Event Information
https://skatecanada.ca/2024-canadian-national-skating-championships/
https://skatecanada.ca/2024-canadian-national-skating-championships/
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SportsTranscript
00:00:00 ♪ Many years, showed the way to us ♪
00:00:04 ♪ The sky is turning black now, moon ♪
00:00:07 ♪ But the time is still, it's too late for us ♪
00:00:12 ♪ And there's no turning back now ♪
00:00:15 ♪ I never meant to fight for you ♪
00:00:19 ♪ I wanted us to stay together ♪
00:00:23 ♪ And even now my love is true ♪
00:00:27 ♪ I know that we can be together ♪
00:00:30 ♪ Open up your heart to the ceiling ♪
00:00:34 ♪ Don't you notice 'cause I'm always right ♪
00:00:38 ♪ Time to take you back to believe it ♪
00:00:43 ♪ Your love, your love, your love, your love ♪
00:00:48 - Hello everyone and welcome back
00:00:53 to the Mark and McPhail Arena here in Calgary.
00:00:57 It is an amazing day to be a skating fan.
00:01:00 We're back at the Canadian Championships.
00:01:03 The senior events have started
00:01:05 and we've seen some amazing skating today.
00:01:08 I'm your host, Caitlin Weaver,
00:01:10 with my incredibly effervescent, talented, smart,
00:01:14 kind, three-time Olympian,
00:01:18 multiple-time national champion, Kirsten Moore Towers.
00:01:21 Thank you so much for being here.
00:01:22 - Thank you for having me.
00:01:23 I'm so excited.
00:01:24 I can't wait for bear skating.
00:01:25 What are we gonna see?
00:01:27 I'm also so excited.
00:01:29 - You know what?
00:01:30 There's such an exciting time for Canada right now
00:01:32 because we have such incredible depth.
00:01:34 We have depth in the junior level.
00:01:35 We have depth in the senior level.
00:01:37 Tonight we will see two teams that competed
00:01:39 at the Senior Grand Prix Final in December.
00:01:41 We'll see one team that was on the Senior Grand Prix Series.
00:01:44 And there's also a number of teams
00:01:46 that are in more of the developmental stages of their career,
00:01:49 but they have the potential to be there one day
00:01:51 for a lot of them.
00:01:52 So it's really a treat for us to see their growth as humans
00:01:55 and as skaters, they all have such unique stories to tell.
00:01:58 And I'm really looking forward to sharing some of those.
00:02:00 - Can you tell us a little bit
00:02:02 about the reigning Canadian championships
00:02:04 and the story that they have?
00:02:06 - Absolutely.
00:02:06 Deanna Stiletto Dudek and Max Deschamps
00:02:09 have an incredible story.
00:02:11 Deanna, of course we know, we've heard it before,
00:02:13 she took 16 years off of figure skating
00:02:16 and came back in an entirely new discipline.
00:02:18 She had never been a pair skater before.
00:02:20 Thought she would try something different.
00:02:22 Had some success with her first partner.
00:02:24 And now her and Max together
00:02:26 have found their perfect partner.
00:02:29 They have medaled every time they've competed this season
00:02:32 and they're looking for a really strong second half
00:02:34 of their season here.
00:02:36 And it starts today and we get to witness it.
00:02:38 How lucky for us.
00:02:39 - So lucky.
00:02:40 They're looking for gold today.
00:02:42 The Senior Pairs Short Program starts soon.
00:02:46 Stay with us.
00:02:47 (upbeat music)
00:02:52 ♪ It's going with the flow ♪
00:02:54 ♪ And it starts like a waterfall ♪
00:02:59 ♪ I know the only way to get along ♪
00:03:08 ♪ It's going with the flow ♪
00:03:09 ♪ And it starts like a waterfall ♪
00:03:12 ♪ I know sometimes the stars can break your heart ♪
00:03:15 ♪ When somethings fall apart ♪
00:03:17 ♪ There's no good in goodbye ♪
00:03:20 ♪ And the darkness night won't always be that dark ♪
00:03:25 (upbeat music)
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00:03:45 the Senior Pairs Short Program.
00:03:48 the Senior Pairs Short Program.
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00:05:35 - Hi everybody, welcome back.
00:06:01 Hi everybody, welcome back.
00:06:04 I hope you grabbed a snack, maybe took a sip of water.
00:06:09 We are in for a treat.
00:06:11 Kirsten and I cannot stop talking about how excited
00:06:14 we are for this event.
00:06:15 There is so much to look forward to, right?
00:06:18 - I can't wait.
00:06:19 - That's what she's been saying.
00:06:22 Literally she's bouncing out of her chair.
00:06:25 - You know what, pair skating is my favorite.
00:06:27 I just love pair skating so much.
00:06:29 And I think it's maybe not as well known
00:06:32 as some of the other disciplines,
00:06:33 certainly not as much as single skating.
00:06:36 And so I just can't wait to talk about
00:06:37 how great pair skating is.
00:06:39 - What makes it great?
00:06:40 Why do you like it so much?
00:06:41 - I think we have so many interesting aspects
00:06:43 of pair skating that we don't get in single skating.
00:06:46 That connection with a partner, something I really liked
00:06:49 was experiencing all of the triumphs,
00:06:53 but also some of the harder times with someone else
00:06:55 and helping each other through that.
00:06:57 I think there's such a great opportunity
00:07:00 for connection with one another and storytelling.
00:07:02 And of course, if you like to fly,
00:07:05 this is the discipline for you.
00:07:06 - Do you like to fly?
00:07:07 - I love to fly.
00:07:08 - Oh yeah.
00:07:10 And you like to teach other little ones how to fly too.
00:07:12 - I do, yeah.
00:07:13 I just, as I mentioned, I love the discipline
00:07:16 and I think it can provide so many opportunities.
00:07:19 There are fewer numbers in pair skating
00:07:21 and can be an overwhelming idea to start a pair team
00:07:25 in a pair school, but Skate Canada has started
00:07:27 this incredible pair skating initiative
00:07:30 to teach less experienced coaches how to teach pairs
00:07:34 and how to start a school.
00:07:35 And of course we start at the very grassroots level
00:07:39 where things are very safe and they really hardly look
00:07:41 like pair skating at all, but it can be such
00:07:45 a great opportunity to try something new
00:07:47 and see how far it takes you.
00:07:48 - Well, competing, certainly a skill and an art.
00:07:52 Coaching, obviously one of its own.
00:07:56 So proud that you're giving back to this great discipline.
00:08:00 Here we go.
00:08:01 First group taking the ice.
00:08:03 Warming up with Summer Cormac and Marty Hobrick
00:08:08 from Ontario.
00:08:09 Elizabeth Thibodeau-Mello and Daniel Villeneuve from Quebec.
00:08:18 And from Saskatchewan, Ashlyn Schmitz and Tristan Taylor.
00:08:23 They've gotta be feeling the excitement.
00:08:29 I think this is one of the bigger crowds we've had so far
00:08:33 in Calgary.
00:08:36 They've come out to see some big tricks.
00:08:38 - Absolutely, and for two of these teams,
00:08:41 their first time in the senior level
00:08:43 at a national championships, and really it does
00:08:45 change things, the environment is different.
00:08:48 And for a lot of people, it can be the pinnacle
00:08:51 of their career to be able to compete
00:08:53 at the senior national championships.
00:08:55 And so we might see some nerves and some excitement,
00:08:59 but all of these teams are looking so great
00:09:01 in practice today and yesterday,
00:09:03 and they look well prepared to have
00:09:05 a great national championships.
00:09:08 - So Kirsten, we just came off of the dance panel,
00:09:12 and most of those teams were warming up
00:09:14 immediately together.
00:09:16 I noticed the first thing that these skaters
00:09:18 are doing is separating.
00:09:20 Is there a reason or kind of rhyme for that,
00:09:23 or is it just luck of the draw with these kids?
00:09:27 - Yeah, I think in a lot of cases,
00:09:29 we see pair skaters warming up their jumping elements first,
00:09:33 and so in doing that on your own time
00:09:35 and not side by side with your partner,
00:09:37 you can decide how long you'd like to take
00:09:40 on maybe some of your drills and exercises
00:09:42 before you get into the actual jumping.
00:09:45 So we may see some teams start with pair elements,
00:09:48 but I think for the most part,
00:09:49 we'll see a lot of separate skating to start these warmups.
00:09:52 - What is integral for these teams
00:09:57 to complete a great short program?
00:10:00 We talked about in the ice dance,
00:10:02 big emphasis on the technical score
00:10:05 with the teams being so evenly matched.
00:10:07 What makes a great pairs short?
00:10:10 - I think it's the absence of weakness.
00:10:13 You wanna get your short program done
00:10:15 to the best of your ability,
00:10:17 trying to complete each of the elements.
00:10:19 We'll see seven elements in this short program,
00:10:22 and these teams will hope to complete them
00:10:25 with a positive grade of execution.
00:10:28 Here we're seeing Elizabeth and Daniel
00:10:30 warming up a throw triple saucow.
00:10:32 We will see one throw in the short program.
00:10:35 It can be any throw.
00:10:36 Teams can choose which one is best suited
00:10:39 for their short program.
00:10:41 We will see one twist.
00:10:42 We're gonna see Summer and Marty here
00:10:45 doing a drill for their twist.
00:10:46 That's their double twist.
00:10:48 We'll see them do a triple in the short program.
00:10:50 Teams can choose whether they wanna do a double or a triple.
00:10:53 We'll see both in this event.
00:10:55 Teams will do a side-by-side jump.
00:10:58 It can be any jump of their choosing.
00:11:00 They'll do a group three lift.
00:11:01 Here's one right here.
00:11:03 It's a group three because Tristan
00:11:05 is lifting Ashlyn by her hip.
00:11:09 There we saw a change of position by them as well.
00:11:11 Every team has to do a group three lift.
00:11:13 It is the lift the ISU chose to include
00:11:16 in the short program this season.
00:11:18 - And being lifted by the hip as opposed to what?
00:11:25 What are the other options?
00:11:26 - A group four lift would be hand-to-hand.
00:11:28 That means the man is holding the woman by her hands
00:11:30 and picking her up.
00:11:31 If you've seen a pressure lift,
00:11:33 that's a pretty common example of a group four.
00:11:35 We also see group five lifts.
00:11:37 There's a number of varieties of group five.
00:11:39 We won't get into that today,
00:11:41 but today we'll just see the group three.
00:11:43 The other three elements we'll be seeing,
00:11:45 a side-by-side change combination spin,
00:11:48 a step sequence, and a forward inside death spiral.
00:11:51 The forward inside also prescribed
00:11:53 for all teams to complete.
00:11:55 - Wow, seven elements in this short program.
00:11:58 Doesn't seem like there's a lot of extra room
00:12:00 for error or even for a breath.
00:12:03 - No, there isn't.
00:12:03 You're right.
00:12:04 Double twist from Ashlyn and Tristan.
00:12:07 Summer and Marty doing the forward inside death spiral.
00:12:12 It's called a forward inside
00:12:13 because the woman is on her forward inside edge.
00:12:16 It's very simply named.
00:12:18 - You know, sometimes clarity and simplicity is good.
00:12:25 - That's right.
00:12:25 Especially in figure skating, there isn't an abundance.
00:12:32 Ashlyn and Tristan having a chat with their coaches there,
00:12:35 discussing maybe what they'll do next.
00:12:39 Coming from Saskatchewan, this team,
00:12:41 and these coaches of Garrett Goslin and David Schultz
00:12:44 have two teams from Saskatchewan.
00:12:47 It was really impressive.
00:12:48 Usually we see a lot of teams from Ontario,
00:12:51 a lot from Quebec.
00:12:52 Not often do we get teams from Saskatchewan.
00:12:55 - Makes me think of one team in particular from Saskatchewan.
00:12:58 - That's right.
00:12:59 We had Paige Lawrence and Rudy Swieger's Saskatchewan team
00:13:03 named to the Olympics in 2014, 10 years ago yesterday,
00:13:07 I believe it was.
00:13:08 Can you believe that?
00:13:09 - Nope.
00:13:10 Don't wanna.
00:13:11 Okay, I have a story for the audience
00:13:14 and this kind of leads into a question if we have the time.
00:13:16 - Great.
00:13:17 - So we tour together often and Michael, your partner,
00:13:22 uses hand sticky spray so that the boys' hands
00:13:27 can really grab you and stay there and not be slippery.
00:13:31 And Mike said they stopped making the hand sticky spray.
00:13:34 Is this because all the pair of boys in the world
00:13:36 are buying up sticky hand spray?
00:13:37 What is the sticky hand spray?
00:13:40 What is it actually?
00:13:41 - You know what, it's called Firm Grip
00:13:43 and it's often used by physiotherapists
00:13:45 for I believe taping or, honestly,
00:13:49 I've only ever seen it in my life
00:13:51 used in pair figure skating,
00:13:53 but it's exactly what it sounds like.
00:13:55 It's sticky for the man's hands
00:13:56 so that they can remain in contact with the woman
00:13:59 and slip less easily.
00:14:01 Obviously, there's a lot of high flying elements
00:14:03 in this discipline and you don't want slippery or sweaty
00:14:08 or wet from the ice hands to be something
00:14:11 that's occupying your brain
00:14:12 when you have so many other things to focus on.
00:14:14 - Interesting facts.
00:14:17 So if you see the men in particular spraying something
00:14:20 that looks like hairspray onto their hands, it isn't.
00:14:23 It's way stronger than hairspray.
00:14:26 - Yes, that's right.
00:14:27 - Warm up ending.
00:14:29 Summer and Marty ready to kick us off.
00:14:38 Representing Ontario,
00:14:49 Summer Hommick and Marty Hobrick.
00:14:55 (audience applauding)
00:14:56 Coached by Alison Perkis.
00:14:58 Short program music to Riverdance choreographed
00:15:02 by Alison Perkis.
00:15:04 (gentle music)
00:15:11 (audience applauding)
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00:17:26 (gentle music)
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00:17:32 (gentle music)
00:17:34 (audience applauding)
00:18:00 - Well, an energetic start to this event, Caitlin.
00:18:03 Summer and Marty have a really interesting story.
00:18:05 They did split.
00:18:07 They were together for a number of years.
00:18:09 They were on the podium in junior a few years ago
00:18:12 and split earlier this season.
00:18:14 Marty had a new partner.
00:18:17 Life circumstances, injuries gotten in the way.
00:18:19 Summer and Marty really only started skating together again
00:18:23 in the summer, close to the fall.
00:18:28 So they've had a later start to their season
00:18:31 than they'd like.
00:18:31 Summer has grown six inches, which--
00:18:37 - Wow.
00:18:38 - Provides its own list of challenges,
00:18:41 but they did some really nice things in this program.
00:18:44 - Riverdance, always a crowd favorite.
00:18:47 That's gotta feel good after a short prep.
00:18:55 - Absolutely, yeah.
00:18:56 Recycling this program from last season,
00:18:58 so it was a little bit more comfortable for them.
00:19:01 We can see just a throw double from them today.
00:19:06 Summer did suffer a concussion
00:19:08 working on throw triples last season,
00:19:10 and the return to the triples has been careful
00:19:13 and considerate, of course, as we must be.
00:19:15 - Let's take a look at some of those moments.
00:19:18 - Nice opening choreography.
00:19:26 As you said, Kirsten, it's a long road
00:19:30 to success sometimes,
00:19:33 but that looked like a really nice twist.
00:19:35 - Here, side-by-side triple saucows.
00:19:37 Summer going down, judges deeming it downgraded,
00:19:41 so she was not fully around in rotation here.
00:19:44 Just a throw double, but beautifully done.
00:19:46 Nice extension on her landing.
00:19:48 And this, the group three lift,
00:19:50 this probably the most innovative entry we'll see
00:19:52 on the group three lift today.
00:19:55 Summer changing positions and grabbing her foot.
00:19:57 Marty's on one arm.
00:19:59 - I loved that.
00:20:00 - Yeah, that was really a highlight.
00:20:02 A little bit high in the knees and ankles
00:20:06 in some of these turns for me.
00:20:07 They'll wanna work on that.
00:20:09 That's not typical of them, likely just some nerves.
00:20:12 And the forward inside desk spiral.
00:20:16 This, unfortunately only in at a level one technical panel,
00:20:23 deeming them not enough rotations down
00:20:27 in their low, low position.
00:20:29 They would've hoped to get a level three in that element,
00:20:32 so that's a fairly significant hit for them.
00:20:34 - Short program score, 43.78.
00:20:41 Currently in first out of one.
00:20:52 Representing Quebec, next to skate,
00:20:55 Elizabeth Thibodeau-Mellon and Daniel Villeneuve.
00:21:01 She's 21, he's 26.
00:21:03 They're coached by Stephanie Valois.
00:21:07 Short program music, Unsteady.
00:21:10 Choreographed by Julie Marcotte.
00:21:11 (orchestral music)
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00:24:09 [APPLAUSE]
00:24:20 I really saw grit and competitive spirit today.
00:24:24 Some of those elements, the best I've seen them do in practice this week.
00:24:29 Wow.
00:24:30 Which shows the mark of a competitor,
00:24:32 and they haven't had a ton of competitive experience together.
00:24:35 Last year, Dan had a shoulder injury that took them out for most of the season.
00:24:43 They had a coaching change earlier this year,
00:24:46 and their coach, Stephanie Babalot, told me their goal really is just to come here
00:24:50 and do everything they can to the best of their ability.
00:24:54 They're really trying to be organized in their skating and implementing structure.
00:24:58 They look pleased as they're getting off the ice.
00:25:01 A little bit of a mistake in the side-by-side combination spin.
00:25:05 They'll be kicking themselves for that.
00:25:07 A little bit of a loss of focus maybe, but really this is a big win for this team today.
00:25:12 And definitely the good moments seem to outweigh the shaky ones.
00:25:16 Absolutely.
00:25:18 There were some huge elements.
00:25:22 Just a double twist, but we saw it had really great height, only in at a level one,
00:25:26 which means they are missing some of the features that they'd like to implement,
00:25:30 but with a positive grade of execution.
00:25:35 And for the most part, they made it look easy, Kirsten.
00:25:40 I really like this choreography by Julie Marcotte.
00:25:43 I think it suits them.
00:25:47 Here their double twist.
00:25:48 Lots of height there.
00:25:50 Wow.
00:25:51 They'll work on cleaning up those features.
00:25:53 Here throw triple saucow.
00:25:55 This is the best one I've seen from them all week.
00:25:57 Just as--oh, I thought she touched down.
00:25:59 She didn't.
00:26:00 Good for her.
00:26:02 And into the double axels.
00:26:04 This is the most successful they've competed these all year.
00:26:08 Good for them to do it when it matters the most.
00:26:10 Still receiving a negative grade of execution.
00:26:14 Here their group three lift.
00:26:15 You see Dan's hand on Elizabeth's hip.
00:26:19 Change of position.
00:26:21 It's in at a level three, but that's what this team was going for.
00:26:25 They weren't trying for a level four today.
00:26:27 Just trying to do a level three with a positive grade of execution.
00:26:32 Here their forward inside death spiral.
00:26:34 In at a level four.
00:26:35 The highest level that they could have achieved on that death spiral they did.
00:26:40 Let's take a look here.
00:26:42 Ooh.
00:26:44 I'm not sure what happened.
00:26:46 It looked okay to me.
00:26:51 Combination spin in at a level three with a V,
00:26:54 which means that they did not complete the three basic positions.
00:26:58 So technical panel decided that Dan did not do the camel spin for enough rotations.
00:27:03 And what are the three?
00:27:05 Camel, upright, and sit.
00:27:07 Copy.
00:27:12 Coaches look happy.
00:27:13 Skaters look happy.
00:27:15 They look very happy.
00:27:16 They really should be.
00:27:21 As you were saying, for some of the teams, they're looking forward.
00:27:28 The Canadian championships being almost a springboard to the second half of the season.
00:27:36 Oh, and a little smooch too.
00:27:39 But for some teams, this is the end of their season and the springboard into next.
00:27:44 So lovely to see.
00:27:48 Total score in the short 47.32 currently in first place.
00:27:52 Well done, Elizabeth and Danielle.
00:27:54 And that's two points higher than their challenge score.
00:27:56 That was their goal here, improve their performance, improve their score.
00:28:00 Short program, check.
00:28:02 That's all he can do, right?
00:28:03 That's right.
00:28:09 Next to skate and last in this warm-up group, we've got Ashlyn Schmitz and Tristan Taylor from Saskatchewan.
00:28:19 Coached by David Schultz.
00:28:26 Ashlyn.
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00:34:26 >> We're going to have a quick intermission followed by two more groups of senior pairs.
00:34:32 Lots of exciting things to come. See you in a bit.
00:34:36 [MUSIC]
00:34:40 >> We are so thankful that the vast majority of Canadians support Canadian chicken farmers and the supply management system.
00:34:47 >> When consumers see the raised by a Canadian farmer brand, they can know that that chicken was raised in a healthy, safe environment.
00:34:56 >> Happy birds are healthy birds, and healthy birds provide a healthy food source for Canadians.
00:35:03 [MUSIC]
00:35:09 >> Skating is more than just a sport.
00:35:14 Skating is friendship.
00:35:17 Passion.
00:35:19 Skating is creativity.
00:35:22 Freedom.
00:35:24 It's about going faster.
00:35:27 Higher.
00:35:30 Skating brings us together.
00:35:32 It makes us cry.
00:35:34 It brings smiles.
00:35:36 Skating is what we love.
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00:35:42 >> It is time to celebrate ice skating all over the world on World Ice Skating Day.
00:35:48 Learn a new sport.
00:35:50 Experience the magic of gliding.
00:35:53 Together with your friends, your family.
00:35:57 Join us on World Ice Skating Day 2023.
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00:36:57 >> Hey.
00:36:58 Just a heads up.
00:36:59 Going to miss dinner because of that office softball thing.
00:37:02 Oh, hold on.
00:37:03 You just texted.
00:37:05 Wow, that looks good.
00:37:06 You know what?
00:37:07 The team sucks.
00:37:08 We were going to lose that game anyway.
00:37:10 Be home in five.
00:37:12 >> Hey, Nelia.
00:37:13 >> Hey, Peter.
00:37:14 Have you seen the online skate candice store?
00:37:17 >> For the official merchandise?
00:37:19 >> Yes.
00:37:20 It's literally amazing.
00:37:22 You should get it.
00:37:23 >> By whom?
00:37:24 >> You should get it.
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00:38:04 >> Hey.
00:38:05 Mike got dumped, so we're taking him out.
00:38:07 Oh, you just texted.
00:38:09 Wait, that's dinner?
00:38:11 You know, Michael bounced back.
00:38:12 He's strong, emotionally.
00:38:14 They were together, what, two years?
00:38:16 That's nothing.
00:38:17 On my way.
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00:45:29 >> Welcome back, everybody. I know we're back a little bit early, but I think Kirsten and I are having a conversation that is really fun to let you in on.
00:45:39 It's been 10 years since the 2014 Olympic qualifiers. And wow, how so much changed and evolved and we're thinking back to who was on those 2014 Olympic teams and what an era that was.
00:45:59 And just kind of reminiscing and it was so magic and stressful and we were thinking back like, oh, can you let us in a little bit on some of your memories from 10 years ago?
00:46:13 >> Yeah, absolutely. I mean, of course, it's been 10 years today and yesterday, so I was watching the performances from 10 years ago and trying to put myself back in that head space and it's such an interesting perspective.
00:46:29 And now being on the other side of the boards and getting to watch the current crop of athletes and at the time, I think I didn't realize how special it was to experience that competitiveness that we had in the competition.
00:46:43 And, you know, I was I was telling you that for me, it was very stressful to be in such a tight race all the time with the competitors.
00:46:50 But for the viewer, I think it was such an exciting time for figure skating.
00:46:55 And I think it's so natural in the sport of skating that it ebbs and flows and we have rebuilding years and people retire and new skaters step into that ownership of leading the charge.
00:47:07 And we've seen a couple rebuilds, I think, since 10 years ago. And what an exciting time that we're starting to be on the rise again.
00:47:16 I've spoken about this so much as it pertains to pair skating, because, of course, it's my area of expertise and it's the area that I like the best.
00:47:25 I'm super biased, I know, but I think it really is an exciting time to be on the rise and to see these athletes living out what we lived out 10 years ago and a few years after that.
00:47:39 It feels like yesterday and also forever ago.
00:47:45 Yes, yesterday and forever ago and also five minutes ago.
00:47:48 Right. If you're in the audience here today and you were at the 2014 Canadian Championships in Ottawa, raise your hand.
00:47:59 Do you see any, Kirsten?
00:48:04 I don't see any hands.
00:48:05 Maybe wave.
00:48:07 Oh, I see one!
00:48:09 Yes!
00:48:10 I see one!
00:48:11 Oh, I do too!
00:48:12 Oh, I see a couple!
00:48:13 Oh my God, there's a few. Yay!
00:48:15 What a fun game.
00:48:16 Thank you for being here 10 years later.
00:48:20 Those are amazing fans.
00:48:24 We've got the best fans here in Canada because we also have the best skaters.
00:48:30 Starting the second group.
00:48:34 From Saskatchewan, Kayden Sturinski and Rain Eberle.
00:48:42 From Ontario, Fiona Bombardier and Gabrielle Farrand.
00:48:47 From Quebec, Emi Karrinan and Brian Piero.
00:48:53 Tell me a little bit about some of the skaters on the ice, Kirsten.
00:48:59 This is bound to be a great group and a little bit of a mixed bag.
00:49:03 We have Fiona Bombardier and Gabrielle Farrand.
00:49:06 Fiona competed in the women's event just a couple hours ago.
00:49:11 I spoke to coach Bruno Marcotte about how they're managing that.
00:49:15 It's her first season in pair skating, so of course her first season doing both pair skating and single skating, double discipline.
00:49:23 And Bruno said it's not so much the skating that will be the challenge, it's more of the mental aspect of figuring out how she can take her quiet space when she's at the rink.
00:49:33 Get apart from everybody else, not have to be within the noise.
00:49:38 Huge single twist from them there, warm up single twist, she actually left our screen.
00:49:44 Bruno said that they simulated back to back lungs in practice last week to get her mentally prepared for that.
00:49:53 So that's a great story here. We're looking at Rain Eberle with partner Kayden Durinski.
00:49:59 They are from Saskatchewan, they're our second Saskatchewan pair here.
00:50:04 They've been together since the year 2017 and actually Caitlin they only got together to go to Canada Winter Games.
00:50:11 Wow! So their career has taken them really far.
00:50:15 They're a double twist from Fiona and Gab.
00:50:18 Our third team on the ice today are our Skate Canada Challenge champions, Emi Carillon and Brian Piero.
00:50:28 They had a great challenge, are looking to replicate that success here, looking at Kayden and Rain again on your screen.
00:50:37 All of these teams it seems when speaking to their coaches, they really are just looking for personal bests here to do what they can do, to do it with a positive grade of execution.
00:50:48 Here we have Emi and Brian, Skate Canada Challenge champions.
00:50:52 And of course at Skate Canada Challenge we were missing a couple of teams from the competition.
00:50:58 The two teams that were at the Grand Prix Final were not there.
00:51:01 So they were not competing against the whole event at that competition, but it certainly was a confidence booster for them.
00:51:07 And I have noticed great strides forward from this team this week.
00:51:14 Just looking at the background there, lots of star power behind the boards as well as in front of it.
00:51:19 Absolutely, the coach of Fiona and Gab, Bruno Marcotte.
00:51:25 Bruno of course the coach of World and Olympic champions, Megan Duhamel and Eric Radford, and has led many teams to international success.
00:51:35 Throw triple Saukau from Emi and Brian, looking so much more confident than we've seen them.
00:51:41 And another throw triple, this time Alutz from Fiona and Gab.
00:51:44 That took my breath away.
00:51:46 Really nicely done.
00:51:48 For all of these teams, this really is the pinnacle of their season.
00:51:57 The season, not definitely, but will likely end here, and so they're just hoping to make strides for next season.
00:52:05 See how far they can go in their year here, and then they'll be able to go home and have an off-season where they can learn new things and gain a little bit of traction on some of the elements they're already doing.
00:52:21 Emi and Brian also split last year after nationals, went a couple months both trying to find new partners, thinking about their approach to figure skating and what they might want to do for the future.
00:52:36 And in April, decided, actually we'd like to skate together still, and so had a meeting with coaches, Jose Picard and Julie Marcotte, and formed a plan on how to best take advantage of this time they have together.
00:52:52 And I'm told they have a new love and perspective and motivation for being in this event.
00:53:01 Here's Fiona doing what looks to be a warm-up for her triple salchow.
00:53:06 Fiona coming from a family of skaters.
00:53:11 That's right. Mom is Jose Schwinard, very well-known Canadian woman figure skater, did so much for the sport during her time.
00:53:26 Taking a look at Emi here, just doing some edges.
00:53:36 Each team will strategize how they want to warm up a little bit differently.
00:53:44 We may see some of them getting all their elements done really quickly and then taking some time at the end.
00:53:50 You also never really know, Caitlin, how long your elements are going to take. Sometimes you try your throw and it works the first time and sometimes you need a couple tries.
00:53:59 Double twist again for Emi and Brian. They'll be going for a triple twist in their program today.
00:54:06 Taking a look at the starting order.
00:54:11 Saskatchewan leading us off, Caden Sturzynski and Raina Burrell, followed by Fiona Bombardier, Gabrielle Ferron, and Emi Carignan and Brian Piero rounding us off.
00:54:25 All of these teams will just be looking to have the best short program that they can possibly do.
00:54:34 They'll want to do these elements with a positive grade of execution and give themselves the best chance of skating as late as possible tomorrow.
00:54:43 Tomorrow will be a reverse starting order. So for example, if you win the short program, you'll skate last tomorrow.
00:54:50 And this group will all have a goal of skating as late as possible.
00:54:55 Of course, I mean, that's everybody's goal for sure, but there's lots of room for movement within these first two groups.
00:55:02 Fun fact, when I was learning a couple pairs elements for my time on Battle of the Blades, I went to Bruno Marcotte school and did a single twist with Gab Ferron.
00:55:12 He was my partner.
00:55:14 Not sure about that.
00:55:18 First in this group, representing Saskatchewan, 18 year old Caden Sturzynski, 24 year old Raina Burrell,
00:55:28 coached by Dave and Vicki Schultz, short program music, Love on the Brain, choreographed by Garrett Gosselin.
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00:59:18 This is a really nicely choreographed program by Garrett Gosselin with some really cool, unique moments within it.
00:59:26 I think it suits them very well.
00:59:30 It seemed to me, Kirsten, they didn't quite gel.
00:59:37 And sometimes that's a complete fluke.
00:59:40 You can have an off day and no matter how hard you try, it's hard to kind of get on that same stride or breath as your partner.
00:59:48 And that's the vibe I got today was thinking that their timing wasn't quite as on.
00:59:57 And I think that is an aspect that they're always working on.
01:00:01 But certainly I've seen them do it with much more ease this week.
01:00:06 Looking here at their triple twist.
01:00:10 Judges and -- sorry, technical panel looking for a clean catch.
01:00:13 Man trying to catch the woman cleanly on her hip.
01:00:17 Side by side triple south house, slight touchdown from Rain.
01:00:24 Here their group three lift.
01:00:26 This is where we started to see some real problems, changes a little bit labored.
01:00:32 And she comes down a little bit too early.
01:00:34 Would have been looking for two revolutions on one arm.
01:00:40 Into their throw triple lutz.
01:00:44 >> You can tell it's there.
01:00:46 >> Yes, absolutely.
01:00:47 We saw them do it in the warm-up.
01:00:49 They're definitely capable of it.
01:00:51 In terms of levels, not really what they were looking for here today.
01:00:56 They did get a level four on their combination spin.
01:00:58 But with a V, we spoke earlier about how that means that they didn't hit all of the three basic positions.
01:01:05 That's going to get them only a percentage of that level four.
01:01:08 So they'll take a little bit of a hit there.
01:01:11 Only a level two on their lift, their desk barrel, and their step sequence.
01:01:15 So certainly some aspects of this program that they would like to try again, I'm sure.
01:01:22 >> Coaches told me that this team really had to evaluate how they're working together mid-season.
01:01:28 And have turned that around.
01:01:30 >> Wow.
01:01:31 >> Really have started working together as a team.
01:01:34 And they've always supported each other.
01:01:36 They're such nice people and hard-working people.
01:01:39 But sometimes that's the way in a partnership, right?
01:01:42 You can find yourself in a little bit of a funk and not quite sure -- not be quite sure of which ways -- how to find yourself out of that.
01:01:51 Coach Garrett Goslin told me that really they have.
01:01:54 So probably just a fluke today.
01:01:57 We'll hope to see them leave this in the past and recover for tomorrow.
01:02:01 And do more of a performance that's indicative of how they've been training and working together.
01:02:06 >> Absolutely.
01:02:07 Bringing us to the scores.
01:02:10 For the short program, 44.06.
01:02:15 Leading them into second place.
01:02:19 And you know, Kirsten, at 18 and 24, that's a lot to ask of people.
01:02:24 And even younger.
01:02:25 It's a lot to know how to be a person as a skater and a person.
01:02:32 Speaking of some young, bright talents.
01:02:37 Representing Ontario, Fiona Bombardier and Gabrielle Farrand.
01:02:43 Skating Oakville with their coach, Bruno Marcotte and Raoul Leblanc.
01:02:47 Short program choreographed by Julie Marcotte to "Oh, Darling."
01:02:52 >> Oh, darling, please believe me.
01:03:17 Oh, darling, please believe me.
01:03:41 Oh, darling, please believe me.
01:04:10 Oh, darling, please believe me.
01:04:20 Oh, darling, please believe me.
01:04:30 Oh, darling, please believe me.
01:04:40 Oh, darling, please believe me.
01:04:48 Oh, darling, please believe me.
01:04:58 Oh, darling, please believe me.
01:05:08 Oh, darling, please believe me.
01:05:18 Oh, darling, please believe me.
01:05:28 Oh, darling, please believe me.
01:05:38 Yeah, yeah, yeah!
01:05:40 Woo!
01:05:46 >> Well, some incredibly bright moments in that program, especially after such a difficult start.
01:05:51 I'm sure they did not expect that.
01:05:54 I've never seen them fall on the triple twist.
01:05:57 >> Scary.
01:05:58 >> And with quite a -- the twist is very big.
01:06:02 You can see Fiona is way up in the air.
01:06:05 And we'll have to take a look at what exactly happened.
01:06:09 Maybe just adrenaline.
01:06:11 Maybe she slipped.
01:06:12 I'm not sure.
01:06:13 We'll have to take a look there.
01:06:14 But this program definitely highlighted by a beautiful throw triple Lutz.
01:06:20 They're looking a little confused as we are.
01:06:28 >> You know what?
01:06:29 I'm sure of all the things they expected to happen that could potentially happen in that program, that was likely not one of those things.
01:06:36 >> Right.
01:06:40 >> And, again, it's so great to rebound.
01:06:43 Coach Bruno Marcott says that Fiona loves to fly, but we can't forget how difficult it is to learn all of these new elements at age 18.
01:06:53 >> Wow.
01:06:54 >> When you're already so busy with competing in women's single skating as well.
01:06:59 And I think, you know, we saw Leah Pereira do this last year, and we saw her do it with somewhat ease, it looked like.
01:07:09 And I think we all need to remember that it is incredibly difficult not only to compete in two disciplines, but to learn the skills that are required to do so.
01:07:18 Here, let's take a look.
01:07:20 Way up in the air.
01:07:22 >> Oh.
01:07:24 It looks like he almost couldn't catch it, like he was stuck like Velcro or something.
01:07:29 >> Here, side by side, triple Salchow, pardon me, and just a slight touchdown there from Gabb.
01:07:36 Here into their group three lift, Gabb turns the other direction, that's a feature.
01:07:41 Change of position.
01:07:44 Fiona in a difficult position there, and here's their dismount.
01:07:48 Lift in at a level four.
01:07:52 >> This was wow.
01:07:53 >> This, though, beautifully done with such confidence.
01:07:57 >> Oh, yeah.
01:08:00 >> And their forward inside Desperado also in at a level four, so this program really did have some extremely bright moments, and I think important to mention, too, that with an opening like that, it could have gone the other way very close to you.
01:08:13 >> Yeah.
01:08:14 >> Which really is a testament to their training.
01:08:18 >> Score coming in, 50.88, it's enough to take the lead, for now at least.
01:08:27 >> And for the challenge, they scored 49, so a slate personal best.
01:08:32 >> You mentioned they love to fly, but I can't imagine it's also equally as hard to land.
01:08:36 >> That's right.
01:08:40 >> Next to skate, representing Quebec, Emi Carignan and Brian Pierrot.
01:08:47 She's 17, he's 23.
01:08:49 First at challenge, coached by Jose Picard.
01:08:55 Short program to Ophelia, choreographed by Julie Marcott.
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01:11:54 >> Kirsten, a surprise here with the short?
01:11:58 >> You know what, yes and no, this team has been really solid in practice, and I'm so happy for them to do this to the best of their ability.
01:12:09 Obviously, I mean, they're so happy we can see them, and obviously not without challenges.
01:12:16 We saw a slight minus there on their side-by-side double axel and a minus also on their triple twist, but the throw triple sal for Emi, just such improvement from her on that.
01:12:29 I thought the lift was done with such quality, and looking at their sheet here in front of us, the technical panel awarding them with some really high levels.
01:12:39 They have a level four on their lift, their desk spiral, their combination spin, and a three on their step sequence.
01:12:45 So I think they're going to see the rewards of their hard work this season.
01:12:52 I'm really happy for them.
01:12:55 >> That was such a joy to watch.
01:12:58 >> And we spoke earlier about how after last season they split, they decided they weren't improving anymore, and after a couple months, changed their mind, came back together, made a new plan with their coaches,
01:13:10 and have returned with a new motivation and a devotion to the sport.
01:13:14 We can see that in the improved grade of execution of these elements.
01:13:19 You can see a little around for that triple twist.
01:13:22 They'll continue working on that.
01:13:23 But this, though, landed with such confidence for Emi.
01:13:29 Into the side by side double axles.
01:13:32 Emi does a three turn out.
01:13:36 Judges looking for stretched and elongated position from the woman in the air to award a positive grade of execution.
01:13:44 I thought Emi had that in spades.
01:13:48 >> Their forward inside desk spiral skaters get a level for every revolution that they turn in a low position.
01:13:55 >> With a little hair-off griffy by Brian.
01:13:57 >> That's right.
01:13:58 That's got to be worth something, right?
01:14:00 >> Ice dancer points.
01:14:05 I thought the vehicle was perfect for them.
01:14:07 It was quietly --
01:14:08 >> Yeah, I would love to see more in their faces before the end.
01:14:12 For sure, they'll work on that.
01:14:14 But, gosh, what a great day for them.
01:14:16 >> Short program score, 53.11.
01:14:19 There's claps all around in the kiss and cry.
01:14:23 We have in our notes here that one of them can solve a Rubik's cube in 15 seconds.
01:14:27 Who do you think it is?
01:14:28 >> It's Emi, I know.
01:14:29 I'm certain.
01:14:31 >> And three points.
01:14:32 Three points.
01:14:33 That's no bad.
01:14:35 >> That's got to feel good.
01:14:39 Oh, my gosh.
01:14:40 Here we go.
01:14:41 Kirsten's out of her seat clapping.
01:14:44 It is time for the final warm-up group led off by Kelly-Ann Lorrain and Luca Etier from Quebec.
01:14:55 Leah Pereira and Trent Michaud from Ontario.
01:15:01 And the reigning champions, Diana Stelato-Judec and Maxime Deschamps from Quebec.
01:15:10 >> I almost forgot our mic was on when I started clapping.
01:15:13 I was really excited.
01:15:16 That music really gets you going.
01:15:18 >> It really does.
01:15:19 Still after all these years.
01:15:22 >> Maybe more so now.
01:15:27 This is bound to be a really exciting group.
01:15:30 We know that Canada has three berths to the world championships in Montreal, Canada.
01:15:37 So these teams will want to be there.
01:15:39 There really is nothing like a home world championships.
01:15:43 We know that the selection is not made on this competition alone.
01:15:48 But certainly this competition holds some weight.
01:15:51 And of course we've spoken about how the final two teams in this event, Leah Pereira and Trent Michaud and Diana Stelato-Judec and Maxime Deschamps, were -- they did qualify this year to the Grand Prix final.
01:16:04 Just a month ago.
01:16:06 Both teams have really solidified themselves as contenders on the international stage and not just the Canadian stage here.
01:16:15 Looking at Diana.
01:16:19 I've noticed a miss from Diana and Max in practice the last couple days.
01:16:25 Here Trent Michaud.
01:16:27 Trent just loves figure skating.
01:16:29 >> He is so passionate about what he does.
01:16:34 >> And Kelly, we've seen one member of each team, as you mentioned, everybody warming up on their own to start.
01:16:43 Starting with these solo jumps.
01:16:46 Double to loop from Leah.
01:16:48 That will be a triple in their performance.
01:16:50 >> And it seems like those are an easy way to tell the good from the great.
01:16:54 Seems like some of these pairs elements are going so well for teams but once it comes to the side by side, that's where you're going to see if someone makes a mistake it might be there.
01:17:04 >> Absolutely.
01:17:06 And I think the general consensus is that if you can do a triple toe on your own, you can do it with a partner.
01:17:11 And that is true.
01:17:13 But there is such difficulty to timing it correctly with a partner.
01:17:16 To have somebody close to your personal space.
01:17:19 And I think that's an aspect to pair skating that is perhaps assumed to be maybe a little bit easier than it is.
01:17:25 >> How much do you think about, Michael, when you're going into your side by side jump?
01:17:30 Clearly you both were such strong single skaters.
01:17:33 Is it something that's, you know, a sixth sense of timing?
01:17:38 Or do you actively -- are you able to actively adjust your timing to matches?
01:17:42 Or vice versa?
01:17:44 >> I mean, I think everybody's probably different.
01:17:47 But in my opinion and in my experience, you shouldn't adjust your timing for your partner.
01:17:52 Better to take the creative execution hit for a slight mistimed jump versus maybe a fall from changing your timing completely.
01:18:00 But teams that have skated together -- wow, beautiful triple loop.
01:18:05 Teams that have skated together for a long time will be accustomed to their timing.
01:18:09 And that shouldn't change too much.
01:18:11 >> Beautiful triple loop.
01:18:16 We're seeing some smiles and relaxed-looking skaters, which I love to see.
01:18:22 And I think especially for these top two teams that have been at the final, Canadians can feel like a homecoming.
01:18:29 And, you know, as you said, there is still stress and pressure.
01:18:33 Not necessarily negative on this event just to ensure you make the world team and such.
01:18:41 But I remember walking into the building and going, ah, we're home.
01:18:47 We're with our home crowd, all the familiar faces.
01:18:51 And so it doesn't surprise me that some of the more international teams feel relaxed.
01:18:58 >> Absolutely, and that's exactly the sentiment that I've seen from especially these final two teams that we'll see in this event.
01:19:05 Huge double twist from Deanna and Max.
01:19:08 They seem calm, cool, collected.
01:19:10 They're confident.
01:19:11 They're here just checking things off one by one.
01:19:16 Kellyanne and Luca into their twist, double twist.
01:19:20 >> This is the biggest in this event.
01:19:31 >> A lot of these teams also working with ice dancers.
01:19:36 >> This team being one of them.
01:19:37 >> Trent and Leah.
01:19:38 >> Another lovely triple loop, this time from Trent and Leah.
01:19:42 As I mentioned earlier, teams can choose what throw they would like to complete in their short program.
01:19:48 We've seen all three teams in this group are selecting the loop.
01:19:53 >> Is it easier?
01:19:54 >> Depends on the person.
01:19:56 I liked the loop.
01:19:58 Beautiful triple twist there.
01:19:59 The throw flip or lutz is worth .3 more.
01:20:03 So if you're splitting hairs, if a throw triple lutz or flip is something that's comfortable for you, then it's advantageous to put it in the short program for sure.
01:20:11 But if you have a higher success rate or are more consistent with the loop, then absolutely in the short program, first and foremost, these teams are going to want to skate cleanly to keep themselves in the game for the long program.
01:20:25 >> Makes sense.
01:20:26 You know, Kirsten, we talk so much about the journey of Deanna, and I was just thinking about her partner, Max.
01:20:34 He had various partners before.
01:20:37 Please correct me if I'm wrong.
01:20:39 Close to national team, on national team, never champions, though.
01:20:45 Do you think he expected to be where he is today?
01:20:49 Obviously we all have goals and aspirations, but, man, what a ride he has been on as well to be here and doing what he's doing at this level.
01:20:59 >> Absolutely.
01:21:00 And as you mentioned, I think he's had nine or ten partners.
01:21:02 >> Wow.
01:21:03 >> Has been to four continents once, but really that has been kind of the top level of his success before.
01:21:10 And now we talk a lot of Deanna's prowess, but Deanna and Max have found their perfect partner in each other.
01:21:17 Max has such strength in twisting and lifts, and Deanna is the perfect person to be twisted and lifted in that way, you know?
01:21:25 So I think we've seen really such a beautiful kind of mending of the minds and the strengths in that team.
01:21:36 >> We've got some support from the crowd for our next couple.
01:21:42 Representing Quebec, Kellyanne Lorrain and Luca Etieff, fifth Esquique Canada International this year.
01:21:54 No strangers to the international circuit, coached by Stephanie Valois.
01:21:59 Short program, "All Right Now," by Mark Pille.
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01:25:03 >> Okay, fist pumps, let's go, Kellyanne and Luca.
01:25:09 Oh, look at that emotion.
01:25:14 >> Oh, what a win for this team today.
01:25:17 They really have had an up and down season so far.
01:25:21 They have such a supportive coaching team and great training mates.
01:25:26 Six teams where they train.
01:25:28 They work with the coaches you see here, but also at home with Annie Barabay.
01:25:33 They work with Elisa Amel on skating skills.
01:25:36 They are so well supported, and I'm happy to see all of their hard work on display here for all of us.
01:25:44 And that emotion that we saw from them throughout is so infectious, and it makes us just want to cheer for them too.
01:25:52 >> Oh, yeah.
01:25:53 >> Technical panel reviewing a couple of things, namely the lift right now, but gosh, what a win for this team today.
01:26:03 I love this program choreographed by Mark Pellet.
01:26:06 They used it last season, so brought it back this year.
01:26:09 Felt like they weren't done with it.
01:26:11 Big hugs here with Stephanie Belba and Violin Emaar.
01:26:18 >> You know, on the days when it works, it just feels so good.
01:26:23 All of the hard training, difficult days, endless amount of work.
01:26:30 When it all comes together, it's magic.
01:26:33 >> It really is magic, and gosh, they showed us today what they're capable of.
01:26:41 >> You can tell by the look in their eyes.
01:26:44 Look at Luca's face.
01:26:46 He was ready to rock.
01:26:53 >> Twist in at a level two.
01:26:55 They've received two features for this.
01:27:01 Positive grade of execution right now.
01:27:04 Side-by-side triple saucows.
01:27:07 A little unsure for a minute, but Kellyanne hangs on.
01:27:11 >> She performed the whole way through.
01:27:14 Lift in at a level three.
01:27:16 They would have been hoping for a level four, so lost a level there.
01:27:24 And such command and confidence on this throw triple loop.
01:27:30 And now they can have fun.
01:27:31 You can see that in her expression on her landing position.
01:27:36 Forward inside death spiral, also in at a level three.
01:27:40 >> With this team, we don't always see the same ease that we might see with other teams.
01:27:47 Just 18 and 23 years of age, they can have such longevity in this sport if they want it.
01:27:55 They've been together for five years, always with their current coaches and always improving.
01:28:01 >> Yes.
01:28:03 >> Love to see it.
01:28:05 >> You know, Kirsten, I've seen this team on the circuit for a number of years,
01:28:10 and they are growing into such a mature, well-rounded team.
01:28:14 The score 62.21, first place, surprise to no one.
01:28:21 Oh, you know, the feeling feels good when you get on the ice.
01:28:25 It feels double good when you have a score to match.
01:28:28 >> Absolutely.
01:28:29 >> High fives.
01:28:32 >> We're not stopping.
01:28:35 We're getting better and better.
01:28:37 Leah Perera and Trent Michaud from Ontario.
01:28:40 She's 19, he's 27.
01:28:42 They were at the Grand Prix final.
01:28:44 They finished sixth.
01:28:45 Amazing to even be there.
01:28:47 Coached by Allison Perkis.
01:28:50 Short program, "River" by Bishop Briggs.
01:28:54 Choreographed by Allison Perkis, Madison Hubbell, Adrian Diaz, and Asher Hill.
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01:31:47 >> Wow.
01:31:49 >> I love figure skating.
01:31:52 >> We're playing with the pros now.
01:31:54 And it is so evident why they're stars rising.
01:31:58 >> That was so great.
01:32:00 A little bit of a music change for this team.
01:32:02 They've had "River" by Bishop Briggs for the entirety of the season,
01:32:05 but have changed the first half to a little bit more of an instrumental piece.
01:32:10 Coach Allison Perkis said they were skating well,
01:32:13 but were trying to push their components
01:32:15 and were hoping that a difference in feel and a difference in lilt and movement,
01:32:21 more of a contemporary style to help, to start, sorry,
01:32:25 would help their case on that.
01:32:27 I loved it.
01:32:28 >> Thumbs up for me.
01:32:29 >> I thought it was a great choice.
01:32:31 >> So much command in every element.
01:32:34 >> And it didn't seem like it was a series of elements to me, Kirsten.
01:32:39 I felt like there was a lot of choreography that involved their whole body,
01:32:44 emphasis on transitions, how they're getting in and out of elements,
01:32:48 and that's the level it takes to be elite in any discipline in this sport.
01:32:54 And how they can do that after not even two seasons together
01:33:00 and her second in pairs ever is phenomenal.
01:33:05 Their talent knows no bounds.
01:33:07 >> Absolutely.
01:33:08 Great team surrounding them, and really the sky is the limit for this team right now.
01:33:13 They're so fresh into their partnership.
01:33:17 It's exciting to think of what their future could hold
01:33:19 when they've done this much after only two seasons.
01:33:22 Here, a look at their triple twist.
01:33:27 In at a level two right now.
01:33:28 Would have hoped for a little bit of a cleaner catch.
01:33:31 And here their side-by-side triple toe loops.
01:33:35 Though extremely well done, they can do them better in.
01:33:39 Judges have-- or technical panel has decided the triple toes were on the quarter.
01:33:43 There, a beautiful throw triple loop from Leah.
01:33:46 And into their group three lift.
01:33:49 There you saw the change of position.
01:33:51 Trent on one arm for two rotations.
01:33:55 Lift in at a level four.
01:34:00 >> You would never believe that Trent was kicked out of Tim Bitts hockey
01:34:04 because he wasn't a good enough skater.
01:34:07 Guess who's laughing now.
01:34:10 >> I love this death spiral.
01:34:11 Still with choreography within it.
01:34:17 Such a great skate from these two.
01:34:19 And again, just a starting place for the second half of their season.
01:34:24 Short program, 66.04.
01:34:28 Bringing them clearly into first.
01:34:33 They look pleased.
01:34:35 They seem like the type of people to always be pushing for more.
01:34:39 And they will get some more tomorrow.
01:34:41 But for now, it is our final team to take the ice.
01:34:50 And they're incredible.
01:34:52 >> Diana Stelato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps.
01:34:57 Third, hot off the grand prix final, coached by Jose Picard.
01:35:03 Short program music, Donnez-moi de l'oxygène.
01:35:08 Choreographed by Julie Marcotte.
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01:38:12 >> Well, not what we expected from this team today based on what they've shown us in practice.
01:38:20 A slight error on the side-by-side triple toe and a huge fall on the pro triple loop from Diana.
01:38:28 Apart from that, though, a really beautiful performance.
01:38:32 I love this program.
01:38:34 The team chose this music looking for music that pays homage to Montreal, Max's hometown, ahead of world championships in Montreal.
01:38:46 I think it's a great program for them.
01:38:48 We've seen them skate it so well and it is so electric when they do.
01:38:56 I didn't think that the throw necessarily pulled us out of their performance or pulled them out of their performance,
01:39:02 which is very difficult to do, to stay in it, especially taking a fall quite hard.
01:39:08 I like to hear that, too.
01:39:10 >> That has to knock the wind out of you.
01:39:14 >> We gasped for air and she had to keep skating the program.
01:39:18 I know pair women are stronger than anyone else, but I agree.
01:39:26 I think this program is phenomenal.
01:39:32 It's such a beautiful mosaic of artistry, so much happening choreographically and musically.
01:39:41 >> Here they were awarded a level four for this twist, achieving four features.
01:39:46 It is truly one of the best twists in the world.
01:39:49 Watch Max here.
01:39:52 Has to turn out of the jump.
01:39:55 This, though, beautiful group three lift.
01:39:58 And I loved this position.
01:40:00 Caitlin, you noted that this was a beautiful position and different from any that we've seen in this event so far.
01:40:06 But here, though, quite a hard fall from Deanna, uncharacteristic of her at least this week.
01:40:18 Rebounded right away, though, into this beautiful death spiral.
01:40:26 This element that closed their program.
01:40:29 Disappointment for them today.
01:40:31 This is not what they were looking for to start their national championships.
01:40:35 And again, looking to this competition as a springboard for the second half of their season.
01:40:40 And sometimes I find, Caitlin, we learn the most from the hard ones.
01:40:44 >> Yes.
01:40:45 >> And nobody wants to have the hard ones.
01:40:47 It is so incredibly difficult, especially when you train so hard and so -- are so well prepared to have a great performance.
01:40:55 But they will take something away from this.
01:40:57 And in a little while, it will make sense.
01:41:00 It will click and maybe it will help them to learn something that will benefit them in their later competitions this season.
01:41:06 >> Absolutely.
01:41:08 They seem to be very competitive people.
01:41:11 And, you know, on the hunt for a world gold medal isn't easy.
01:41:15 And I think they will rebound from this, absolutely, even if it stings today.
01:41:21 But it's still enough to lead for today.
01:41:24 66.86, disappointing to them for sure.
01:41:32 But we all know what they can do when they put it together.
01:41:37 And still such a great event, Kirsten.
01:41:39 >> Absolutely.
01:41:40 Oh, my gosh, it was so great.
01:41:41 And this team is incredibly hard on themselves.
01:41:45 And I think those are qualities that make you such a great athlete.
01:41:48 They will rebound from this.
01:41:49 They have a great team around them and Jose Picard and Julie Marcotte to rebound for tomorrow.
01:41:54 >> Well, I have enjoyed this so much.
01:41:56 I love learning everything pairs with you, Kirsten.
01:42:00 Everybody, Kirsten and I have been, like, velcroed this week.
01:42:03 We are just inseparable.
01:42:05 Thank you for sticking with us in the dance and the pairs.
01:42:09 But don't go away.
01:42:12 We've got Synchro coming up, the free program.
01:42:16 It is breathtaking.
01:42:18 Grab a snack, grab a sip of water if you need to.
01:42:22 Don't go away.
01:42:23 We'll be back in a little bit for the Synchro free, followed by men.
01:42:28 Still a lot of great skating coming.
01:42:32 Can't wait.
01:42:38 >> We are so thankful that the vast majority of Canadians support Canadian chicken farmers and the supply management system.
01:42:46 >> When consumers see the raised by a Canadian farmer brand, they can know that that chicken was raised in a healthy, safe environment.
01:42:54 >> Happy birds are healthy birds, and healthy birds provide a healthy food source for Canadians.
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01:43:07 Skating is more than just a hobby.