Canadian figure skaters Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps clinched their consecutive Skate Canada International victory on Saturday night in Saskatoon. The duo rallied from behind to secure the gold medal, outscoring their German competitors Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin with a total score of 213.40 points compared to the Germans’ 207.18 points.
Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea from the United States took third place with 199.11 points. After being in second place following the short program on Friday, the Canadian pair delivered a stellar free skate performance, earning 140.37 points.
Despite being reigning Grand Prix Final champions and world silver medallists, Hase and Volodin faced challenges during their free skate, with both experiencing falls on difficult elements. Canadian pairs Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud finished fourth and Kelly Ann Laurin and Loucas Éthier secured fifth place.
This triumph marks the first Grand Prix win of the season for the 2024 world champions Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps, who expressed satisfaction with their performance and emphasized the importance of fine-tuning their routines before the Olympics.
In the women’s competition, Mone Chiba of Japan claimed victory with a flawless free skate performance, surpassing American standout Isabeau Levito. Chiba’s spirited routine to “Csardas” earned her a season-best score of 217.23 points, securing her first Grand Prix gold medal.
American world champion Ilia Malinin dominated the men’s competition with an impressive short program score of 104.84 points, establishing a significant lead over his competitors. Toronto’s Stephen Gogolev emerged as the top Canadian performer, ranking seventh in the competition.
Canadian ice dance pair Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier took the lead after the rhythm dance event, showcasing a dynamic performance that delighted the audience. The duo, aiming for a record sixth consecutive Skate Canada title, displayed confidence and excitement for the upcoming free dance program.
The men’s free skate and ice dance events will conclude on Sunday, with live coverage available for viewers. Gilles and Poirier, known for their consistent success on the international stage, are regarded as strong contenders for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympic Games.