Edmonton Oilers hire former Olympic champion David Pelletier as skating coach

Watch above: If you notice a little more elegance in the way the Edmonton Oilers skate this season, a new addition to the coaching staff might be the reason why. John Sexsmith reports. 

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers have added former Olympic figure skating champion David Pelletier as a skating coach.

Pelletier is best known for winning the Olympic gold in pairs figure skating along with partner Jamie Sale at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. The Canadians were awarded gold medals along with a Russian pair after a judging scandal.

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It was Canada’s first Olympic gold in pairs figure skating in 42 years.

Pelletier, a 39-year-old from Sayabec, Que., also paired with Sale to win three Canadian champions, a World champions, and a Grand-Prix Final title.

He has been inducted into the Skate Canada Hall of Fame, the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame and the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.

Since retiring from professional figure skating, Pelletier has worked as a power skating coach with several professional and junior athletes as well as members of the Canadian women’s hockey team.