Skate Canada – 2017/04/13 – Skate Canada announced today that the dates for the 2017 Autumn Classic International have been moved forward to September 20-23, 2017. All other logistical information surrounding the event will remain the same. Please refer to the original event announcement below, or the Skate Canada website for more information.

OTTAWA, ON: Skate Canada has announced that the Montreal, Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough, will host two key figure skating events in 2017. For the second consecutive year the Sportplexe Pierrefonds will be the venue for the 2017 Autumn Classic International and the 2018 Skate Canada Challenge.

The 2017 Autumn Classic will run from September 20-23 September 27-30, 2017 and the 2018 Skate Canada Challenge from November 29 – December 3, 2017.

“The Montreal, Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough have been fantastic hosts and we are thrilled to be heading back to the Sportplexe Pierrefonds for two events in 2017,” said Debra Armstrong, CEO, Skate Canada. “Patinage Quebec and the community have been outstanding partners; combined with a tremendous volunteer team, terrific hotels and a fabulous venue we are confident that both of these events will be great successes.”

“I am pleased to welcome in my borough the athletes competing in the 2017 Autumn Classic International and the 2018 Skate Canada Challenge. Montreal is fond of sports and a city that is particularly passionate about winter sports. I am convinced that Montrealers will come in large numbers to support the thrilling performances of some of world’s best figure skaters,” said Dimitrios Jim Beis, Pierrefonds-Roxboro Mayor and member of the Montreal Executive Committee responsible for supply, sports, recreation and communities of diverse origins.

“We’re delighted to be holding these two high-caliber figure skating competitions in our city once again, as it reaffirms Montreal’s leadership as a choice host city for sporting events. Not only do the 2017 Skate Canada Challenge and the Autumn Classic International reflect Montreal sports events strategy, these competitions will provide significant economic benefits for West Island businesses,” said Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourism Montreal. “Our organization looks forward to working closely with local sporting partners to ensure that all participants enjoy a memorable stay and get a taste of Montreal’s 375th anniversary celebrations!”

The 2017 Autumn Classic International will feature senior events in men, women, pair and ice dance, and junior competition in men and women. Typically, the event will host over 50 entries from over 20 countries.

Over 500 of the best skaters from across Canada will participate in the 2018 Skate Canada Challenge. Skaters qualify to compete through their respective sectional championships.  For novice, junior and senior skaters, this is the only opportunity to qualify for the 2018 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships. The 2018 Skate Canada Challenge will also see the crowning of the 2018 Canadian Pre-Novice Champions in men, women, pair, and ice dance.

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