Â鶹´«Ã½

Sports

    • Canadians Schizas, Gilles and Poirier lead after Skate Canada short programs

    Share
    MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -

    The last time Madeline Schizas competed in Mississauga, at the 2020 Canadian championships, she was just 16 years old. Few knew her name.

    On Friday, moments after laying down the best short program at Skate Canada International, Schizas marvelled at how life has changed in the years since.

    "It's weird to think how different of an experience that was," Schizas said. "I was really new to everything.

    "I was more perhaps more excited about Piper's (Gilles) dog that was in the change room that year, than I was about being a national (bronze) medallist," she said, with a laugh. "I was like, 'Oh, wow, this is cool, I guess."'

    The Oakville, Ont., skater, who's now 19, arrived at this week's Grand Prix event as the top Canadian after making a statement in the team event at the Beijing Olympics.

    And she delivered, scoring 67.90 for her program to the "Black Swan" soundtrack.

    "It's just a totally different experience," Schizas said. "It's a little bit crazy for me to think that it wasn't that long ago, that wasn't even a full three years ago. And it's so exciting to be back in this building kind of in a different position in my career."

    Schizas landed three triples in her "evil" program she said was a departure from her "go-to kind of persona." She'll skate to the more upbeat "West Side Story" soundtrack in Saturday's free program.

    Canadian teammate Gabrielle Daleman is just 1.25 points behind in second, in her first Grand Prix appearance since she was 10th at Skate Canada in 2019.

    Canada's world bronze medallists Gilles and Paul Poirier are the leaders after the rhythm dance, while Japan's Kao Miura is the leader in men's singles.

    Schizas developed in relative obscurity during the pandemic, with most skating competitions held either virtually, live but with no fans, or cancelled altogether.

    Her performances in the team event in Beijing were a revelation, and huge reason Canada was fourth -- and are still in the running for bronze pending the outcome of the Russian doping scandal.

    Schizas said the heightened expectations post-Beijing took a toll earlier this season. A bad case of nerves saw her finish fifth at the recent Nebelhorn Trophy after a horrible 10th-place free program.

    "That bad skate there was a bit of a blessing because I got home and I thought, well, we're still orbiting the sun. It's really not the end of the world to skate bad every once in a while," she said. "So, some of the pressure I put on myself is off a little bit."

    Schizas also recently moved to Hamilton, Ont., to study human behaviour at McMaster University. Because of the pandemic, it's the first time she's been in a live classroom since Grade 11.

    Daleman, meanwhile, was thrilled with her clean skate to Rhianna's "Diamonds," after a summer that included a laundry list of ailments, including COVID-19, an abdominal tear, an injured back from a car accident, and a Bell's palsy diagnosis.

    "It just goes to show how strong I am and how much I love this sport and that nothing, no one, is going to hold me back or take me down," Daleman said.

    The 24-year-old from Newmarket, Ont., had been one of Canada's promising young skaters, making her Olympic debut in 2014 at just 16. She won world bronze in 2017, but her career has been a roller-coaster since.

    "I think it's nice because you have Gabby, who has been kind of a veteran ... she's kind of making a comeback," Gilles said. "And Maddie is finally in her element and feeling confident. So, we're proud to be a part of their team, and support them every step of the way. It's been an honour to watch Maddie grow as an athlete and really step into her own and be a leader. So, we're really thrilled for the two of them."

    American Ava Marie Ziegler is third with 66.49.

    Gilles and Poirier scored a personal best 87.23 points with their rumba rhythm dance in their season debut.

    "Especially first time out, there's always those jitters, no one's seen the programs yet, you don't know how it's going to be received, if people are going to enjoy it, if really the crowd is going to get into your energy," Poirier said.

    Gilles and Poirier, who are both 30, took six weeks off this past summer to ponder their future after the pandemic robbed them of any enjoyment in the Beijing Olympic season.

    "Really the goal for this season, especially for this first competition, was really just to get out and compete with that joy of skating again," Poirier said. "And I think we really felt that between the two of us today, we felt connected, we felt grounded, and we felt in our element."

    Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson of Great Britain go into Saturday's free dance in second with 83.80, while Americans Caroline Green and Michael Parsons are third (76.13).

    Japan's Miura scored 94.06 to beat countrymate and reigning world champion Shoma Uno (89.98) in the men's short program. Italy's Matteo Rizzo was third (81.18).

    Canada's Keegan Messing was fourth (79.69) after a bad fall on his quad toe-loop.

    "Skating happens," said Messing, who knew mid-air he was going to crash. "It was definitely a moment of just pulling in to get the rotations done and bracing for the inevitable impact that was soon to happen."

    Messing said he got a little emotional before skating in his Skate Canada finale.

    "I had to remind myself that this year I'm not skiing for a placement," said Messing, who's retiring after this season. "This year is for me and I went out there and I was just having fun. Yeah, the jumps weren't there, but I gave it my all, I had fun with my footwork, I was playing with the crowd. And gosh, crowd was right there behind me on home ice."

    Japan's Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara are the leaders in pairs. Canadian Brooke McIntosh -- whose sister is swim star Summer -- and Benjamin Mimar are fourth.

    The free programs are Saturday. The Grand Prix circuit culminates in the Final in Turin, Italy in December.

    This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 28, 2022.

    CTVNews.ca Top Stories

    A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    Why brain aging can vary dramatically between people

    Researchers are uncovering deeper insights into how the human brain ages and what factors may be tied to healthier cognitive aging, including exercising, avoiding tobacco, speaking a second language or even playing a musical instrument.

    Canada

    • A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    • Two nephews of the beloved Harry R. Hamilton share stories about his life and legacy.

    • The federal government is urging both sides in the British Columbia port dispute to return to the table after mediated talks broke off on Saturday, the first of three scheduled days.

    • The union representing some 1,200 dockworkers at the Port of Montreal has overwhelmingly rejected a deal with their employers association.

    World

    Politics

    • Murray Sinclair’s family members say the late justice and senator has been laid to rest according to his wishes.

    • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced voters in Cloverdale—Langley City will pick their next member of Parliament on Dec. 16.

    Health

    Sci-Tech

    Entertainment

    Business

    Lifestyle

    Sports

    • Canada will be without captain Alphonso Davies for its upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Suriname.

    • The Edmonton Oilers may have found the break they were looking for.

    Autos

    Local Spotlight

    For the second year in a row, the ‘Gift-a-Family’ campaign is hoping to make the holidays happier for children and families in need throughout Barrie.

    Some of the most prolific photographers behind CTV Skywatch Pics of the Day use the medium for fun, therapy, and connection.

    A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.

    As Connor Nijsse prepared to remove some old drywall during his garage renovation, he feared the worst.

    A group of women in Chester, N.S., has been busy on the weekends making quilts – not for themselves, but for those in need.

    A Vancouver artist whose streetside singing led to a chance encounter with one of the world's biggest musicians is encouraging aspiring performers to try their hand at busking.

    Ten-thousand hand-knit poppies were taken from the Sanctuary Arts Centre and displayed on the fence surrounding the Dartmouth Cenotaph on Monday.

    A Vancouver man is saying goodbye to his nine-to-five and embarking on a road trip from the Canadian Arctic to Antarctica.

    • A suspect was arrested for allegedly brandishing a knife outside a Vancouver elementary school on Friday – just as the young students were heading home for the day.

    • The federal government is urging both sides in the British Columbia port dispute to return to the table after mediated talks broke off on Saturday, the first of three scheduled days.

    • Thousands of people gathered in downtown Vancouver Monday to observe the 100th Remembrance day ceremony at the Victory Square cenotaph, paying their respects to the Canadian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

    • Several hundred people gathered outside the Ontario legislature in Toronto to honour veterans and remember those who died fighting for their country.

    • Toronto is expected to see an economic boost to the tune of nearly $300 million thanks to Taylor Swift’s upcoming Eras Tour, which will be making a stop in Canada’s largest city for a six-show run later this month.

    • A man believed to be in his 40s has been rushed to a trauma centre following a stabbing in downtown Toronto.

    • EXTENDED VIDEO

      EXTENDED VIDEO

      Calgarians observed Remembrance Day at a number of different ceremonies across the city on Monday, including at the Hangar Flight Museum.

    • July 2025 may seem like it’s in the distant future, but for the St. Luke playground committee time is ticking to fundraise the $340,000 they still need to build a new playground.

    • Getting out to the mountains is even easier with a new bus route from a growing Germany-based service.

    • Crowds gathered in Ottawa and eastern Ontario on Monday to honour the sacrifice of men and women in uniform who gave their lives in service of Canada.

    • The Fleet Street Pumping station is Ottawa's oldest water facility. Up to two-thirds of the city's water supply can move through it,

    • The company confirms it will open the new Chipotle at 5671 Hazeldean Road on Thursday, in the former location of Benny & Co.

    • A 36-year-old Montreal man who was out on bail after allegedly uttering death threats to a woman is now accused of murdering her on the South Shore.

    • Private Martine Roy was only 20 years old in 1984 when she was arrested, interrogated and dismissed from the Canadian Armed Forces for being what was then termed a "sexual deviant."

    • With fewer interments and rising maintenance fees, the money for Canada's largest military cemetery will run out in three to four years.

    • A member of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Edmonton participated in the national Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa on Monday.

    • Canada will be without captain Alphonso Davies for its upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Suriname.

    • Thousands of Maritimers turned out in wet weather Monday to remember those who have served, and continue to serve, in Canada's armed forces for Remembrance Day.

    • A Cape Breton senior recalls her life in German-occupied France, and her mother’s death, during the Second World War.

    • Thousand of people gathered at the Menin Gate in the Ypres, Belgium for Monday’s Remembrance Day Ceremony.

    • Thousands gathered at the RBC Convention Centre on Monday to bear witness to a sombre and historic Remembrance Day ceremony.

    • One Manitoba veteran is on a mission to commemorate and honour those who served our country, and not just on Remembrance Day.

    • Winnipeg police have identified two men involved in a stabbing incident earlier this week.

    • There will be two ceremonies taking place in Regina for Remembrance Day, hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion.

    • Fire crews reported that no one was hurt after flames broke out in a home on Robinson Street in central Regina.

    • Regina author Valerie Crowther is celebrating the release of her book ‘War Letters: Linking Lives in the Second World War.’

    • Saskatchewan RCMP are searching for a suspect after a man was seriously injured in a farm-related incident in Montreal Lake.

    • It was a somber day at Mosaic Stadium as members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders officially cleaned out their stalls and closed the book on the 2024 season.

    • The Regina Rams claimed the Hardy Cup after a hard fought battle against the Saskatoon Huskies 19-14 on Saturday in the first all Saskatchewan U-Sports western conference final since 2002.

    • Emergency crews responded to the scene on Road 68/Highway 2 east of Thamesford around 7 p.m.

    • A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    • The events will start at 10:15 a.m. with a parade that forms up in front of the Delta London Armories, marches east on Dundas Street and turns north onto Waterloo Street to Dufferin Avenue, the west to the Cenotaph.

    • A Barrie man is at the centre of an alleged $2.2 million stolen used car scheme.

    • The 75th anniversary of the Barrie Santa Claus Parade will feature floats, live entertainment, and new attractions, including Santa’s Fireside Gathering.

    • Environment Canada issued a weather alert for Barrie, Collingwood and surrounding areas, alerting residents about the wicked winds that are expected to pick up to 80 kilometres per hour in the afternoon hours.

    • Representatives of the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee, military representatives, wreath bearers, government officials, and members of the public will attend the Cenotaph at City Hall Square for the outdoor service.

    • Windsor Paralympic champion, Danielle Campo, has been crowned the number one Inspirational Speaker of the Year for 2024 at the Inspirational Speaking Finals.

    • One person has been arrested after Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) received multiple complaints about an alleged drunk driver.

    • Environment Canada says heavy rain and winds could cause power outages on Vancouver Island as an "intense" storm system is set to hit the B.C. coast Sunday.

    • Six deer were struck by vehicles in six different locations in a six-hour period on B.C. highways on Saturday, according to the transportation ministry.

    • The union for locked-out port workers in British Columbia says the BC Maritime Employers Association cut off talks in less than an hour Saturday, refusing to budge on a final offer that the union has so far rejected.

    • The emergency department at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver, B.C., will be closed for 31 hours this weekend, the second such closure in a week and the third since the start of November.

    • Police in Kamloops, B.C., are reminding parents and guardians to check their children's Halloween candy after receiving a report of a mother finding a razor blade in one of her daughter's treats.

    • More than two years after Alannah Brown and Douglas Barker were found dead north of Penticton, police are asking for help identifying a vehicle they believe was associated with the crime.

    • The Southern Alberta Recreation Association is officially announcing the Town of Taber as next year’s host for the Southern Alberta Summer Games.

    • The Lethbridge Hurricanes broke open a close game with three goals in the first two minutes of the third period as they defeated the Warriors 7-3 in a game played Friday night in Moose Jaw.

    • There might not a lot snow just yet, but many southern Albertans are still itching to get outdoors.

    • It was just days before the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down when the Shaft Bottom Boys of Sudbury broke a world record for 'Deepest Concert Underground.' Now, more than four years later, a Timmins band is looking to take the title.

    • Police say that a 16-year-old was attacked with a sword Nov. 3 in Cobalt, Ont., in a case of intimate partner violence.

    • Police have arrested a 15-year-old in connection with a break-in and $50,000 in damage done to the Centennial Arena in Elliot Lake in September.

    N.L.

    Shopping Trends

    The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at Â鶹´«Ã½. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.

    Stay Connected
    Follow Â鶹´«Ã½