LETHBRIDGE — Figure skating’s brightest stars are in Lethbridge this week, but the biggest name is a homegrown Canadian.
Three-time world champion Patrick Chan is set to make his return to competitive skating at Skate Canada International after taking a one-year hiatus.
“Some may say, ‘well, sometimes competing at home is a little more nerve-wracking,'” said Chan. “But, I’m at a point in my career where I’ve been through the Vancouver Olympics in 2010 and anything after that is really a comfort zone, and that’s how I feel here.”
Chan won a silver medal at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia. He then decided to take time off to skate on the professional, non-competitive circuit and enjoy some time away from the ice.
However, now that he’s back in action, his goals are again set on the highest level of the sport.
“My goal is to prepare for the world championships in March 2016,” said Chan. “So, these events are very helpful in getting myself back into that competitive mindset.”
Chan’s return comes in the men’s short program Friday at 5:45 p.m. when he’ll skate to the song “Mack the Knife” by Michael Buble.
The chance for young skating fans to see stars such as Chan up close is part of the appeal of hosting Skate Canada International.
“It’s so important for them to be inspired and often it just takes that spark,” said Skate Canada CEO Dan Thompson.
He admits the return of Chan is adding some lustre to an already sparkling event.
“This is a special moment for Patrick,” said Thompson. “He’s one of Canada’s greatest skaters and he’s here to show the world that he’s back at it.”
Skate Canada International takes place at the Enmax Centre in Lethbridge from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1.
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