by Kathy Stahr | Apr 5, 2015 | Member News
Ladies' U16 Slalom (left to right) Elvedina Rija (3rd); Nikola Bubakova (1st); Catherine Dufresne (2nd)
WHISTLER, B.C. – Catherine Dufresne of Montreal and Team Canada kept the focus on her skiing rather than results, and she’ll return home with two medals, including a silver in the women’s slalom on Sunday, to conclude the Mackenzie Investments Whistler Cup. Dufresne roared back from fifth spot after the first run to finish 2nd in 1:23.88.
Nikola Bubakova of the Czech Republic collected her second gold of the competition clocking a two-run time of 1:22.95. Elvedina Muzaferija of Bosnia-Herzegovina took the bronze in 1:23.91.
‘’I was really happy to make a comeback on the second run which was a lot tougher than first one,’’ said Dufresne. ‘’I gave all I had and it paid off.’’
Katie Fleckenstein of Whistler, Stephanie Profitt of Calgary and Kristina Natalenko of New Westminster, B.C., were fifth, sixth and seventh.
In the men’s giant slalom, Mikkel Solbakken of Norway completed a golden sweep of all three events clocking 1:50.09. His compatriot Lucas Braathen was second in 1:53.21 and Hiroto Hasebe of Japan third in 1:53.26.
‘’This is the best I’ve ever skied in my career,’’ said Solbakken, 15, also the super G and slalom winner this weekend. ‘’I was having a great season in Europe and it just continued here.’’
Justin Vittecoq of Montreal was fourth in 1:53.50 as Canadians grabbed the next eight positions.
‘’I missed all of last season with a broken collarbone so just being at the Whistler Cup this year is a big step for me,’’ said Vittecoq.
Norway placed first in the U16 Nations Cup standings with 235 points followed by Canada with 153 and Japan with 104.
The Whistler Cup also welcomed U14 athletes from around the world for the 2015 U14 International Festival. Over the three days they raced a dual slalom, a slalom and a giant slalom. In the end, the Team Japan was victorious in the points race, earning 127.5 points, followed by Team Chile in second with 103 points, and Team BC in third with 97.5 points.
Congratulations to the following recipients of the prestigious Nancy Greene and Dave Murray Awards, given out annually at the Whistler Cup:
U14 Nancy Greene Award (top performance by a Canadian female) – Daisy Taylor (Toronto Ski Club, Team Ontario)
U14 Dave Murray Award (top performance by a Canadian male) – Liam Applegath (Kamloops, Sun Peaks Alpine Club, Team BC)
U16 Nancy Greene Award (top performance by a Canadian female) – Catherine Dufresne (Montreal, Team Canada)
U16 Dave Murray Award (top performance by a Canadian male) – Kyle Alexander (North Vancouver, Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Team BC)
Catherine Dufresne punches her way to silver medal finish (Photo Credit: Coast Mountain Photography)
Women's Slalom (COMPLETE OFFICIAL RESULTS)
|
Rank |
Bib |
Name |
Team |
Club |
Result 1 |
Result 2 |
Combined |
|
1 |
12 |
BUBAKOVA Nikola
|
CZE
|
CZE
|
40.96 (1)
|
42.00 (1)
|
1:22.96
|
|
2 |
23 |
DUFRESNE Catherine
|
CAN
|
CAN
|
41.83 (5)
|
42.05 (2)
|
1:23.88
|
|
3 |
6 |
MUZAFERIJA Elvedina
|
BIH
|
BIH
|
41.57 (4)
|
42.34 (3)
|
1:23.91
|
|
4 |
20 |
NYBERG Martine Fosmo
|
NOR
|
NOR
|
42.39 (9)
|
42.63 (4)
|
1:25.02
|
|
5 |
2 |
FLECKENSTEIN Katie
|
CAN
|
CAN
|
42.07 (7)
|
43.15 (7)
|
1:25.22
|
|
6 |
29 |
PROFITT Stephanie
|
CAN2
|
CAN2
|
42.38 (8)
|
42.98 (6)
|
1:25.36
|
|
7 |
32 |
NATALENKO Kristina
|
CAN3
|
CAN3
|
43.00 (13)
|
42.87 (5)
|
1:25.87
|
|
8 |
7 |
KATAGIRI Asami
|
JPN
|
JPN
|
42.49 (10)
|
43.40 (11)
|
1:25.89
|
|
9 |
48 |
KATTLER Tia
|
AB
|
AB
|
42.75 (11)
|
43.40 (11)
|
1:26.15
|
|
10 |
17 |
OKOSHI Saya
|
JPN
|
JPN
|
43.08 (14)
|
43.33 (9)
|
1:26.41
|
Men's Giant Slalom (COMPLETE OFFICIAL RESULTS)
|
Rank |
Bib |
Name |
Team |
Club |
Class |
Result 1 |
Result 2 |
Combined |
|
1 |
14 |
SOLBAKKEN Mikkel
|
NOR
|
NOR
|
|
53.27 (1)
|
56.82 (1)
|
1:50.09
|
|
2 |
20 |
BRAATHEN Lucas
|
NOR
|
NOR
|
|
54.63 (2)
|
58.58 (15)
|
1:53.21
|
|
3 |
10 |
HASEBE Hiroto
|
JPN
|
JPN
|
|
55.59 (6)
|
57.67 (3)
|
1:53.26
|
|
4 |
12 |
VITTECOQ Justin
|
CAN
|
CAN
|
|
54.73 (3)
|
58.77 (17)
|
1:53.50
|
|
5 |
48 |
WALLACE Liam
|
AB
|
AB
|
|
56.00 (9)
|
57.52 (2)
|
1:53.52
|
|
6 |
33 |
JORDAN Asher
|
CAN2
|
CAN2
|
|
55.29 (4)
|
58.38 (8)
|
1:53.67
|
|
7 |
47 |
WOOLLEY Kasper
|
BC
|
BC
|
|
56.02 (10)
|
58.01 (6)
|
1:54.03
|
|
8 |
28 |
CASSELMAN Jamie
|
CAN
|
CAN
|
|
55.77 (7)
|
58.39 (10)
|
1:54.16
|
|
9 |
43 |
WATSON Hunter
|
ON
|
ON
|
|
55.84 (8)
|
58.61 (16)
|
1:54.45
|
|
10 |
37 |
DONALD Gavin
|
CAN3
|
CAN3
|
|
56.86 (20)
|
57.72 (4)
|
1:54.58
|
Thank you to Whistler Cup official photographers Coast Mountain Photography for all the beautiful race day images HERE
To watch some of the amazing ViaSport live-streamed footage, check out the live-stream archives on your computer, tablet or mobile device www.viasport.ca/whistler-cup
by Kathy Stahr | Apr 4, 2015 | Member News
Team Canada's Asher Jordan (WMSC) finishes 4th as fastest Canadian in the men's U16 Whistler Cup slalom (Photo Credit: Coast Mountain Photography)
WHISTLER, B.C. – Catherine Dufresne of Montreal continued a strong season on Saturday when she finished third and earned the bronze medal in the women’s giant slalom under warm and sticky snow conditions at the Mackenzie Investments Whistler Cup alpine skiing competition.
Nikola Bubakova of the Czech Republic won the women’s GS with a two-run combined time of 1:53.47. Elvedina Muzaferija of Bosnia followed in 1:54.60, while Dufresne, fourth after the first run, reached the podium clocking 1:55.67.
‘’It went a lot better than expected,’’ said Dufresne, 15, coming off victories in the super G and GS at the recent Can Am Championships. ‘’I wasn’t focused as much on performance as on how I skied. The conditions were difficult and I managed it well.’’
In the men’s slalom, Mikkel Solbakken and Markus Fossland, both of Norway, were 1-2 once again, as they were in Friday’s super G. Solbakken clocked a two-run combined time of one minute and 20.32 seconds and Fossland finished in 1:22.57. Hiroto Hasebe of Japan was third in 1:22.70.
‘’It was a very challenging course,’’ said Solbakken. ‘’I knew I built a good lead on the first run so I kept the same strategy for the second.’’
The next six finishers were Canadian led by Asher Jordan of Whistler in fourth who clocked 1:24.73. Gavin Donald of Vernon, B.C., and Adrien Grabinski of Calgary tied for fifth in 1:24.75.
‘’I was very happy with my performance,’’ said Jordan. ‘’The conditions were challenging with the wet sticky snow and I was happy to finish both my runs.’’
Women's U16 GS (COMPLETE OFFICIAL RESULTS)
|
Rank |
Bib |
Name |
Team |
Club |
Result 1 |
Result 2 |
Combined |
|
1 |
2 |
BUBAKOVA Nikola
|
CZE
|
CZE
|
56.82 (1)
|
56.65 (1)
|
1:53.47
|
|
2 |
7 |
MUZAFERIJA Elvedina
|
BIH
|
BIH
|
57.78 (2)
|
56.91 (3)
|
1:54.69
|
|
3 |
9 |
DUFRESNE Catherine
|
CAN
|
CAN
|
58.76 (4)
|
56.91 (3)
|
1:55.67
|
|
4 |
20 |
KATAGIRI Asami
|
JPN
|
JPN
|
58.89 (5)
|
57.22 (5)
|
1:56.11
|
|
5 |
3 |
MCKAY Eden
|
NZE
|
NZE
|
58.61 (3)
|
57.96 (12)
|
1:56.57
|
|
6 |
24 |
SAETHERENG Hannah
|
NOR
|
NOR
|
59.13 (7)
|
57.69 (9)
|
1:56.82
|
|
7 |
1 |
NYBERG Martine Fosmo
|
NOR
|
NOR
|
59.08 (6)
|
57.99 (13)
|
1:57.07
|
|
8 |
10 |
OKOSHI Saya
|
JPN
|
JPN
|
59.39 (8)
|
57.92 (11)
|
1:57.31
|
|
9 |
35 |
KORISTKOVA Eliska
|
CZE2
|
CZE2
|
1:00.19 (12)
|
57.63 (7)
|
1:57.82
|
|
10 |
11 |
HOFFMAN Maddison
|
AUS
|
AUS
|
59.87 (10)
|
58.04 (14)
|
1:57.91
|
Norway's Markus Fossland finished 2nd in today's U16 Men's slalom (Photo Credit: Coast Mountain Photography)
Thank you to Whistler Cup official photographers Coast Mountain Photography for all the beautiful race day images HERE
Men's U16 Slalom (COMPLETE OFFICIAL RESULTS)
|
Rank |
Bib |
Name |
Team |
Club |
Result 1 |
Result 2 |
Combined |
|
1 |
9 |
SOLBAKKEN Mikkel
|
NOR
|
NOR
|
38.80 (1)
|
41.52 (1)
|
1:20.32
|
|
2 |
17 |
FOSSLAND Markus
|
NOR
|
NOR
|
40.48 (3)
|
42.09 (2)
|
1:22.57
|
|
3 |
7 |
HASEBE Hiroto
|
JPN
|
JPN
|
39.98 (2)
|
42.72 (6)
|
1:22.70
|
|
4 |
34 |
JORDAN Asher
|
CAN2
|
CAN2
|
40.57 (4)
|
44.16 (17)
|
1:24.73
|
|
5 |
35 |
DONALD Gavin
|
CAN3
|
CAN3
|
42.30 (19)
|
42.45 (5)
|
1:24.75
|
|
6 |
68 |
COCHRANE Kelvin
|
AB2
|
AB2
|
41.43 (6)
|
43.56 (12)
|
1:24.99
|
|
7 |
32 |
MAYNE Zach
|
CAN2
|
CAN2
|
41.98 (13)
|
43.07 (8)
|
1:25.05
|
|
8 |
23 |
CASSELMAN Jamie
|
CAN
|
CAN
|
42.02 (14)
|
43.34 (10)
|
1:25.36
|
|
9 |
10 |
PIROZZI Roberto
|
CHI
|
CHI
|
43.13 (26)
|
42.30 (3)
|
1:25.43
|
|
10 |
51 |
HAYNES Liam
|
AB
|
AB
|
42.08 (15)
|
43.40 (11)
|
1:25.48
|
Japan's Hiroto Hasebe's bronze medal run (Photo Credit: Coast Mountain Photography)
Competition ends Sunday.
SCHEDULE: To view an event schedule and for more information about the Mackenzie Investments Whistler Cup go to www.whistlercup.com
LIVE STREAMING: Tune-in to the live-stream on your computer, tablet or mobile device starting Friday, April 3 at 930 AM PT: www.viasport.ca/whistler-cup
LIVE TIMING: Follow the Whistler Cup via live timing, at http://www.live-timing.com/index.php
by Kathy Stahr | Apr 3, 2015 | Member News
Robbie Dixon and Dani Robson with Team BC racers Katrina van Soest and Brooke Lukinuk (in those awesome jackets)
WHISTLER – Kyle Alexander of North Vancouver (Whistler Mountain Ski Club), and Samantha Boughner of Toronto were third place finishers in Friday’s super-G to open the Mackenzie Investments Whistler Cup alpine skiing competition.
Over 400 athletes from 25 countries are entered at the renowned international youth ski race, which is a favourite stop on the competition calendar for athletes aged 12 to 15. The Canadian team is comprised of nine men and nine women from Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia. Canada took the Nations Cup crown in 2013.
In the men’s super-G, held under ideal conditions, Mikkel Solbbaken led Norway to a 1-2 finish in 1:07.96. Markus Fossland followed in 1:10.02 and Kyle Alexander of the Whistler Mountain Ski Club snared the bronze in 1:10.32.
‘’It was a difficult course with many turns,’’ said the 15-year-old winner competing for the first time overseas. ‘’I was happy to do so well.’’
Alexander, who was skiing for Team BC, started late wearing bib 44, but said he felt comfortable on his home hill.
‘’I knew the course really well so I was pleased to make it into the medals,’’ said Alexander. ‘’It was a pretty bumpy ride skiing so late and I was a bit surprised I got on the podium.’’
Griffen Copp of Oakville, Ont., who placed fourth, was hoping to be closer to the winner.
‘’With a margin like that, there’s definitely room for improvement,’’ said the 15-year-old who won the super G at the Can-Am Championships this winter. ‘’I competed here last year so I knew the course was going to be fast.’’
Fifth place finisher Jamie Casselman of Cranbrook, B.C., found trouble at the bottom half of the course.
‘’I skied great at the top of the hill,’’ he said. ‘’ I timed the pitch pretty late and you can’t do that when you attain these speeds.’’
In the women’s super-G, Emma Aaseboe made it a golden sweep for Norway clocking first in 1:12.94. Maddison Hoffman of Australia was second in 1:13.07 and Samantha Boughner of Ontario and Team Canada, with a number-32 start bib, followed in 1:13.08.
‘’That was one of the biggest mountains I’ve ever raced on,’’ said Boughner, 16 . ‘’It was pretty scary but I held a clean edge.’’
Team Canada athletes
Thank you to Whistler Cup official photographers Coast Mountain Photography for all the beautiful race day images HERE
Women U16 Super-G (COMPLETE OFFICIAL RESULTS)
|
Rank |
Bib |
Name |
Team |
Club |
Result 1 |
|
1 |
4 |
SOLBAKKEN Mikkel
|
NOR
|
NOR
|
1:07.96 (1)
|
|
2 |
24 |
FOSSLAND Markus
|
NOR
|
NOR
|
1:10.02 (2)
|
|
3 |
44 |
ALEXANDER Kyle
|
BC
|
BC
|
1:10.32 (3)
|
|
4 |
21 |
COPP Griffen
|
CAN
|
CAN
|
1:10.43 (4)
|
|
5 |
29 |
CASSELMAN Jamie
|
CAN
|
CAN
|
1:10.68 (5)
|
|
6 |
1 |
NEILL Ned
|
AUS
|
AUS
|
1:10.91 (6)
|
|
7 |
13 |
VITTECOQ Justin
|
CAN
|
CAN
|
1:11.04 (7)
|
|
8 |
34 |
MAYNE Zach
|
CAN2
|
CAN2
|
1:11.06 (8)
|
|
9 |
25 |
BRAATHEN Lucas
|
NOR
|
NOR
|
1:11.10 (9)
|
|
10 |
54 |
WALLACE Liam
|
AB
|
AB
|
1:11.24 (10)
|
Men U16 Super-G (COMPLETE OFFICIAL RESULTS)
|
Rank |
Bib |
Name |
Team |
Club |
Result 1 |
|
1 |
1 |
AASEBOE Emma
|
NOR
|
NOR
|
1:12.94 (1)
|
|
2 |
5 |
HOFFMAN Maddison
|
AUS
|
AUS
|
1:13.07 (2)
|
|
3 |
32 |
BOUGHNER Samantha
|
CAN3
|
CAN3
|
1:13.08 (3)
|
|
4 |
19 |
KATAGIRI Asami
|
JPN
|
JPN
|
1:13.54 (4)
|
|
5 |
8 |
FLECKENSTEIN Katie
|
CAN
|
CAN
|
1:14.08 (5)
|
|
6 |
6 |
BUSHELL Georgia
|
NZE
|
NZE
|
1:14.20 (6)
|
|
7 |
24 |
SAETHERENG Hannah
|
NOR
|
NOR
|
1:14.23 (7)
|
|
8 |
18 |
DUFRESNE Catherine
|
CAN
|
CAN
|
1:14.66 (8)
|
|
9 |
17 |
NYBERG Martine Fosmo
|
NOR
|
NOR
|
1:14.77 (9)
|
|
10 |
4 |
MUZAFERIJA Elvedina
|
BIH
|
BIH
|
1:14.97 (10)
|
Competition continues through to Sunday.
SCHEDULE: To view an event schedule and for more information about the Mackenzie Investments Whistler Cup go to www.whistlercup.com
LIVE STREAMING: Tune-in to the live-stream on your computer, tablet or mobile device starting Friday, April 3 at 930 AM PT: www.viasport.ca/whistler-cup
LIVE TIMING: Follow the Whistler Cup via live timing, at http://www.live-timing.com/index.php
by Kathy Stahr | Apr 1, 2015 | Member News
FULL ALPINE CANADA STORY
WHISTLER, B.C. (April 1, 2015) — Alpine Canada Alpin is thrilled to announce the athletes who have been selected to represent team Canada at the 23rd annual Whistler Cup, presented by Mackenzie Investments, from April 3-5 in Whistler, B.C.
Over 400 athletes from 25 countries around the world will complete at the renowned international youth ski race, which is a favourite stop on the competition calendar for many.
Nine men and nine women from Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and BC will proudly represent team Canada, striving to capture the coveted Nations’ Cup title won by Canada in 2013. Team Canada athletes have gathered in Whistler prior to the start of the competition for a preparation camp.
Team Canada is fortunate to have National Team member and World Cup racer Robbie Dixon leading the charge this year as team captain for the Canadian Whistler Cup team. "I am really pumped to be involved with the Whistler Cup. Racing in my backyard, I know I can contribute to the success of our Canadian Team,” said Dixon.
“Given my circumstances this season, it has been great to get involved and give back to the ski racing community like this. It is very humbling and I am thrilled to be involved. There are 18 kids and I’m stoked to get to know them and see how they evolve,” said Dixon, currently recovering from an injury.
In addition, Team Canada will receive support from long-time coach and supporter of Alpine Canada Alpin, Bebe Zoricic through the Nik Zoricic (NZ) Foundation. Their contributions will help offset the costs for these young athletes to compete at this year’s event. "The Nik Zoricic (NZ) Foundation is honored to support the best U16 athletes racing at Whistler Cup,” said Bebe. “NZ Foundation will offset the cost for each athlete qualified for the U16 Canadian team."
Stunning images by will be posted daily by official Whistler Cup photographers, Coast Mountain Photography, CLICK HERE to view (once the competition is underway)!
A big thank you to our friend Dave Milley of Whistler Village Sports and the Sport Stop for making space in one of his Whistler stores for Team Canada athletes to tune their skis during Whistler Cup. Dave and his crew are big supporters of alpine racing!
TEAM CANADA – LADIES
Katie Fleckenstein – BC
Kristina Natalenko – BC
Rachel Kanan – Alberta
Stephanie Proffit – Alberta
Abby Harrison – Alberta
Samantha Boughner – Ontario
Catherine Dufrense – Quebec
Marina Villenova – Quebec
Camille Vibert – Ontario
TEAM CANADA – MEN
Asher Jordan – BC
Gavin Donald – BC
Cameron McGregor – Ontario
Griffen Copp – Ontario
Zach Mayne – Ontario
Justin Vittecoq – Quebec
Benjamin Mathieu – Quebec
Adrien Grabinski – Alberta
Jamie Casselman – Alberta
SCHEDULE: To view an event schedule and for more information about the Mackenzie Investments Whistler Cup go to www.whistlercup.com
LIVE STREAMING: Tune-in to the live-stream on your computer, tablet or mobile device starting Friday, April 3 at 930 AM PT: www.viasport.ca/whistler-cup
LIVE TIMING: Follow the Whistler Cup via live timing, at http://www.live-timing.com/index.php
by Kathy Stahr | Mar 31, 2015 | Member News
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
DEL BOSCO & SHERRET WIN THE SPORT CHEK CANADIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Smithers, BC (March 31, 2015) – Chris Del Bosco, of Montreal, who is no stranger to the podium battled his fellow national team members, as well as the up-and-coming generation of ski cross athletes to win the Sport Chek Canadian National Championship title. On the women’s side, this year’s title went to rising star India Sherret.
Hudson Bay Mountain, with the support of the Tabor Mountain course builders, built a track which provided the chance for both up-and-coming and veteran athletes to battle it out for the 2015 National Championship title and that they did. It was up-and-coming India Sherret who claimed the Women’s National Champion title. Abby McEwen finished 2nd and Zoe Chore was 3rd. The trio also claimed the Women’s Junior National Championship podium in the same order.
“The race went really well for me, I was skiing really well especially at the starts, got pole shot after the first set of rollers and even though my technical skiing wasn’t super on point I was skiing well enough to keep the lead while working through all the features to take the win,” explained Sherret. “It is really exciting to be this year’s National Champion.”
The community of Smithers, Hudson Bay Mountain and Smithers Ski and Snowboard Club provided an incredible atmosphere for spectator’s to cheer and watch all the races.
At the Ski Cross National Championship Banquet, on behalf of Alpine Canada Alpin, the Canadian Ski Cross team presented the following awards:
2015 Alpine Canada Alpin – Ski Cross Awards
Top Performer Junior
Awarded to the top U21 athlete in Canada based on performance, committee recommendations and High Performance staff input
o Male: Kris Mahler
o Female: India Sherett
Top Performer World Cup
Awarded to the top World Cup athlete in Canada based on performance, committee recommendations and High Performance staff input
o Male: Brady Leman (Bronze medal: Val Thorens, FR & Silver: Megeve, FR. Pass of the year in Megeve!)
o Female: Marielle Thompson (3 World Cup victories)
Nik Zoricic Award
Awarded to an athlete who best represents sportsmanship, dedication to their sport and teammates
o Male : Louis-Pierre Helie
o Female: Marielle Thompson
Best Race Organizing Committee (ROC)
Awarded to the best ROC based on their event quality, volunteers, officials, organization and passion towards the sport of ski cross
o Smithers Ski and Snowboard Club (SSSC) – SSSC hosted the Canadian Championships with 1 week notice after Tabor Mountain had to cancel due to limited snow. Congulations to Gary Huxtable, Jan Wenglin, Phil Bernier, their team of volunteers and the Hudson Bay Resort for hosting an incredible National Championships.
o Fernie Alpine Ski Team (FAST) – FAST hosted the Western Canadian Ski Cross series and ski cross NorAm event with challenging weather and snow conditions. Their ROC developed a new model for organizing athletes and communication between finishing heat results and the starter. Congratulations to Rodd Timm, Lyle Skaien, Gordon Reese and their ROC.
Best Ski Cross Track
Awarded to the best ski cross track in Canada
o Tabor Mountain Resort – hosted the 2015 Canada Winter Games. Their course was designed by Jeff Ihaksi of White Industries along the passion and knowledge of the resort owners Fern Thibault and his son Mitch. It is truly a best standard for Canadian ski resorts as the course can easily accommodate entry level competitions to World Cup events.
Best Ski Club of the Year
Awarded to the best ski club in Canada for creating pathways for athletes interested in pursuing ski cross at Provincial, National and International levels
o Alberta Ski Cross Association (ABSX) – The ABSX program is designed to improve alpine technical skills and ski cross skills and has an inventory of ski cross specific training equipment to help optimize athlete-training environments.
Sport Development Leader
Awarded to an individual who has made significant contributions to the development pathway of ski cross in Canada.
o Jim Hemlin – Jim has started a ski cross specific club in Mount Saint Marie, Quebec. The club focuses on ski cross with technical elements of GS skiing to enhance skill improvement for athletes in their program. In collaboration with the ski area they have built a full time ski cross training environment.
Coach of the Year
Awarded to a coach who has demonstrated continued progression in their coaching and success with their athletes
o Sead Causevic – Sead has led his athletes to podiums at the Europa Cup and NorAm level events. He has continued to work towards his level 4 coach and successfully passed task 9 of his Advanced Coaching Diploma.
Provincial Sport Development Leader
Awarded to a Provincial Sport Organization who has promoted and created growth in the sport of ski cross
o BC – Thank you Gordie Bowles and Bruce Goldsmid for their vision, creation and implementation of the Western Canadian SX Series in BC
o AB – Thank you to Cam Stephens and Nigel Loring for their organization and implementation of the Western Canadian SX Series in AB
Official of the Year
Awarded to an individual who has made significant contributions to the development of ski cross officiating and officials in Canada
o Paul Plotz – Paul has been involved in the writing of the level 1 & 2 Officials program in Canada. He has been an official at more than 7 World Cup events and is one of the lead Technical Delegates in Canada for Ski Cross.
Volunteer of the Year
Awarded to an individual(s) who has made significant contributions to the sport of ski cross through their involvement in regional, provincial, national and international events
o Dan and Suzanne Velcic – Dan and Suzanne have been instrumental across all levels of competition in ski cross in Canada. Their continued dedication to the sport of ski cross is evident in the fact that Suzanne has been the Race secretary in the past 3 Canadian Championships while Dan has been the starter for most FIS ski cross events in Canada. Ski Cross events in Canada would not be where it is today if it were not for Dan and Suzanne.
Lifetime Achievement
Awarded to an individual(s) who has significant contributions to the sport of ski cross and whose dedication has enable the sport to grow in Canada
o Dave Ellis – Dave was the face of Canada Ski Cross for 6 years and led the team to two Olympic gold and one silver medals in 2010 and 2014. His leadership and passion for ski cross and development of the sport at all levels continues to grow each year.
o Dave Pym – Dave was the mastermind behind the creation of the Canada Ski Cross program prior to the 2010 Olympics. He represents the sport at the FIS level and is a walking encyclopedia of the rules which govern all winter sports
o Cam Bailey – Cam was the first CEO of Canada Ski Cross and led the program through the 2010 Olympics. He is a passionate supporter of the team and his fundraising efforts helped grow the sport across Canada.
