By: Pj Kwong

There is a lot to celebrate as 47 Team Ontario athletes and 4 Synchronized skating teams head to the 2025 Canadian National Skating Championships this week in Laval, PQ. This is the crown jewel in the Canadian figure skating calendar and regardless of result, making it to Nationals is a reason for skaters and their coaches to take a bow. It’s not easy and their efforts are to be commended.

Skate Ontario has representation in all 10 events – singles, ice dance, pairs and synchronized skating at the Junior and Senior levels.

Piper Gilles & Paul Poirier

For fun, I approached David Islam, a well-known coach who competed at Nationals as an ice dancer and also had to endure Nationals as a dad while his son and coaching partner Mitchell Islam competed. Lots of different perspectives to share.

“I think for myself as a skater, being at Nationals was a validation of my work as a skater and an opportunity to express and share the work that I had done,” said David. “That said, as a coach, I see in the week before this event that there is lots of stuff running through their minds. They get how big a Nationals is and let’s face it, it’s a ‘big deal.’ To watch how they are reacting, preparing and dealing when just two weeks ago they thought they were ‘ready’. The event is now in their sights, and that’s where your work as a coach comes into play in helping the skaters. Don’t over think things!”

Mitchell Islam commented: “Goals for my teams are to skate the best programs they possibly can! That will take poise and composure. It will also take attack! I want them to go out there and be artists and athletes. I want them to connect and have fun!”

Photo: Danielle Earl / Skate Canada

With a team as strong as Ontario’s, finding a way to identify just some of the talent is what you’ll find in the chart below with the understanding that we are #skateontarioproud of every member of Team Ontario.

Chris Mabee is the Podium Pathway Manager for Skate Ontario and will be in Laval supporting the team. Chris knows a thing or two about Nationals as a former singles competitor. “The national championships are an incredible opportunity for skaters to go head-to-head with the best in the country. It’s not just about the competition—it’s about rising to the challenge, learning from the experience, and proving to themselves how far they can go.”

Madeline Schizas

It’s David Islam for the last word and it’s for the parents. “Here’s my advice for parents, you need to be aware that this is your child’s journey and not yours. As long as they are happy, in a healthy environment and working hard, it’s all good. The results will matter to your kids, but it shouldn’t to you. It’s about the process and don’t add to that because this is hard enough as it is.”

For those fans looking to enjoy the event online, head to Skate Canada’s website and check out their event page for the link to the livestream.

We are on the ground in Laval so follow us @skateontario on your favourite social media platform to stay up to date with what’s happening here through exclusive content.

As always, we are #SkateOntarioProud of all our athletes!