Suspense in Saskatoon: Malinin (USA), Stellato-Dudek/Deschamps (CAN) aiming at ISU Grand Prix Final at Skate Canada

FIGURE SKATING

Suspense in Saskatoon: Malinin (USA), Stellato-Dudek/Deschamps (CAN) aiming at ISU Grand Prix Final at Skate Canada

30 Oct 2025

ISU World Champion Ilia Malinin (USA) and 2024 ISU World Champions Deanna Stellato-Dudek/Maxime Deschamps (CAN) are aiming at sealing their spot in the ISU Grand Prix Final this week at Skate Canada International in Saskatoon, SK (CAN) while other top stars enter the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series 2025/26 now.

The top contenders in Saskatoon

Ilia Malinin (USA) has set his eyes on the Final

Ilia Malinin (USA) aims to qualify for his fourth consecutive ISU Grand Prix Final Photo © ISU

Two-time and reigning ISU World Champion Ilia Malinin (USA) has set his eyes firmly on the Final after winning his first event, the Grand Prix de France in Angers
ISU Grand Prix Finalist Kevin Aymoz (FRA) competes in his first ISU Grand Prix this season
ISU Grand Prix de France bronze medalist Nika Egadze (GEO) is looking for another podium finish and has a shot to make it to the Final for the first time
Kao Miura (JPN) and Kazuki Tomono (JPN) are other podium contenders

Ami Nakai (JPN) has high hopes

Ami Nakai (JPN) hopes to get into the ISU Grand Prix Final in her first senior-level season Photo © ISU

Ami Nakai (JPN) has high hopes to qualify for the Final following her surprise victory at the Grand Prix de France
2025 ISU World bronze medalist Mone Chiba (JPN) will compete in her first ISU Grand Prix this season
2024 ISU World silver medalist Isabeau Levito (USA) is aiming at the podium after missing it narrowly in France
Other medal hopefuls include Lara Naki Gutmann (ITA) and Sarah Everhardt (USA)

Deanna Stellato-Dudek/Maxime Deschamps (CAN) to face Minerva Hase/Nikita Volodin (GER)

Minerva Hase/Nikita Volodin (GER) start at Skate Canada into the ISU Grand Prix series Photo © ISU

2024 ISU World Champions Deanna Stellato-Dudek/Maxime Deschamps (CAN) want to secure their spot in the ISU Grand Prix Final on home ice after taking silver at the Grand Prix de France
2025 ISU World silver medalists Minerva Hase/Nikita Volodin (GER) compete in their first ISU Grand Prix event and are looking to mine gold in Saskatoon
2023 ISU Grand Prix Finalists Lia Pereira/Trennt Michaud (CAN) and 2024 ISU Grand Prix Finalists Ellie Kam/Danny O’Shea (USA) hope to return to the Grand Prix podium as well

ISU World silver medalists Piper Gilles/Paul Poirier (CAN) lead the Ice Dance

The ISU Grand Prix Skate Canada International is the first competition of the season for Piper Gilles/Paul Poirier (CAN) Photo © ISU

Four-time ISU World medalists Piper Gilles/Paul Poirier (CAN) headline the Ice Dance competition and are looking for a strong start into the Olympic season
Two-time ISU Grand Prix Finalists Marjorie Lajoie/Zachary Lagha (CAN) want to challenge their teammates
2025 Grand Prix de France bronze medalists Allison Reed/Saulius Ambrulevicius (LTU) are looking for another medal on the circuit
Christina Carreira/Anthony Ponomarenko (USA) seem ready to challenge for the podium again

The schedule of the ISU Grand Prix Skate Canada International is as follows:

Friday, October 31: Women’s & Pairs Short Programs
Saturday, November 1: Rhythm Dance, Men’s Short Program, Women’s & Pairs Free Skating
Sunday, November 2: Men’s Free Skating, Free Dance

ISU Grand Prix Standings

Check out who is on their way to qualify for the ISU Grand Prix Final:

Men Women Pairs Ice Dance

For full entry lists and further information regarding the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series please visit here.

Where to Watch

Follow the Where to Watch News here.

Connect with the world of ice skating through the new ISU App.

Follow the ISU Grand Prix events:

The schedules of each ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating event are available below:

17 - 19 Oct 2025 Grand Prix de France in Angers (FRA)

24 - 26 Oct 2025 Cup of China in Chongqing (CHN)

31 Oct-2 Nov 2025 Skate Canada International in Saskatoon (CAN)