Eastern/Western Challenge
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It's not just a question of being "too busy" to attend the challenge event... the top 4 or 5 from the previous Nationals are considered on the "National Team", get international assignments, and so don't need to prove their "competence/competitiveness" in order to re-qualify to Nationals. I don't know what the exact rule/criteria is, but along those lines. ....And anyway (I know this is not the deciding factor, but) Lacoste and Phaneuf were both in the top 10 at last year's 4CC, and Szmiett a JPG finalist... I'd say that is plenty proof that they would be competitve at Nationals 
It's not just a question of being "too busy" to attend the challenge event... the top 4 or 5 from the previous Nationals are considered on the "National Team", get international assignments, and so don't need to prove their "competence/competitiveness" in order to re-qualify to Nationals. I don't know what the exact rule/criteria is, but along those lines. ....And anyway (I know this is not the deciding factor, but) Lacoste and Phaneuf were both in the top 10 at last year's 4CC, and Szmiett a JPG finalist... I'd say that is plenty proof that they would be competitve at Nationals
It does not work that way.
Here is who gets byes directly to nationals.
1. Those who medalled at last year's senior Canadians.
2. Those who received a senior GP assignment.
3. Those who make the JGPF final since it is held the same week as the challenge.
I checked this out and those who made the GP or JGPF final in pairs/dance can't use their competition conflict to get a bye in singles. This would affect Paul Poirier ( senior men ) , Asher Hill ( junior men ) and Kaleigh Hole ( junior ladies ). That is a rule change effective this year. In the past those skaters also would have received byes.
BTW, Kang was on the national team this year ( finished 5th at last year's Canadians ) but did not get any international assignments. So she had to compete even sectionals. Those with JGP assignments and/or senior B's get a bye to challenge ( but not to nationals).
Being on the national team does not guarantee any international assignments. It only provides funding.
Kang did not finish top 75 SB list last year ( she bombed JW ) so was not eligible to get any GP's unless she was chosen for Skate Canada. As Kang performed poorly in her summer competitions as well as her poor junior international record Skate Canada did not consider her for any assignments ( including senior B's ) . Her poor showing at the challenge justified the decision.
I heard from one of the Pierrefonds coaches tonight that Elladj just landed a double Lutz today, and he hadn't done a double flip or Lutz (maybe loop either, not sure) since his injury last Spring. The coach sounded quite excited about that, which suggests that Elladj's recovery has taken quite a while. I unfortunately don't think he'll be ready by Jr Worlds, though, if he's only getting his doubles back now.
Elladj must be thrilled. Last time I was there he was looking quite frustrated to be so limited in what he was allowed to do during rehab. I would be very suprised if he does anything competitively until the summer but then again skaters aren't known for being a cautious bunch.
Good to hear. I reckon that he will get a senior B and Skate Canada next season barring some huge surprise over the summer.
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