The pairs short program proved to be a very competitive event, with teams vying for the two spots to Junior Worlds next month in Sofia Bulgaria.
Monica Pisotta (16) and Michael Stewart (20) of Central Ontario placed first in the short program with 46.62 points. The team, who are in their last year of Junior eligibility, showed excellent speed, flow, and musical interpretation throughout their routine to Fire On Ice. They completed a throw triple toeloop (one of only to two teams to complete one), as well as synchronized side-by-side double Axels.
Paige Lawrence (17) and Rudi Swiegers (20) of Saskatoon placed second with 44.91 points. The team showed marked improvement and maturity since two years ago when they finished 14th in 2006 and 2007. Skating to music from The Mission soundtrack, they connected well with each other and the audience and Swiegers showed a gentleness in how he presented his partner. He fell on his jump in the side-by-side double Axels, but this didn’t effect the rest of the program which included a good double twist, throw triple toeloop, and level 3 straightline footwork.
In a close third with 44.20 points, are Christi Anne Steele (16) and Adam Johnson (19) of Western Ontario. The team, who placed fifth last year at this event, showed good speed and confidence in their routine to Assassin’s Tango, but lacked the real tango expression. Their routine, however, featured a good double twist and two level four spins.
Olivia Jones (14) and Donald Jackson (21) of Quebec are fourth with 44.19 points. The JGP Lake Placid champions showed great expression of the music to Rich Man’s Frug, pleasing the crowd with their connectivity and high energy.
Sara Jones (12) and Jeremy Sandor (18) of Quebec are in fifth place with 43.17 points.
