Five Things to Watch for in Canadian Figure Skating This Year

As the calendar flips to 2025, the countdown to the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina is officially on for Canada’s figure skaters. This year will be crucial in determining their Olympic readiness, with a focus on building momentum and identifying potential medal contenders.

1. Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps Aim for Back-to-Back World Titles:

Following their historic gold medal victory at the 2024 World Championships, Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps will strive to become the first Canadian pair to win consecutive world titles since 2016. While they face strong competition, their consistent performances throughout the season will be key to achieving their goal.

2. Gilles and Poirier’s Road to Redemption:

Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, renowned for their captivating performances, experienced some setbacks in the latter half of last season. They will be eager to regain their top form and solidify their position as one of the world’s leading ice dance pairs.

3. The Rise of Lajoie and Lagha:

Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha are emerging as a strong contender in the ice dance category. Their consistent progress and impressive performances have positioned them as potential future leaders in Canadian ice dance.

4. Identifying Top Men’s Singles Contenders:

The Canadian men’s singles field is currently wide open. With several skaters showing potential, the upcoming season will be crucial in identifying the top contenders and determining who will represent Canada at the Olympics.

5. Madeline Schizas’s Quest for Consistency:

Madeline Schizas, a two-time Canadian champion, has shown glimpses of her potential. Consistent performances throughout the season, including a strong showing at the World Championships, will be key to her Olympic aspirations.

This year will be a pivotal one for Canadian figure skating as athletes strive to achieve their Olympic dreams. With a focus on consistent performances and a commitment to excellence, the Canadian team hopes to make a strong impact on the world stage and arrive in Milan-Cortina well-prepared for the challenge.

By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer