fun. Just didn't take it seriously enough to acquire a fulltime partner until now. She might do well with a different partner.