Music: {allcanada} OLYMPIC HOPEFULS ATTEND SKATE CANADA CHALLENGE QUALIFIER

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

{allcanada} OLYMPIC HOPEFULS ATTEND SKATE CANADA CHALLENGE QUALIFIER

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REGINA -- A familiar name in Canadian pairs figure skating is taking to the ice in Regina over the next five days with a new goal.

Jessica Dube is at the Skate Canada Challenge where she will be attempting to qualify in singles.

The 24-year-old from Drummondville, Que., was a three-time Canadian pairs champion with partner Bryce Davison and represented Canada at the 2006 and 2010 Olympics.

Despite their successes, the couple were plagued with injuries, including a horrible gash to Dube's face when she was hit by the blade of Davison's skate in 2007.

A serious knee injury in 2010 ultimately ended Davison's skating career and he is now at Skate Canada Challenge as a coach.

Dube skated as a singles skater that season, though this year she has also competed in pairs with new partner Sebastien Wolfe.

More than 500 skaters will compete in their disciplines over the next five days at the Co-operators Centre.

"It's a great event to come and watch. Lots of colour, lots of great music, and of course, lots of great skating," said Debbie Rodger of the organizing committee.

The Skate Canada Challenge is the national championship for pre-novice skaters, and also serves as a qualifying competition for novice, junior and senior skaters who will advance to the Canadian Figure Skating Championships in Moncton.

Sherry-Lyn Zuro, manager of events for Skate Canada, said among the group is likely at least one future Olympian.

"At one point in time (former Olympians) have definitely skated at Challenge or what used to be called divisionals." she said.

This event has taken place in Mississauga, Ont., over the better part of the decade but Skate Canada is happy to have found another location for the high-profile event.