(October 20, 2010) – This past summer, renowned Canadian synchronized skating team black ice retired from the competitive skating scene after 18 years of success. Having exhausted the audition process, they did not have enough skaters to field a team, so the eight-time Canadian Champions and three-time world medalists made the difficult decision to retire the team.

The team that originated with Susan Pettes and Joyce Smith leaves behind a trail of medals and many alumni. It was created on the phrase At first a Dream and thissaying has been the mantra of the team since its inception. Pettes’ and Smith’s idea was to create a team and have it represent Canada at the first ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships. In 2000 they achieved this dream, winning the silver medal and narrowly missing the gold.

Cathy Dalton has coached the team since its creation and reflected on what the team has meant to her. “black ice has been a huge part of not only my life but also the life of Susan Pettes and Christine Vyfschaft. All of us, including the skaters who at one time or another were involved with this special team, are forever joined with the experiences and challenges of being a part of black ice. We will always have a special bond that many others can only dream. We will be forever grateful to have met and coached each one of the skaters who became part of the team, as they have enriched our lives and given us enough wonderful memories to last a lifetime.”

black ice has been one of the top teams in Canadian synchronized skating for close to two decades. The team’s determination and passion for the sport made them pioneers for future teams. black ice was not only one of the top teams in Canada but also in the world. Just last season the team returned to the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships for the first time in three years and placed a remarkable fifth.

Many members of the black ice alumni are now coaching, judging or becoming technical specialists. Many are still skating for fun and exercise. Most of the 2010 team members have continued to pursue their education or careers and several skaters from the 2010 team are now members of other senior, junior or open teams.

The team’s biggest achievement is the legacy that it leaves the discipline of synchronized skating and Skate Canada would like to thank all members of black ice for their contribution. We wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.


The first black ice team 1992-1993.
 

black ice celebrates their short program at the
2010 ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships.
 

Looking graceful, black ice represents Canada once again at the
2009 ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships.

black ice after winning one of their eight Canadian titles at the
2006 BMO Skate Canada Synchronized Skating Championships.