2020–21 Canadian Figure Skating

[rain]

if one cannot put names on the national team members, it is a bit adventurous to build a national team for worlds is it?

let me help you though there is a very slim chance that Canada would send athletes... if they haven't trained enough for Nationals, they are certainly not ready for Worlds... UNLESS the ISU makes it the O games qualifying event...In that case, Canada would have no other choice... but I am almost certain that the ISU will respect each country's decision regarding Covid.

Pairs : MTM are clearly the top dogs. You mention Evelyn and Trennt.. however, they didn't do Challenge as she has an ankle injury. With training set backs happening with the closure of rinks... how will they prove themselves to Skate Canada, since they haven't been competing all season??? If I were the big boss, I would send Matte-Ferland. They came second at Challenge, they have been skating together for ten years and have polished programs. I am not disputing that Evelyn and Trennt are a better team on paper... but in practice, we haven't seen them all year, let alone their programs... Stellato-Deschamps will not be eligible until Deanna gets her release... the other teams are new.

Dance : easy Piper and Paul. the Canes, and Lala (Lajoie-Lagha)

Men : very easy : two options here : the Fed could send Keegan as it might be easier for someone living in the USA to avoid the training setbacks and avoid some of the regulations seen in Canada... Keegan has competed with success this year internationally, so one can assume that he would be good to go... However, the other option could be to send the best skater from Challenge whoever it is. I would go with option one... unless there is a stellar performance at challenge, a clear victory with two cleanish programs with great BV. I think Nam, Roman, and Joseph can achieve that... and perhaps Conrad though his PCS value is lower than the others. Gogolev hasn't been seen all year so he is not a factor here.

Ladies : again, it's not really hard here... we got two spots even! If Gabby is back on the podium, send her + who else placed highest. If not, you can pick the top 2. Rutter cannot go yet. Alicia and Aurora are not doing Challenge... so the choices are rather limited. Emily Bausback didn't look so good at sectionals but if she wins two years in a row, it will be hard to deny her. Madeline and Allison are very nice skaters. It depends if they can repeat this year. I doubt Veronik will come back strong enough considering she didn't do so well at sectionals. In other words, it is really 2 spots among 4 potential candidates. I apologize if I do not give enough credit to the other women in the running, as based on Sectionals scores, they are all pretty much evenly matched... it will depend who falls the least during Challenge...

but again... I don't think Canada is willing to send skaters in Sweden...unless it means harm for Olympic qualification

Having seen most of Challenge now I have to disagree with some of these. I think the ladies is a clear choice of Schizas and Daleman. Schizas actually has a triple-triple (the minimum normally required now to make the LP). And with more work Gabby can get her triple-triple back, and she's familiar to the international judges.

The three dance teams are indeed obvious, as you stated.

In pairs MT/M is obvious, but I would absolutely go with Evelyn and Trennt if they are remotely ready (a monitoring session can decide). There is no other team that is a good bet.

Mens is by far the toughest. Roman just skated a stunning SP at Challenge — have to see how the LP goes. Nam was a little shaky and does not have the scoring potential Roman does. Then there's Keegan. Theoretically, any of them should be able to get two spots back for Canada. Who's the least risky? Not sure.

And I think it really might all be moot anyway (as in Worlds will be cancelled).

 

[4everchan]

Having seen most of Challenge now I have to disagree with some of these. I think the ladies is a clear choice of Schizas and Daleman. Schizas actually has a triple-triple (the minimum normally required now to make the LP). And with more work Gabby can get her triple-triple back, and she's familiar to the international judges.

The three dance teams are indeed obvious, as you stated.

In pairs MT/M is obvious, but I would absolutely go with Evelyn and Trennt if they are remotely ready (a monitoring session can decide). There is no other team that is a good bet.

Mens is by far the toughest. Roman just skated a stunning SP at Challenge — have to see how the LP goes. Nam was a little shaky and does not have the scoring potential Roman does. Then there's Keegan. Theoretically, any of them should be able to get two spots back for Canada. Who's the least risky? Not sure.

And I think it really might all be moot anyway (as in Worlds will be cancelled).

well... it is much harder to do this exercise before challenge very different lol... for ladies : i would send Schizas and Daleman as well...so we now agree... Alison has great qualities but she is not ready for her first worlds, without having been on the circuit. The others, there is no point expanding on the topic

for dance, we are fine

for pairs, sure, fair enough... let's see how evelyn and trennt are.. if they have been able to train or at least are healthy enough to land triple SBS and throws... ankles are tough injuries... but I am not really worried about pairs because there is no way we would earn back 3 spots nor that we would lost the two we have... unless MTM are not well.

for men.. well... I agree Roman was fabulous... but you know.. like for our women, the key is in succeeding two programs... so let's see how it unfolds in a few hours. Roman, Nam and Conrad did well enough but Conrad is definitely in need of some PCS loving... even if he nailed the LP and won, I would not want him at worlds... and look whose picture I have on my avatar I think that it's really between Roman and Nam but then... again, as I mentioned earlier, Keegan is a rather "safe bet" and actually, as he resides the USA, he may be able to do that easier without compromising his training as much.... I am sure the Fed knows how well he is right now and so on...

So in the end, I don't think we disagree that much we just had a couple pleasant surprises with a stellar SP by Roman ((and pretty much the top 6) as well as a huge confirmation that Madeline has arrived and is confirmed as a huge talent. She has improved a lot in the last year.... she didn't even have a triple lutz and now now she has a good 3z-3t ... so happy with those surprises... and for the typical naysayers about Canadian skating.. well despite the lengthy lockdowns, our talent has developed... (couple exceptions of course) and I am happy with what I am seeing so far.

 

[Osmond4gold]

Haven't been here in a while; did I miss much? I see Pollyanna's back playing the 'Glad Game', just a new year. Too bad some must have missed watching the Men's SP which was phenomenal! Or Kaiya's incredible SP skate (she's 14!!!) or Alison's elegance, to Maddi mastering her new jumps. I am so enjoying this competition and look forward to seeing more of these rising young talents.

 

[rain]

well... it is much harder to do this exercise before challenge very different lol... for ladies : i would send Schizas and Daleman as well...so we now agree... Alison has great qualities but she is not ready for her first worlds, without having been on the circuit. The others, there is no point expanding on the topic

So in the end, I don't think we disagree that much we just had a couple pleasant surprises with a stellar SP by Roman ((and pretty much the top 6) as well as a huge confirmation that Madeline has arrived and is confirmed as a huge talent. She has improved a lot in the last year.... she didn't even have a triple lutz and now now she has a good 3z-3t ... so happy with those surprises... and for the typical naysayers about Canadian skating.. well despite the lengthy lockdowns, our talent has developed... (couple exceptions of course) and I am happy with what I am seeing so far.

I figured you did this before seeing the challenge performances. I agree on Alison Schumacher. I love her, and have high hopes for her future, but she didn't do a triple/triple at Challenge. Without one she doesn't proceed to the LP at Worlds. That's just where we are.

 

[Colonel Green]

Madeline's free skate:



I uploaded the other major ones as well. I feel Carle has real potential, but she really needs polishing on the PCS:

 

[Osmond4gold]

Roman, Nam and Corey!!!

 

[Skater Boy]

Well that was interesting...

First, Canada seriously has to consider strategically who they select for worlds if worlds goes on.

Dance is obvious all three medallists with the Danadians being wildcards - they could do really well or who knows. They eed some work on the free dance. Lsquared are coming along nicely And Gilles and Porier were nationally inflated marked With both top Russian teams haveing being sick, ijured or both will the judges put both teams behind GP? I don't know. Likewise if all teams skated to their best you think it would be France and then one American, one Russian and one Canadian team but the judges might allow A second Russian and American team ahead of GP. GP could be like Weapo - potentially on the podium or left in seventh or so.

I agree with the assesment it is Madelyn and Gabby. madelyis sdaly the best they have and Gabby has the recongition factor and potential. If i were skate canada I would keep a close eye on Gabby.. I really was not impressed with Allison though she was second - barely

For pairs I agree MM obviously and I would go if they are up to it Trennt and Evelyn. Anyone else is kind of like let them have a wonderful experience.

Then the men. Roman has the most Jason Brown/Parick Chan quality. I always wonder if Nam gets it together if technically he could pull away and Keegan has the American polish and charisma. I give it Roman has show another great competition. However, he didn't really cream Nam. Nam appears to less likely bomb. I have no idea what to do with the men and the are such likeable dudes and get along so well - maybe that's the problem. They need killer instincts???

This is Canada's weakest team every probably. The skaters need to seize the day MTM M need to develop some bigger skills and make their skating special or at least programs stand out in a good way; the ladies need power, speed and fearless jumps/tricks - Gabby hopefully like your freeskate - It's all coming back! GP need to ascend and be the next Duchesnay or innovative team. And the men someone needs to take charge and run with it.

 

[Colonel Green]

Top Men at Challenge (skate order)

 

[Colonel Green]

 

[Colonel Green]

Lim & Quan had better keep this program for next season, this cannot be the only time we see it!

 

[Colonel Green]

The rest of the final flight of junior dance:

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

It's great to have these virtual competition programs since Canadian Nats has been cancelled. There's a lot to see. A number of skaters I'm not familiar with, but very happy to be introduced to for the first time. I'd heard of Corey Circelli, but I hadn't seen him skate before.

It strikes me in watching the Canadian men that a lot of black (with sheer and lace accents) seems to be the trend this season in costumes. We saw something like that for Nathan's free program too, but his outfit was looser fitted.

I'm still trying to view all of the performances...

 

[4everchan]

many of the men didn't really have their costumes or it was just a temporary costume... i mean... Nam is the best example of that

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

^^ Sure, but there were quite a few who did wear full costumes. Beres Clements' fp costume was definitely shades of Johnny Weir's 'Camille' i.e., The Swan.

 

[RatedPG]

For ladies, if Canada has to make a selection, it has to be Madeline and Alison. Not Gabby. Alison won silver at last year Nationals and she went on to Worlds Juniors where she skated the best performance internationally for a Canadian female skater. She finished in 9th place with a score of 174 (no ChSq in this score plus Junior PCS score, which tends to be lower for Juniors than Senior Ladies) against a really tough field. She then skates at this Challenge event and places 2nd here. I don’t see how she cannot be named to the team.

Romsky also posted the following video of himself watching himself compete in this virtual competition:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

It was very funny. He was really happy with his SP, but disappointed with his free skate. He is sad he couldn’t peak for Canadian Nationals. Interesting note is that he is planning on training a new short program where he is thinking of adding an extra quad. Must be the quad toe. In his videos, it doesn’t seem like he has had much luck with landing this quad. But, maybe, recently, he has learned to land it and is thinking of adding it to his repertoire. I know his goal is to ultimately learn two quads in time for Olympic season. Two different quads means you can skate five quads amongst two programs instead of just three, where he is at. I think this is his limit, as he is far off from learning any other quad. However, two different quads and his spins and skating skills, could put him into the top 10 of men in figure skating.

 

[Supernovaimplosion]

I wonder if the 3A is giving Roman troubles? He only did one here compared to 2 last year. Maybe he feels he will feel more comfortable with three quads over 2 3A 3A vs Canadian men continues

 

[Sai Bon]

Thank you so much for the videos, Colonel Green! I've heard so much about the Canadanes/Danadians and was thrilled to see their RD. They are amazing! Piper & Paul looked very confident, what a fun programme!

 

[Roo87]

For worlds, hypothetically, I think it's between Roman and Keegan for the men. Honestly, based on what we've seen from them both, I would send Keegan. Keegan had 266.42 with an all American judging panel, he looked great, and this was early in the season, I can only assume he's been training and improving (maybe adding the 4Lz in!!!). Roman was close with a 262.01, but he's probably training less that Keegan with the lockdown in Ontario. We really need someone to place in the top 10 to gain 2 spots for the Olympics, it would be a darn shame for us to have one spot with so many fabulous men. Maybe they could have a virtual skate off with the top 3 men.

 

[4everchan]

i like the idea of a virtual skate off... even if it's done privately... making a choice based on challenge would have been okay if the athletes
1) were all present
2) knew it may be the event deciding of a world team selection in case there would be no nationals...

qualifying for top 12 to go to nationals does not bring the same nerves than a skate off... with the lack of competition these guys have all had, it may be a good thing to test their level of readiness, but also their nerves.

 

[4everchan]

For ladies, if Canada has to make a selection, it has to be Madeline and Alison. Not Gabby. Alison won silver at last year Nationals and she went on to Worlds Juniors where she skated the best performance internationally for a Canadian female skater. She finished in 9th place with a score of 174 (no ChSq in this score plus Junior PCS score, which tends to be lower for Juniors than Senior Ladies) against a really tough field. She then skates at this Challenge event and places 2nd here. I don’t see how she cannot be named to the team.

Romsky also posted the following video of himself watching himself compete in this virtual competition:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

It was very funny. He was really happy with his SP, but disappointed with his free skate. He is sad he couldn’t peak for Canadian Nationals. Interesting note is that he is planning on training a new short program where he is thinking of adding an extra quad. Must be the quad toe. In his videos, it doesn’t seem like he has had much luck with landing this quad. But, maybe, recently, he has learned to land it and is thinking of adding it to his repertoire. I know his goal is to ultimately learn two quads in time for Olympic season. Two different quads means you can skate five quads amongst two programs instead of just three, where he is at. I think this is his limit, as he is far off from learning any other quad. However, two different quads and his spins and skating skills, could put him into the top 10 of men in figure skating.

the issue with Alison this year : no triple-triple... and without that, with a skater who is not known on the senior circuit, the cut off for the free may be out of reach...Gabby is on a come back trail, she would have a pcs benchmark as former star of the sport, and her 3t-3t doesn't worry me at all... it will be back when she needs it the most.