A Halifax High Five

The curtain has come down for another year.
One more Canadian championships officially in the books, one more set of memories to file away — perhaps for as long as we live.
Scrapbooks, photos, videos and yes, even blogs. We all choose different ways to remember times such as these. Just ask Shae-Lynn Bourne: Four years after she and Victor Kraatz ended their competitive careers following their biggest triumph (a world championship in 2003 in Washington, D.C.), many of their biggest highlights have been preserved on a website that is a symbol of today’s generation: YouTube.
“I didn’t even know there was a YouTube,” Bourne remarked with a laugh after spending hours sifting through some of the moments she shared with Kraatz and skating fans around the world.
Now, whenever she needs a reminder, it’s a click of a mouse away.
It's true that, when we look back upon events such as these, it’s always the performances of the champions that seem to come to mind first. And make no mistake about: Jeffrey Buttle, Joannie Rochette, Jessica Dube (that admitted AC/DC fan) and Bryce Davison, and Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon — deservedly earns spots in our hearts.
But in keeping with the ‘alternative’ them of this blog, here’s five things I’ll cherish from a week spent in Nova Scotia.
A personal Halifax High Five, if you will.
1) His name, somewhat appropriately, often said a lot about what people thought about his chances at this event. Mabee he will, Mabee he won’t. But Christopher Mabee took a major step toward stardom in Halifax. Not only did he earn his first ticket to the world championships, Mabee showed he could get it done when the lights shone brightest. And nobody here was a better showman (Great Big Sea for a show program? In Halifax? Just brilliant, young man), or seemed to enjoy himself more on the ice. In other words, there are no maybes — or 'ordinary days' — anymore.
2) Full disclosure: Mrs. Doherty thinks the blog “really rocks.” That being said, this list wouldn’t be complete without Lesley Hawker’s name on it. More than perhaps anyone at this event, she embodies the spirit of what her sport — any sport — should be about. That, no matter how many times people say it can’t happen, if you follow your heart, if you never stop trying, your biggest dreams really can come true. At 25, Hawker is still going strong and keeps skating for all the right reasons. Hopefully, for a few more years yet. Yes, Mrs. Doherty, you rock, too.
3) It’s the story Hollywood just loves to tell. Girl falls in love with skating as a young child, and dreams of becoming a champion. The road is long and winding but, in the end, she makes it. Dana Zhalko-Tytarenko lived that story in Halifax. Just last year, the 15-year-old from Ottawa finished 14th as a novice. Today, she went home with the junior women’s gold medal in her suitcase. The utter joy — and yes, shock — Zhalko-Tytarenko showed as she talked about the unexpected win was my feel-good story of these Canadians. Even on Sunday night, she was still giddy about it at the closing banquet. Are you listening, Hollywood?
4) When I think of the favourite people I’ve met in 15 years of covering this sport, Shae-Lynn Bourne and Victor Kraatz always come quickly to mind. Not just for the titles they won and the amazing performances they gave us every time they stepped on the ice, but just for being who they are. Figure skating is so much richer for having had them be a part of it. Seeing them back together again for the Hall of Fame induction was an absolute treat for all of us. Knowing both will still be around rinks for years to come, sharing their passion with the next generation ... that’s the best thought of all.
5) A funny video during Sunday’s closing banquet asked the question: What is a Haligonian? Here’s my answer. The same thing they’ve always been. Some of the most warm, welcoming people you will ever meet in this country. Halifax is a wonderful city with a soul that every town and city across Canada would do well to emulate. Then again, my ‘most trusted Halifax source’ and her partner in ‘entertaining’ prose tought me that many years ago. Tell you what, Halifax. Any time you want to bring this event back to your city, I’m there. That's a promise.