By: Selin Ulugbay

The Skate Canada Cup in Waterloo, Ontario has officially wrapped up the Novice, Gold and Open synchronized skating season with Team Ontario shining brightly and bringing home a total of four medals in two categories!

In the Novice category, Meraki from the Leaside Skating Club won the silver medal after earning a personal best score. Meraki Novice Head Coach Leanne Lamarche explained the lead-up in preparing for the national championships: “Our focus was on building the team’s confidence and setting them up for success. We encouraged the skaters to reconnect with why they love the sport, trust each other and their training, and leave it all on the ice. We reminded them to stay present, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the privilege of competing. No matter the outcome, we’ll be proud as long as they give their all and, most importantly, have fun!”

The bronze medal in the Novice category went to NEXXICE from the Burlington Skating Centre. Team captain Evie Acheson talked about the lessons they learned throughout the season and the goals they had set as a team: “Our team is incredibly proud of what we accomplished this season. We set clear goals, like pushing ourselves in every practice, giving 100% at every competition, and continuing to strive for confident, clean skates. Throughout the season, we learned that true success isn’t just about individual performance, it’s about working together and supporting each other through every challenge. We became a stronger team because we learned to lift each other up, no matter the situation. That bond is what really made this season special.”

The Gold category was highly competitive, but NEXXICE emerged victorious and was crowned National champion. “Competing at the Skate Canada Cup was an unforgettable experience,” said Gurlean Rattanpal, one of NEXXICE Gold’s team captains. “The level of competition, energy of the crowd, and the moment we stepped onto the ice felt surreal.”

Becoming national champions is no easy feat. “We worked tirelessly to build trust as a team and fine-tune every element, never backing down from any challenge,” added Gurlean. “This team of 19 skaters was incredibly special, we shared a very unbreakable bond and faced every challenge with determination. Our two amazing coaches pushed us to be our best, both individually and as a team, building us up with the confidence we needed to succeed. Stepping onto the ice knowing how much work we had put in allowed us to skate with pride and leave feeling accomplished. Winning the National title was the ultimate reward for all of the hard work we put in, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this incredible group of girls who I will cherish this accomplishment with forever.”

After a season of hard work, Starlight from March-Kanata Skating Club became bronze medalists in the Gold category: “Winning a national medal is an indescribable feeling,” explained Co-captain Chloe Wilkes. “This season tested us with countless challenges, and overcoming them makes this victory even more meaningful.”

Co-Captain of Starlight Gold Angela Zheng explained the training that went into this national medal: “Throughout the season, our team showed up to every practice ready to put in all our effort. I am extremely proud of our adaptability and positive spirit that helped us succeed!”

Team Ontario spirit was high at the event. Synchro teams cheered each other on, waving Ontario flags and doing the Team Ontario chant to support one another. OneTeamMVMT, a global synchronized figure skating organization, had their annual good luck wall where teams wished each other best of luck and sent good wishes.

Congratulations to all Skate Ontario synchronized skating teams at the Skate Canada Cup! We are #SkateOntarioProud of you!