These two and the Browns are who I would *love* to see in this situation - both very talented teams who need the coaching staff to push them further - if M/G had been at IAM then I think they would've beaten Natalie and Bruce at the challenge event last month and I think the Browns would've been in a better position politically to win the junior title.
From what I heard from W/M, it was a minor ankle sprain that got better pretty fast - they mainly withdrew because they felt it was better to let it heal the best it could than to risk it when they already had a bye to nats (before it was cancelled ofc)
that's great news. I trust Skate Canada to assess their level of training and fitness then, just to confirm they deserve that spot... but of course, they do, on paper.
What does Top 5 do though?
without the french team there, it should be okay to get 13 points or even less. Their absence helps all Canadian top teams to rank one step higher than "expected". In other words, it makes Canada's expected total lose 2 points, not only 1.
Exactly. And if we could guess or be fair GP or the Danadians the odds are one should get a "break" because if things went against them yes they could be like r 6th and 11th. But both are more than capable of doing much better - even like 3rd and 6th.
FBS had momentum last year, but they lost it. I believe that was related to Nic's surgery and the problematic training conditions this year. Their RD at Challenge looked great, the FD not so much. I love both couples and am content to watch and wait to see what happens.
I was wondering after 2020 4CC (where Marjorie & Zach did really well) and Laurence & Nikolaj missed the second half of the season, whether they might be in danger of being overtaken, but based on what happened at Challenge I don't think that's likely to happen by next nationals. Laurence & Nik were scored neck-and-neck with Piper & Paul in the RD and they still beat Marjorie & Zach in the free dance despite some rough patches toward the end. While obviously momentum can shift in ice dance, they're running out the clock pretty nicely.
Hmmm, yes. It's sad that politics always plays such a role. I like Wolfkostin/Chen a lot, but that result was neck-and-neck for U.S. junior ice dance, seeing as how much the Browns have increased their level. Oona & Gage were already very good. They just look extra amazing this season! It must be a combination of hard work, desire, and picking just the right music selection with out-of-this-world choreo. And then marketing the performance the way they did on social media which brought in viewers who weren't even skating or ice dance aficionados.
Either Roman or Keegan could make top 10. It's hard to say whether either have the better chance. Perhaps Keegan due to his greater international experience level. But Roman has absolutely grown in skill and quality programs. It's tough that Canada only has one men's spot.
