by Jacquelyn Thayer Ottawa is no stranger to a Canadian championships; chosen this year in part to recognize 2017’s Canada 150 celebration, it’s also hosted the national skating championships 14 previous times—including, most recently, 2014’s Olympic qualifying event, where several of this year’s top skaters then contended for a spot to Sochi. Chief among those…
by Jacquelyn Thayer Victory at Autumn Classic International served as a successful first step of a two-year comeback plan for Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. And shortly after, the team were back to work with free dance choreographer David Wilson. “It was always part of the plan — you kind of create, try to make…
Defense of a Canadian title is nothing new for four-time national champions Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford, who in past seasons had to battle through a tight rivalry with Kirsten Moore-Towers and Dylan Moscovitch. This time around, the Canadian Tire National Skating Championships present a chance for the pair to regroup after the stresses of…
The goal for 2015 Canadian silver medalist Lubov Iliushechkina and Dylan Moscovitch‘s first World Championships is simply to enjoy the process. “I’m excited to perform one more time and that’s my goal — to perform and enjoy,” said Iliushechkina on today’s teleconference, a sentiment her partner wholeheartedly endorsed. The pair noted that they’ve been continuing…
As 2015 approaches, a last look back at 14 of our favorite dance and pairs elements offered up in 2014, presented in (rough) order of debut. (Note: In interest of inclusiveness, no team or specific element was repeated.) Ice Dance Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir: 2013-14 short dance, no-touch midline step sequence A virtuoso display…
by Jacquelyn Thayer Though they skate this week for British national gold, North America has proven a home for Caitlin Yankowskas and Hamish Gaman. After the American Yankowskas and British Gaman kicked off their international partnership at the dance-centered Arctic Edge in Canton in 2013, the two relocated in April 2014 to the more freestyle-oriented…
Before eventually capturing two national titles and a world bronze with Meagan Duhamel, Eric Radford’s longest-tenured partnership came with Rachel Kirkland, who would for her part later switch to dance. In the four seasons that the two skated together from 2005 through 2009, their accomplishments included silver at juniors at the 2006 Canadian Championships —…
