As we brace for the impending winter season, the winter Olympic sports calendar is fast approaching, with premier competitions in curling and figure skating set to kick off in the next few weeks.
The Grand Slam season will commence shortly with the Invitational in Victoria, featuring a series of five events culminating in the Players’ Cup in mid-December. Following this, the Rock League, operated by the same entity overseeing the Slams, will launch its full season comprising five tournaments across Canada and the United States starting in early January. The Rock League’s unique format includes six “franchises” with 10 players each from different countries.
In long track speed skating, the World Cup tour will begin in Beijing in mid-November and conclude in Calgary in early February. Last season, Canada secured five medals in Milan, with standout performances by athletes like Ivanie Blondin, Valérie Maltais, Isabelle Weidemann, and Laurent Dubreuil. Some notable retirements have occurred, including Blondin and Ted-Jan Bloemen, indicating a potential shift in the sport’s landscape.
Short track speed skating star Will Dandjinou has decided to explore long track speed skating after a disappointing Olympics. Meanwhile, Steven Dubois and Courtney Sarault have been making waves in short track events, with Dubois clinching gold and Sarault securing multiple medals in recent competitions.
In the realm of figure skating, the Grand Prix circuit will kick off in France before heading to Canada, offering skaters the chance to compete in various disciplines. Notable Canadian skaters like Piper Gilles, Paul Poirier, Lia Pereira, and Trennt Michaud are expected to make an impact this season.
As the winter sports season unfolds, fans can also look forward to exciting events in hockey, alpine skiing, ski and snowboard cross, and freestyle skiing. With a variety of competitions and championships on the horizon, the upcoming season promises thrilling action and potential breakthroughs for Canadian athletes across different disciplines.
