Move over pucks and hockey sticks, you’re being replaced by toe picks and triple jumps.
Tomorrow and over the weekend at the Terwillegar Recreation Centre, Edmonton figure skaters will duel with skaters from around the region at the 2013 Skate Canada Alberta-NWT/Nunavut Sectionals.
Skaters from various ranks – Juvenile to Senior – as well as dance and pairs skate off against each other. A top four placement is needed in their division to advance to the 2013 Canadian Figure Skating Championships being held in Mississauga, Ont. this January. For the Juvenile skaters, though they won’t advance further than sectionals, it’s always nice to post a personal best, or get some hardware.
The remaining placers advance to the 2013 Skate Canada Challenge in Regina, Sask. It’s similar to the Canadians, but different. All the competitors, who don’t have byes, compete for to advance to the Canadians – except for pre-novice. For them, the overall Canadian winners are crowned at the event.
The amount of people who advance ranges depending on byes – usually 16.
What’s a bye?
Senior-level skaters who medalled the previous year at Canadians receive a bye, which fast-tracks them back to the competition. Byes are given on a year-to-year basis.
First things, first though. Skaters need to take their first step at sectionals. It’s been a long road, with injury, and sacrifice, and this weekend – it’ll all pay off.
Because, when you have toe picks at the end of your feet – who needs a hockey stick?
(Originally posted in the Edmonton Journal’s sports blog section)
Skating Scene 