NEXXICE Junior claimed the national synchro title for the first time since 2023, delivering a standout performance to the Kill Bill soundtrack. Their precision, energy, and connection on the ice earned them a commanding 10-point lead over silver medalists Les Suprêmes — and a new Canadian record.

“For some of us, it was our first national championship on a junior team, and it’s really exciting being here with all the other disciplines, so we just wanted to stay focused,” said team member Sadie after the skate. Tiffany reflected on the record-breaking achievement: “We’re super proud of that because we put a lot of hard work into every single practice. It took a lot of effort and discipline to get to where we are now, and we’re so proud to be back on top.”

Photo credit: Danielle Earl Photography/Skate Canada

ICE Ignite Junior and Gold Ice Junior finished in 4th and 5th place in the event respectively.

The Senior Men delivered a thrilling short program event in Gatineau today, earning multiple standing ovations from the crowd. Stephen Gogolev led the way with an outstanding performance, highlighted by a quad toe–triple toe combination, quad salchow, and triple axel, giving him a commanding 10-point lead over Wesley Chiu heading into tomorrow’s free skate. Following his skate, Stephen said it was “the most comfortable I’ve felt at a competition.” When asked about expectations heading into the event, he acknowledged some added pressure but was pleased with how he managed it. “There has been a little bit of pressure coming into this competition, and I’m glad I was able to deal with that in the short program,” he said. “I still have the free skate ahead, so I need to stay calm and be ready for tomorrow.”

Photo credit: Danielle Earl Photography/Skate Canada

Ontario skaters continued to make their mark in the short program, with the following athletes rounding out the standings:

• 4th place – Roman Sadovsky
• 5th place – John Kim
• 8th place – David Bondar
• 10th place – David Shteyngart
• 11th place – Grayson Long
• 15th place – Jake Ellis
• 17th place – Bruce Waddell
• 18th place – Alec Guinzbourg

The Senior Synchro event lit up Centre Slush Puppie with an electric atmosphere. NEXXICE delivered a powerful and dynamic skate to their Wonder Woman program, earning the bronze medal in the competition.

Photo credit: Tina Weltz Media

Competition concluded today with the Senior Pairs short program, where Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud currently sit in second place. After an uncharacteristic error on their side-by-side triple toes, Lia reflected on the moment with perspective. “That’s not something that usually happens for me,” she said. “It’s disappointing to make a mistake — sometimes rare things happen, and it’s unfortunate when it happens in competition. It’s a little hard to digest, but we learn from those moments.”

Trennt emphasized the strength of their partnership in responding to the setback. “We have a great partnership, and that’s one of our strengths,” he said. “It’s not one person’s mistake — we take it on as a team and support each other.” 

The pair hinted that they have a “sneak surprise” planned for tomorrow’s free program, so be sure to tune in to the Pairs Free Skate at 8:20 p.m. ET — we can’t wait to see what they have in store!

Photo credit: Danielle Earl Photography/Skate Canada

An honourable mention goes to Ava Kemp and Yohnatan Elizarov, who delivered a strong performance in their Senior Nationals debut and currently sit in third place after the short program. Jazmine Desrochers and Kieran Thrasher are close behind, sitting in fifth place as they head into tomorrow’s free skate.

The competition heats up tomorrow with the Senior Rhythm Dance, Senior Men Free, Senior Women Short and Pair Free. Good luck to all Ontario skaters, we are #SkateOntarioProud of you all! Be sure to follow us on social media @SkateOntario to see all of the #SCNats26 action! For full event information, please visit the Skate Canada website.