Ontario’s top figure skaters are ready to take the ice at the 2026 Skate Canada International in Kelowna, B.C., from October 30 to November 1. Our province will be represented across all four disciplines, highlighted by national champions, world medallists, and rising stars making their Grand Prix debuts.
As the second stop on the ISU Grand Prix Series, the event provides an important opportunity for athletes to compete on home ice and continue building momentum early in the international season.
“This year’s Skate Canada International in Kelowna will showcase the depth and strength of skating in Ontario,” said Chris Mabee, Director of Sport at Skate Ontario. “Skate Ontario is proud to see World Bronze Medallists Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud and Canadian Champions Madeline Schizas and Stephen Gogolev return to the ISU Grand Prix Series in their post-Olympic season.
They will be joined by a talented group of Ontario athletes making their Grand Prix debut: two-time Junior World Team member David Bondar, two-time Canadian Junior Ice Dance Champions Layla Veillon and Alexander Brandys, and Junior World Champions Ava Kemp and Yohnatan Elizarov. Seeing experienced international competitors alongside our rising stars speaks to the strength of the pathway in this province and the coaches, clubs and families who support these athletes every day.
We are excited to cheer on Team Ontario in Kelowna and look forward to watching them compete on the international stage!”
Women
Madeline Schizas will make her sixth appearance at Skate Canada International. The four-time Canadian champion continues to be one of Canada’s most experienced international competitors and will look to kick off a successful season on the world stage.
Men
Ontario will be represented by Stephen Gogolev and David Bondar in the men’s event.
The current Canadian champion, Stephen enters the competition following an incredible 2025-26 season (including a top five finish at both the Olympic Winter Games and the World Championships!) and will look to carry that momentum into this season. David, a two-time Junior World Team member, continues to establish himself at the senior level. SCI 2026 will be his Grand Prix debut.
Pairs
Ontario’s pairs contingent features two exciting teams.
Canadian champions and World bronze medallists Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud arrive in Kelowna after an impressive start to the season, a gold medal at the Nebelhorn Trophy, and will be looking to secure another strong international result.
Joining them are reigning Junior World Champions Ava Kemp and Yohnatan Elizarov, who are set to make their Grand Prix debut. Ava and Yohnatan have made names for themselves as one of Canada’s brightest young teams and will be competing Senior at SCI for the first time.
Ice Dance
In ice dance, Layla Veillon and Alexander Brandys will represent Ontario. The two-time Canadian Junior Ice Dance Champions continue to gain valuable international experience and will also be making their Grand Prix debut.
Competition Schedule
Friday, October 30
- Pairs Short Program
- Men’s Short Program
Saturday, October 31
- Rhythm Dance
- Women’s Short Program
- Pairs Free Program
- Men’s Free Program
Sunday, November 1
- Women’s Free Program
- Free Dance
With Ontario athletes competing in every discipline, Skate Canada International promises to be an exciting opportunity to watch some of the province’s top skaters compete on home ice and continue their journey through the 2026-27 season.
For event information, livestream details, and tickets, visit Skate Canada’s official event page.
