My plane back to Ottawa is about to warm up on the runway.
(after a fabulous salmon lunch at McKelvie's, and a trip to The Book Room, Canada's oldest bookstore, which has been in Halifax since 1839).
Yes, it’s time to leave the Maritimes, this remarkable city (still very much my favourite in Canada to visit) and the best hosts you could ever ask for in our fair land.
(I felt truly honoured when one of the fabulous volunteers at Canadians — a former Ottawa resident who now happily, and luckily, calls Nova Scotia home as a Radio-Canada employee — said I would fit in very well as a Maritimer).
Reality check? You bet.
And with that, the Halifax Chronicles reaches its end, as well.
The blog started out as an experiment. A test to see whether this might just be the right way to connect with a group of people in today’s day and age.
Without a doubt, the answer was a resounding yes.
So many folks, I’m told, took this ‘alternative’ route to follow the tale of these Canadian championships. And, I must admit, I was literally overwhelmed by the positive feedback the blog received throughout the week. Many thanks for the kind words, and a hearty thank you to those who contributed to it all with the stories they were so willing to share.
As Christopher Mabee would put it ... I had a blast out there.
So much so, that I can say now that the blog isn’t just an experiment anymore. It is a living, breathing thing that, I surely hope, has plenty more tales to spin in the years ahead.
Safe travels, everyone.
2008 in Vancouver ... let’s call it a date, okay?
Showing posts with label Halifax. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Halifax. Show all posts
Monday, January 22, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
A Taste of Halifax
Atlantic Canada is famous for many things, starting (of course) with the warmth and kindness of its people. Which would also help explain something else that's right near the top of the list — the joyful music that comes out in great abundance from this part of our country.
Got a taste of that last night at a character-filled spot called The Split Crow, which is located on the edge of a downtown part of Halifax known as the Historic Properties. One of the lads in our media crowd is a big fan of a locally based band called McGinty which — thanks to the wonders of the Internet — I have learned is a folk grou that is tremendously popular in these parts.
After listening to a set filled with Nova Scotia favourite tunes last night, I have to heartily agree. Or, as this trio might put it, I'll hoist a drink to 'em and offer up a toast of 'sociable!'
(another fun tradition among the folks here, I'm assuming)
The pubs and restaurants are plentiful in the heart of Halifax, many of them carved out of buildings that have been here for centuries. Character is definitely the word.
Was hoping to pay a stop to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic today before getting to the rink — it is celebrating its 25th anniversary today and is noted for, among other things, a Titanic exhibit (many of the dead from the fateful 1912 sinking were buried here). But alas, the museum's doors didn't open until 1 p.m.
And the call of the ice is at hand again.
Maybe next time.
Got a taste of that last night at a character-filled spot called The Split Crow, which is located on the edge of a downtown part of Halifax known as the Historic Properties. One of the lads in our media crowd is a big fan of a locally based band called McGinty which — thanks to the wonders of the Internet — I have learned is a folk grou that is tremendously popular in these parts.
After listening to a set filled with Nova Scotia favourite tunes last night, I have to heartily agree. Or, as this trio might put it, I'll hoist a drink to 'em and offer up a toast of 'sociable!'
(another fun tradition among the folks here, I'm assuming)
The pubs and restaurants are plentiful in the heart of Halifax, many of them carved out of buildings that have been here for centuries. Character is definitely the word.
Was hoping to pay a stop to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic today before getting to the rink — it is celebrating its 25th anniversary today and is noted for, among other things, a Titanic exhibit (many of the dead from the fateful 1912 sinking were buried here). But alas, the museum's doors didn't open until 1 p.m.
And the call of the ice is at hand again.
Maybe next time.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Why Haligonians Rock (Part 73)
After another hard day of being your faithful blogger (cry me a river, right?), I decided to pay a visit to one of this city's more popular 'establishments' the other night.
Turns out there was a $5 cover charge to be paid and, wouldn't you know it, I had exactly three dollars in change in my pocket (debit cards are my life). When I told that to the security guy inside the 'establishment,' he suggested I go talk to one of the bouncers outside.
After explaining my dilemma, the bouncer pulled a $20 bill out of his wallet, handed it to me and said 'just bring me back the change.'
Wait a minute, it gets better.
The lovely young woman collecting the cover hands me back the change — a ten and some coins — and I return it to the bouncer with gratitude. He hands me back the coins and says 'buy yourself a couple of drinks.'
When I related this tale to a couple of local volunteers the next day, the answer was the same: Hey, we're Maritimers.
Yes, they are. The finest people in Canada, I say.
And they keep reminding me why every day I'm here.
Turns out there was a $5 cover charge to be paid and, wouldn't you know it, I had exactly three dollars in change in my pocket (debit cards are my life). When I told that to the security guy inside the 'establishment,' he suggested I go talk to one of the bouncers outside.
After explaining my dilemma, the bouncer pulled a $20 bill out of his wallet, handed it to me and said 'just bring me back the change.'
Wait a minute, it gets better.
The lovely young woman collecting the cover hands me back the change — a ten and some coins — and I return it to the bouncer with gratitude. He hands me back the coins and says 'buy yourself a couple of drinks.'
When I related this tale to a couple of local volunteers the next day, the answer was the same: Hey, we're Maritimers.
Yes, they are. The finest people in Canada, I say.
And they keep reminding me why every day I'm here.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Thrills Near Citadel Hill
They sure know how to build drama at Canadians.
Take a look at the draw for tonight's senior women's free skate at the Metro Centre: The final three skaters (in order) are Vancouver's Mira Leung (currently 3rd after the short program), Lesley Hawker of Barrie, Ont. (2nd) and two-time defending champion Joannie Rochette of Ile-Dupas, Que., who closes the show.
It'll be the same deal in Saturday's pairs free skate: Toronto's Kyra and Dylan Moscovitch, a surprising 4th in Thursday night's short program, followed by Jessica Dube of St. Cyrille de Wendover, Que., and Bryce Davison of Cambridge, Ont. (1st after short), Anabelle Langlois of Hull, Que., and Cody Hay of Grande Prairie, Alta. (3rd), and Valerie Marcoux of Gatineau, Que., and Craig Buntin, of Kelowna, B.C. (2nd), who are aiming for their fourth straight title.
We know one thing: CTV and TSN have to be loving this.
*** We're guessing the Canadian championships remains necessary programming for the folks at Jack Astor's in Barrie. When Hawker worked there, her fellow staffers were always sure to tune in (as CBC showed during a special it filmed last season). As Lesley once put it (as only Lesley can), “they discovered the girls wear short skirts when we skate.” Now Langlois is a waitress there (taking the torch from Hawker, no doubt), so it's a good bet the pairs short program was on at least one TV in the joint Thursday night.
*** A most reliable Halifax source informs your faithful blogger that a 'pole dancing' fitness class that's just started up in this fine city teaches participants a move called 'the skater.' Nice to see they've caught the spirit of the week, one might say.
Take a look at the draw for tonight's senior women's free skate at the Metro Centre: The final three skaters (in order) are Vancouver's Mira Leung (currently 3rd after the short program), Lesley Hawker of Barrie, Ont. (2nd) and two-time defending champion Joannie Rochette of Ile-Dupas, Que., who closes the show.
It'll be the same deal in Saturday's pairs free skate: Toronto's Kyra and Dylan Moscovitch, a surprising 4th in Thursday night's short program, followed by Jessica Dube of St. Cyrille de Wendover, Que., and Bryce Davison of Cambridge, Ont. (1st after short), Anabelle Langlois of Hull, Que., and Cody Hay of Grande Prairie, Alta. (3rd), and Valerie Marcoux of Gatineau, Que., and Craig Buntin, of Kelowna, B.C. (2nd), who are aiming for their fourth straight title.
We know one thing: CTV and TSN have to be loving this.
*** We're guessing the Canadian championships remains necessary programming for the folks at Jack Astor's in Barrie. When Hawker worked there, her fellow staffers were always sure to tune in (as CBC showed during a special it filmed last season). As Lesley once put it (as only Lesley can), “they discovered the girls wear short skirts when we skate.” Now Langlois is a waitress there (taking the torch from Hawker, no doubt), so it's a good bet the pairs short program was on at least one TV in the joint Thursday night.
*** A most reliable Halifax source informs your faithful blogger that a 'pole dancing' fitness class that's just started up in this fine city teaches participants a move called 'the skater.' Nice to see they've caught the spirit of the week, one might say.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Married and Lovin' It
A Halifax Chronicle-Herald story the other day referred to Lesley Hawker as 'Mrs. Jamie Doherty,' a reference to the fine young Kanata lad she married back in June.
While such a term might seem just a trifle (or more) old fashioned in this day and age, Hawker admits to being a 'traditional' lady. And she didn't mind it one bit.
“It doesn't bother me at all,” said 25-year-old favourite of us media types (hey, how could you not like her?) from Barrie, smiling as usual.
(Lesley reports that Mr. Doherty got quite the kick out of it when he read it online).
Canadians this week offers a rare treat for Hawker — quality time with her new hubby at a skating event. They don't see a lot of each other during the season: Hawker trains in Detroit with coach Richard Callaghan, while Doherty is doing stem cell research at the University of Toronto (she thinks the 'scientist and skater' thing is a rather perfect match, by the way).
Basically, it's weekends together and that's about it, which isn't exactly the ideal way to begin a marriage. But Hawker calls her husband “a super supporter” of her skating dreams, which are far from done yet even though her age might suggest otherwise to some (worth noting: She was asking yesterday if anyone knew yet where next year's Canadians are. Yes, she plans to be there. And yes, as a competitor).
While Hawker admits the figure skating world she inhabits “is not his world in the least,” Doherty will no doubt be her No. 1 fan in the Metro Centre later this week when the women's event gets going for real (with all due respect to her parents, of course, who are also making the trip).
And for those of you who were all out of sorts about the nasty weather you had to fight through to get here on Monday, the other side of the story: Hawker flew from Detroit to Toronto on her way here, but her flight to Halifax got cancelled until Tuesday. So she got to spend a precious extra night with Jamie in Toronto before leaving.
Now, doesn't that newlywed thought make you all feel a little bit better?
While such a term might seem just a trifle (or more) old fashioned in this day and age, Hawker admits to being a 'traditional' lady. And she didn't mind it one bit.
“It doesn't bother me at all,” said 25-year-old favourite of us media types (hey, how could you not like her?) from Barrie, smiling as usual.
(Lesley reports that Mr. Doherty got quite the kick out of it when he read it online).
Canadians this week offers a rare treat for Hawker — quality time with her new hubby at a skating event. They don't see a lot of each other during the season: Hawker trains in Detroit with coach Richard Callaghan, while Doherty is doing stem cell research at the University of Toronto (she thinks the 'scientist and skater' thing is a rather perfect match, by the way).
Basically, it's weekends together and that's about it, which isn't exactly the ideal way to begin a marriage. But Hawker calls her husband “a super supporter” of her skating dreams, which are far from done yet even though her age might suggest otherwise to some (worth noting: She was asking yesterday if anyone knew yet where next year's Canadians are. Yes, she plans to be there. And yes, as a competitor).
While Hawker admits the figure skating world she inhabits “is not his world in the least,” Doherty will no doubt be her No. 1 fan in the Metro Centre later this week when the women's event gets going for real (with all due respect to her parents, of course, who are also making the trip).
And for those of you who were all out of sorts about the nasty weather you had to fight through to get here on Monday, the other side of the story: Hawker flew from Detroit to Toronto on her way here, but her flight to Halifax got cancelled until Tuesday. So she got to spend a precious extra night with Jamie in Toronto before leaving.
Now, doesn't that newlywed thought make you all feel a little bit better?
This Land Is Our Land
You bring together a couple hundred or so folks from across the country, you quickly find out what a vast land it is that we all call home.
It's a virtual geography lesson everywhere you turn.
Jeffrey Buttle's home town is listed as Smooth Rock Falls, a small burg in northern Ontario. Fellow Canadian champ Joannie Rochette hails from Ile-Dupas, a tiny village of about 500 about an hour this side of Montreal. And on and on it goes.
Just last night, I learned all about the famed Cherry Festival in Blenheim, a town of 4,800 in southwestern Ontario, not far from Chatham (Shae-Lynn Bourne's home town, don't ya know). The highlight of the festival is the Pit Spitting Contest, from which a winner emerges to contest a world championship somewhere in Michigan.
Of course, all of this was amusing to moi because I spent a number of years working in St. Thomas, which happens to be about an hour's drive east of Blenheim (with hotspots such as Dutton, West Lorne, Rodney and Ridgetown along the way).
St. T was a major railway hub back in the day, and its biggest claim to fame is that P.T. Barnum's largest elephant (the aptly named Jumbo) met its demise on the Grand Trunk line there in 1885. There is even a life-sized statue in the west end of the city that was erected in memory of the giant pachyderm. A former mayor once had 'Jumbo' as his licence plate (no, I'm not making any of this up).
But I digress ...
My source for the Blenheim gem was none other than Skate Canada's fine young 'facility manager' at the Halifax Civic Centre (a.k.a. the Forum), which is serving as the practice rink here. The word is that, like most practice rinks at Canadians, it's colder than ... well, outside ... there. In other words, like a lot of the small-town iceboxes I used to cover junior hockey in during my St. T. life.
I don't doubt the Forum fits into the same category, given the source.
After all, Sarah is from Blenheim.
(though she happily — and wisely, I might add — now calls Ottawa home).
It's a virtual geography lesson everywhere you turn.
Jeffrey Buttle's home town is listed as Smooth Rock Falls, a small burg in northern Ontario. Fellow Canadian champ Joannie Rochette hails from Ile-Dupas, a tiny village of about 500 about an hour this side of Montreal. And on and on it goes.
Just last night, I learned all about the famed Cherry Festival in Blenheim, a town of 4,800 in southwestern Ontario, not far from Chatham (Shae-Lynn Bourne's home town, don't ya know). The highlight of the festival is the Pit Spitting Contest, from which a winner emerges to contest a world championship somewhere in Michigan.
Of course, all of this was amusing to moi because I spent a number of years working in St. Thomas, which happens to be about an hour's drive east of Blenheim (with hotspots such as Dutton, West Lorne, Rodney and Ridgetown along the way).
St. T was a major railway hub back in the day, and its biggest claim to fame is that P.T. Barnum's largest elephant (the aptly named Jumbo) met its demise on the Grand Trunk line there in 1885. There is even a life-sized statue in the west end of the city that was erected in memory of the giant pachyderm. A former mayor once had 'Jumbo' as his licence plate (no, I'm not making any of this up).
But I digress ...
My source for the Blenheim gem was none other than Skate Canada's fine young 'facility manager' at the Halifax Civic Centre (a.k.a. the Forum), which is serving as the practice rink here. The word is that, like most practice rinks at Canadians, it's colder than ... well, outside ... there. In other words, like a lot of the small-town iceboxes I used to cover junior hockey in during my St. T. life.
I don't doubt the Forum fits into the same category, given the source.
After all, Sarah is from Blenheim.
(though she happily — and wisely, I might add — now calls Ottawa home).
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
The Clouds Have Lifted
As I sit here at the first Canadians of a new quadrennial, I can't help thinking about how far this sport has moved beyond its darkest moment.
I refer, specifically, to the chill that surrounded the 2003 nationals in Saskatoon — and I'm not just talking about the -30C temperatures that greeted us on the Prairies for most of that week. It was the first Canadians after Salt Lake City 2002 and the worst judging scandal figure skating had ever seen (we'll spare you a recounting of the details of the Jamie Sale-David Pelletier mess, which has been told more than enough).
Anyways, let's just say not a lot of positive feeling was floating around Saskatoon that week.
Fast forward to this week and Halifax, where Canadians is getting a bright new makeover in terms of presentation. There's a flashy new logo and lots of buzz already about Vancouver 2010, which will be our first 'home' Olympics in 22 years.
Oh, yeah ... more spots for the world championships are at stake this week then we've seen in years. Three of everything except the women's discipline, which gets two. In other worlds, almost the largest team possible that will wear the red and white maple leaf in Tokyo in March.
Now that's something to shout about. And in a very good way, too.
NEWS AND NOTES
As a top 12 finisher last year, Ashton Tessier of the Minto Skating Club was exempt from the qualifying round.
***Skate Canada will announce the site of the 2008 Canadian championships on Sunday, after the conclusion of this event. Expect a western venue, given that the last three nationals have been held in London (2005), Ottawa (2006) and Halifax.
I refer, specifically, to the chill that surrounded the 2003 nationals in Saskatoon — and I'm not just talking about the -30C temperatures that greeted us on the Prairies for most of that week. It was the first Canadians after Salt Lake City 2002 and the worst judging scandal figure skating had ever seen (we'll spare you a recounting of the details of the Jamie Sale-David Pelletier mess, which has been told more than enough).
Anyways, let's just say not a lot of positive feeling was floating around Saskatoon that week.
Fast forward to this week and Halifax, where Canadians is getting a bright new makeover in terms of presentation. There's a flashy new logo and lots of buzz already about Vancouver 2010, which will be our first 'home' Olympics in 22 years.
Oh, yeah ... more spots for the world championships are at stake this week then we've seen in years. Three of everything except the women's discipline, which gets two. In other worlds, almost the largest team possible that will wear the red and white maple leaf in Tokyo in March.
Now that's something to shout about. And in a very good way, too.
NEWS AND NOTES
***Amelie Lacoste of Delson, Que., who finished fifth in the senior women's event a year ago, withdrew on the weekend. Lacoste has been battling a foot ailment for much of the season, which led to her dropping out of a scheduled Junior Grand Prix assignment in the Czech Republic in October. A few weeks before Christmas, she was hopeful she'd skate here in Halifax, but the injury clearly didn't respond in time.
***Kanata's Mandy Valentine, a former Canadian novice women's champ who's been battling injuries for much of the past two seasons, also dropped out of the senior event. She has been training in Vancouver with coach Joanne McLeod for much of this season.As a top 12 finisher last year, Ashton Tessier of the Minto Skating Club was exempt from the qualifying round.
***Skate Canada will announce the site of the 2008 Canadian championships on Sunday, after the conclusion of this event. Expect a western venue, given that the last three nationals have been held in London (2005), Ottawa (2006) and Halifax.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Now Wasn't That Fun
Well, we made it.
Doesn't it figure (pun intended). The first real dose of winter we get in Ottawa this year, and it has to hit the day of the flight to Halifax, and the 2007 Canadians.
Between our plane being stuck in Montreal (they eventually found us another one) and de-icing, we were two hours late leaving. Fortunately, a couple of my CTV pals (the lovely and talented Lynn and Brenda Nightingale of Kanata) were stuck waiting, too, so we passed the time gabbing about all things skating.
Finally got to the hotel at 6. The weather's nasty, but the good folks here manage to greet you with a smile at every turn, and they're helpful as hell.
Then again, they are Maritimers.
God, I love this part of our fair land.
Anyways, enough about the trek here.
Let the skating begin!
Doesn't it figure (pun intended). The first real dose of winter we get in Ottawa this year, and it has to hit the day of the flight to Halifax, and the 2007 Canadians.
Between our plane being stuck in Montreal (they eventually found us another one) and de-icing, we were two hours late leaving. Fortunately, a couple of my CTV pals (the lovely and talented Lynn and Brenda Nightingale of Kanata) were stuck waiting, too, so we passed the time gabbing about all things skating.
Finally got to the hotel at 6. The weather's nasty, but the good folks here manage to greet you with a smile at every turn, and they're helpful as hell.
Then again, they are Maritimers.
God, I love this part of our fair land.
Anyways, enough about the trek here.
Let the skating begin!
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