The Junior division keeps improving overall as the years progress. Winterfest brought out some of the best performances of the season, as everyone wanted that world team spot. Following the short program, teams were separated by margins.
rnNEXXICE, last years Junior Team Canada 2, was leading the division with 75.94 points. Following 2 points behind, Les Suprêmes came in with 73.84 points. Nova trailed with 60.22 points and Gold Ice earned 55.91 points. As always in the synchronized skating world, it was anyone’s game. With that in mind, the next day of long programs was high attack and a fierce day of skates.
rnAll teams pushed it to the limit and earned high scores. NEXXICE won the division and earned the 2019 spot of Junior Team Canada 1. Earning a total of 186.70 points, it is clear in their ambition to make this spot for this year. Les Suprêmes followed with a total score of 178.78. They also earned the spot of Team Canada 2 at Junior Worlds this year held in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Nova received the bronze medal with a score of 152.67. Gold Ice glided for pewter and a score of 145.25. Overall all the teams in the junior division brought what was needed to bring to make that world team. And we are excited to see how the rest of the season fares with these strong junior teams at the Canadian Nationals and the other competitions.
Although only two Senior teams entered the division this year, NEXXICE and Nova. Both teams still skated their best and optimized their performances to receive good scores. NEXXICE was in the lead on Friday with a short program score of 82.82. NEXXICE in the senior division has always been a top team. They received the bronze medal at the 2017 World Synchronized skating Championships and we do not expect less of them training for a podium spot this season as well. Nova followed in second place with a 57.07. Later this season, both of these teams will be fighting for a Worlds spot. And both of these teams are strong contenders. Along with Les Suprêmes, who was not at Winterfest this year.
rnIn the long program, NEXXICE stayed in the lead with a score of 129.36 for their free skate and a total of 212.18. Nova fought hard and earned a 124.99 in their free skate and a total of 182.06. Their free skate scores were very close and both teams are going to continue working hard in preparations for World Qualifier and Nationals. Which should make for an exciting rest of the season.
Winterfest is a huge event and many other divisions also competed last weekend. Check out the results below. We are excited to see the improvements and rest of the competition season!