Canadian Pairs 2017/2018 Season News and Updates

[kittysk8ts]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXQ8wzDBcBO/?taken-by=meaganduhamel

Can we just talk about this entry? The team may not be everyone's favorite, but I am continuously amazed with how they challenge themselves and try to up the ante rather than settling into what is easier or more comfortable. Not a bad jump, either.

With you 100%. I see improvement in their stroking and carriage as well. I have loved this team from the beginning and they just keep getting better at every aspect of their skating. And lol re the jump.

 

[aftershocks]

It really is a shame things could not have worked out with Eby, that partnership had a future, she certainly has the charm and skills for a pair girl. It is unfortunate that some pair boys think they should call all the shots and not work as a team.

Ah, ummm, more food for thought. And so true about the importance of working together as a team. Davis/White's ice dance career and how they traversed it is the ultimate example. In the aftermath of that famous competition where Charlie fell 3 times, he said that he learned a lot about how to relax, be more humble and trust in his partner.

There's no accounting for the endless North American pairs splits, hookups, re-partnerings, questionable partings. #PairsMusicalChairs

 

[doritos]

Walsh and Michaud...she just keeps getting taller, although they are managing the elements they just do not look like a pair team, all legs and arms. The new long program music is so typical, I agree Michaud needs to try something new, the ballads are getting old! It really is a shame things could not have worked out with Eby, that partnership had a future, she certainly has the charm and skills for a pair girl. It is unfortunate that some pair boys think they should call all the shots and not work as a team. We will have to see where W/M partnership goes after this year.

Wow, seems as though you have a lot of insider knowledge of the Eby/Michaud split, and that you're still holding on to a bit of bitterness. Your comments above are ludicrous and definitely very anti-Trent, and there is a very high level of certainty that what I've highlighted in bold above is not accurate.

You can't say a partnership that only lasted 3 months had "a future" - that is all speculation.

W/T are doing pretty great for a pair team with their size differential, and Walsh developed into a National Champion pair skater in 4.5 months with the ability to execute a a 3Tw, side by side triples, two throw triples and a Group 5 lift - pretty impressive and not something that every skater or every new team could accomplish.

Check your bitterness and malice towards this team. The constant bashing from the Eby camp is getting to petty and ridiculous.

 

[aftershocks]

^^ And yes, it's not cool to insinuate something that might not be true. No intention by me to run with it negatively in my earlier post. Yet it surely is not an unusual phenomenon for guys to try and take charge in partnerships either on or off the ice. Of course, it's unconfirmed that this type of behavior is characteristic of Trennt. The Eby/Michaud parting may have nothing to do with either of the young skaters' personalities and interaction and more to do with the adults around them, or simply with location logistics.

Me personally, I'm not in either an Eby or a Michaud camp. I just comment on pairs teams that I enjoy watching no matter the country. Frankly, I was only recently introduced to Trennt Michaud via some of the recently posted videos and commentary in this thread. I did happen to like what I saw of Eby/Michaud based purely on their skating and their look on the ice. I don't know much of anything about either of their backgrounds as young Canadian skaters on the rise. Walsh/ Michaud are interesting, as I said earlier. Like most young teams, they need a lot of work and careful nurturing, as well as some out-of-the-box creative thinking in terms of music and choreo selections. Posters here, including myself, have already praised Walsh for how fast she has come along as a pairs skater.

What happened to Brett Varley and Allison Eby?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiCGbb0L-Is

And Trennt was formerly with Hope McClean:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkoyz4V85KE

 

[Catherine M]

There are 12 JGP spots who will get the rest??

I'm pretty sure there are only 8 spots since Canada didn't medal at last year's worlds.

That's why I was wondering after Minto if the Boys-Eddy's would get sent out when they are missing a key factor--sbs double axels or triple jump in freeskate.

 

[doritos]

I'm pretty sure there are only 8 spots since Canada didn't medal at last year's worlds.

That's why I was wondering after Minto if the Boys-Eddy's would get sent out when they are missing a key factor--sbs double axels or triple jump in freeskate.

Hi Catharine - W/Ms 5th place finish at Junior Worlds had Canada as the 4th highest country (AUS, RUS, CHN, RUS, CAN), and the top 4 countries earned 3 berths per JGP. So Australia, Russia, China and Canada each have 3 pair spots at each of the 4 JGPs - whether or not all 3 will get used is another story

The Pairs assignments are a bit more generous vs. Singles/Dance based on the # of events that have Pairs (4 vs. 7).

 

[doritos]

^^ And yes, it's not cool to insinuate something that might not be true. No intention by me to run with it negatively in my earlier post. Yet it surely is not an unusual phenomenon for guys to try and take charge in partnerships either on or off the ice. Of course, it's unconfirmed that this type of behavior is characteristic of Trennt. The Eby/Michaud parting may have nothing to do with either of the young skaters' personalities and interaction and more to do with the adults around them, or simply with location logistics.

Me personally, I'm not in either an Eby or a Michaud camp. I just comment on pairs teams that I enjoy watching no matter the country. Frankly, I was only recently introduced to Trennt Michaud via some of the recently posted videos and commentary in this thread. I did happen to like what I saw of Eby/Michaud based purely on their skating and their look on the ice. I don't know much of anything about either of their backgrounds as young Canadian skaters on the rise. Walsh/ Michaud are interesting, as I said earlier. Like most young teams, they need a lot of work and careful nurturing, as well as some out-of-the-box creative thinking in terms of music and choreo selections. Posters here, including myself, have already praised Walsh for how fast she has come along as a pairs skater.

I certain was not referring to your comments I appreciate what you wrote and had to say, and I agree with several of your comments. I find with Pairs, we really don't see that amazing "cohesion" until later on in life - there are so many challenges and risk in Pairs skating with the difficult elements, it's hard for younger teams to skate more freely and less like technicians, or skate programs with complicated choreography. And the injury potential and growth changes make for additional significant challenges at Junior level.

Just looking from 2016 to 2017 in Junior Pairs, I would have honestly thought that the Russians Mishina/Mirzoev or Borisova/Sopot would be the next generation of pairs and then POOF - M/M broke up before Jr. Worlds after dominating the JGP and B/S stopped because she got meningitis (or something worse).

Unlike the other disciplines, I find the transition between JGP and the Senior ranks to be the most challenging and inconsistent in the discipline of Pairs skating. I often feel the Junior level is just a platform to keep one skater active, and learning the big tricks until they can be matched more suitable at the Senior level.

Just my thoughts.

 

[Catherine M]

Hi Catharine - the combined placements of the Canadian teams had them as the 4th highest country at Jr Worlds, and the top 4 countries earned 3 berths per JGP. So Australia, Russia, China and Canada each have 3 pair spots at each of the 4 JGPs. The pair assignments are a bit more generous vs. the Singles based on the # of events that are held (4 vs. 7).

Thanks as I thought you had to medal but I guess that's just for singles and maybe dance.

Anyway, that def opens up a spot or two for the borderline teams like the Boys-Eddys, who I really like but can't do the harder sbs jumps.

 

[doritos]

Almost, and it would be true if there were three different ISU members on the podium. In the event that there is a podium sweep or one member wins 2 medals, the rules allow for the top 3 ISU members to send 2 entries to each of the 7 JGP events. Pairs is just a tad different with the top 4 ISU members earning 3 spots at the 4 available events.

http://static.isu.org/media/515695/jgp2017-18_announcement_final.pdf

 

[aftershocks]

I certain was not referring to your comments. ... Just looking from 2016 to 2017 in Junior Pairs, I would have honestly thought that the Russians Mishina/Mirzoev or Borisova/Sopot would be the next generation of pairs and then POOF - M/M broke up before Jr. Worlds after dominating the JGP and B/S stopped because she got meningitis (or something worse).

Yes, I realize you weren't specifically referencing my post in your response to crazytoskate's comments.

Now that you mention the Russian pairs splits, I realize that it is a more widespread phenomenon beyond North America these days for so many young pairs to split and re-partner or leave the sport entirely before they can make it to seniors.

I often feel the Junior level is just a platform to keep one skater active, and learning the big tricks until they can be matched more suitable at the Senior level.

Hmmm, sad but seemingly a fairly accurate observation.

 

[Catherine M]

My continued thoughts on the JGP.

Walsh /Michaud---def doing 2; if just based upon not doubling up with Matte / Ferland, then they'll be at Latvia & Croatia
Matte / Ferland--we know from social media that they are going to Belarus & Poland
Panetta / Lapointe--we know from social media that they are going to Belarus

In the running for assignments

Boys-Eddys
Choinard / Ostiguy
Levesque / Hudon
Mancini /Reekie
Eby / den Boer
Andrew / Knott; never mind, she's too young

Probably next year
Schumacher / Daleman


Any others? Don't want to leave anyone out

 

[Bloom13]

My continued thoughts on the JGP.

Walsh /Michaud---def doing 2; if just based upon not doubling up with Matte / Ferland, then they'll be at Latvia & Croatia
Matte / Ferland--we know from social media that they are going to Belarus & Poland
Panetta / Lapointe--we know from social media that they are going to Belarus

In the running for assignments

Boys-Eddys
Choinard / Ostiguy
Levesque / Hudon
Mancini /Reekie
Eby / den Boer
Andrew / Knott

Probably next year
Schumacher / Daleman


Any others? Don't want to leave anyone out

Andrew/Knott won't be in the running this season.She is not old enough

 

[Princess7]

My continued thoughts on the JGP.

Walsh /Michaud---def doing 2; if just based upon not doubling up with Matte / Ferland, then they'll be at Latvia & Croatia
Matte / Ferland--we know from social media that they are going to Belarus & Poland
Panetta / Lapointe--we know from social media that they are going to Belarus

In the running for assignments

Boys-Eddys
Choinard / Ostiguy
Levesque / Hudon
Mancini /Reekie
Eby / den Boer
Andrew / Knott

Probably next year
Schumacher / Daleman


Any others? Don't want to leave anyone out

For this year, your list looks good. I'm not sure the Boys-Eddy's will get an assignment unless their jumps improve.

Next year may be hard to guess at as some of this years Novice pairs may have a chance depending how they progress and there may be some new partnerships that come out of nowhere that have a chance.

 

[doritos]

My continued thoughts on the JGP.

Walsh /Michaud---def doing 2; if just based upon not doubling up with Matte / Ferland, then they'll be at Latvia & Croatia

I've heard from my sources in Ontario that this is indeed true - the are switching off events with Matte/Ferland, so they have been assigned Latvia and Zagreb.

It will be interesting to see if any assignments are granted after the Quebec Summer event, as that would be before the entry deadline for the last three pair events (the deadline for Latvia is this Friday). One would hope that Skate Canada would use at least one more of the three spots they have in Latvia - based on the detailed classifications from Minto, it looks at though Levesque/Hudson have all of the required elements (3Tw, 2A, two throw triples), so its possible that they might be assigned to Latvia. I don't know their ages and if one of them is age ineligible.

 

[Catherine M]

Andrew/Knott won't be in the running this season.She is not old enough

Thanks for the info. I've edited the list to make a note; that's too bad as with the full compliment of spots, this is a great year to be age eligible.

 

[CdnSk8Fan]

^^ IIRC Knott is 18 already

 

[DFO]

The Wildrose eventi in Alberta will have 5 pairs (pre-novice, novice, junior, senior). They will be on live streaming tomorrow (friday) from 11h30 (short) and Saturday (around 11h) for the free.

Link: http://skateabnwtnun.ca/events/2017-2018-season-competitions/

Ava Martin Lethbridge FSC Austen Franz Lethbridge FSC Juvenile Pairs

Paige Nguyen Fliteway FSC Christopher Hammer Fliteway FSC Pre--‐Novice Pairs
Asha Gumpinger Huntington Hills SC Josh Brauner Wild Rose FSC Novice Pairs
Sophia O'Brien--‐Doerksen Calalta FSC Josh Venema Calalta FSC Novice Pairs
Marin Ono Calalta FSC Kurtis Schreiber Calalta FSC Junior Pairs
Natasha Purich Calalta FSC Davin Portz Calalta FSC Senior Pairs

 

[DFO]

Damn! Alberta is not Eastern time... Still 2 hours to wait!

 

[danafan]

Purich/Portz from Wild Rose:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWaRm9bd31M

 

[Catherine M]

I don't think Purich/Portz did themselves any favors for getting a B international assignment with that short program skate at Wild Rose; maybe if they step it up in the free or at Thornhill but right now they need some serious work on the risk elements. And I'm not sure that sad Sarah McLachlan song helped their skating either.

 

[Cant Skate]

I would agree about the music selection...ugh...so depressing! It was too bad about the side by side 3T's but they landed them in detroit with -1 GOE. The throw was messier here too. Hopefully there will be some improvement for Thornhill.

 

[mackiecat]

For the twist category posts
With a new pair a coach has two options. The long slow version of properly teaching a twist which in the long term will make a good solid triple twist but takes time
Or teach improper technique to eeek out a double, it will never produce a clean triple but they will have a double to put in the program

Watch videos of Alison S from previous years, she looked miserable, since doing pairs she radiates on the ice. Coincidence?

 

[anna2940$$]

In regards to W/M, the only reason we are talking about JGP for new pairs this year is because Trennt Michaud and Evelyn Walsh got the spots FOR US placing 5th at Jr. Worlds and the best out of everyone that Canada sent to Jr. worlds that year also well only skating together for 8 months at the time. Also who says she needs to be short in order to be a "good pair skater". The team that won Worlds are almost the same height and I know that as a fact because I have worked with both of them. No I am not related to Evelyn or Trennt or do I know them personally but I would like you all to find me a girl that has never skated pair before and has won nationals by at least 10 points and has come 5th in the world in Junior after 8 months. Good luck

 

[Rock2]

I don't think Purich/Portz did themselves any favors for getting a B international assignment with that short program skate at Wild Rose; maybe if they step it up in the free or at Thornhill but right now they need some serious work on the risk elements. And I'm not sure that sad Sarah McLachlan song helped their skating either.

I think over the longer term they will be fine but this performance was a step back. I think the transition jump before the 3T is a good idea on paper but slows them down and throws off their timing. That might get switched up. Their performance in Detroit was pretty good. Here, even their stroking got out of synch. Messy skate, even for them.

Hoping Davin can get his shoulders down at some point...

And the music choice - dreadful. Agreed. Not sure if the more rock-y music cut that showed up in the middle is new or has been there all season...as if to intensify the tone that is otherwise kinda laboring.

Can't hurt to give them Autumn Classic. They do have all the elements. Despite the bad skate there is some potential there.

 

[Cant Skate]

In regards to W/M, the only reason we are talking about JGP for new pairs this year is because Trennt Michaud and Evelyn Walsh got the spots FOR US placing 5th at Jr. Worlds and the best out of everyone that Canada sent to Jr. worlds that year also well only skating together for 8 months at the time. Also who says she needs to be short in order to be a "good pair skater". The team that won Worlds are almost the same height and I know that as a fact because I have worked with both of them. No I am not related to Evelyn or Trennt or do I know them personally but I would like you all to find me a girl that has never skated pair before and has won nationals by at least 10 points and has come 5th in the world in Junior after 8 months. Good luck

Yes to all of this. I get so tired of good pairs girls getting written off the minute they grow an inch or two above 5 feet! Evelyn has done an amazing job despite the naysayers going on about her height.

 

[DFO]

Yes to all of this. I get so tired of good pairs girls getting written off the minute they grow an inch or two above 5 feet! Evelyn has done an amazing job despite the naysayers going on about her height.

Agree. I Wonder if it's because of the coaches, the male partners or if it just a false idea circulating between fans?

If I was a pair skater looking for a new Partner, I would prefer a 5'6" girl with good pair experience, than a great Single skater with good jumps, 5'0" but no pair ever. At least, I would gave them equal chances in a try-out.

 

[anna2940$$]

Agree. I Wonder if it's because of the coaches, the male partners or if it just a false idea circulating between fans?

If I was a pair skater looking for a new Partner, I would prefer a 5'6" girl with good pair experience, than a great Single skater with good jumps, 5'0" but no pair ever. At least, I would gave them equal chances in a try-out.

I completely agree. It doesn't matter how short that girl is if she can't jump or do any pair elements

 

[Rock2]

Agree. I Wonder if it's because of the coaches, the male partners or if it just a false idea circulating between fans?

If I was a pair skater looking for a new Partner, I would prefer a 5'6" girl with good pair experience, than a great Single skater with good jumps, 5'0" but no pair ever. At least, I would gave them equal chances in a try-out.

Depends on what your goals are. If you want to hit podiums at international or even national level, you'd probably need to be a good 6 ft 2 and strong as heck to take on someone 5ft 6. Otherwise, you are seriously compromised to have a chance at high scoring twists and lifts, no matter how hard you work. If the girl is 5 ft 0 your ceiling as a team is higher, generally.

 

[Catherine M]

Can't hurt to give them Autumn Classic. They do have all the elements. Despite the bad skate there is some potential there.

Well Purich/Portz's free skate went better so I agree, no harm for them to get one of the Classics--either Salt Lake or Autumn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxPUn-jsE5I

And much, much better music this time that suits them way better than the SP.

Looking forward to seeing how they develop this fall, heading into Nationals.

 

[ChiquitaBanana]

In regards to W/M, the only reason we are talking about JGP for new pairs this year is because Trennt Michaud and Evelyn Walsh got the spots FOR US placing 5th at Jr. Worlds and the best out of everyone that Canada sent to Jr. worlds that year also well only skating together for 8 months at the time. Also who says she needs to be short in order to be a "good pair skater". The team that won Worlds are almost the same height and I know that as a fact because I have worked with both of them. No I am not related to Evelyn or Trennt or do I know them personally but I would like you all to find me a girl that has never skated pair before and has won nationals by at least 10 points and has come 5th in the world in Junior after 8 months. Good luck

That says a lot about her but a lot about the quality of her pair partner. She is a good pair skater and has learned the tricks quickly. Good job of her. But there is also physics. Val Saurette was a tall pair skater, but her partner was towering over her still. The Chinese pair doesn't have much height difference, but she is on the small range of the scale. Lower center of gravity = more stable. So W/T manage their partnership to the best of their potential, but their potential will be limited by their heights.