IN REGINA
Skating Saskatchewan
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ring all of the top figure skaters of Saskatchewan together, and there’s a rink full of talent, competition, and friendship. The 2010 BMO Skate Canada Saskatchewan Sectional Championships, held in Regina on November 13, 14, and 15, was just that, as the provincial championships showed off the best of Saskatchewan. The competition moves around the province each year, and Regina showcased its own skaters while hosting an excellent field of competitors. Regina skater Garrett Gosselin, who won his age category for the sixth time, enjoyed the chance to skate his program and see his friends. “I really like this (competition) because all the skaters from Saskatchewan are brought together, and I get to see how everyone’s doing and watch all of my friends,” said Gosselin. “It’s kind of nerve-wracking hoping that my friends will skate well and qualify to the next round with me.” Gosselin didn’t have any competition in the Junior Men category, and so automatically moved to the next round, the West Divisionals in Mississauga, Ontario, from which 14 skaters move to the national competition. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve his spot. Gosselin placed second in junior nationals last year, and has set high goals for himself. “I hope to receive what’s called an international assignment… and skate at Junior Grand Prix all over the world,” he said. “And then through the next few years, I hope to move up to seniors eventually – the highest level. And one day become the Canadian champion and make it to the Olympics.”
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A road like this isn’t always the easiest to take. Gosselin, in Grade 12, lives in Saskatoon as that’s where his coach, Sylvie Wandzura lives. Next year he will most likely move to Barrie, Ontario. But this is where it all started, in Saskatchewan. “I can use this (competition) to my advantage when I don’t have any additional pressure on me and I can just skate the programs,” he said. “But I like competitions where there are other skaters and higher competitors and I get energy from them. I get a rush of adrenaline when I’m competing against them, and I like that and I like learning how to control that. Here the goal is to skate my best.” Skate Saskatchewan is an event that all skaters in the province look forward to as a goal they hope to achieve. Technical representative Margie Sanderson, who ensures the event runs smoothly and on time, said this competition pushes all figure skaters in the sport that draws athletes from all over Saskatchewan. “For a child growing up on the prairies, a great amount of our time is winter, and this is a sport that they can take part in very small towns and have instructors,” she said. The competition features skaters of all levels, from national champions – such as senior pairs provincial champions Paige Lawrence and Rudi Swiegers of Wawota – to beginner pre-novice skaters. For some skaters, the provincial championships are the perfect place to perform and try the high level of competition. Novice skater Christine Laprairie of Regina skated in her first provincial championships this year, and was excited for the event.
ADRENALINE Regina Sports Dec/Jan. 2009-10