Press Room: News Releases

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 

Patrick Chan’s Coach Takes on Full-Time Coaching Role at West Palm Beach Training Facility

(January 8, 2010 - OTTAWA, ON) – Patrick Chan’s coach, Don Laws, informed Skate Canada this week that he will not be attending the 2010 BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships or the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.  Laws plans to take on a full-time role at a new skating facility in West Palm Beach called Palm Beach Ice Works.

“I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Laws for everything he has done over the past few years with me and I wish him nothing but the best at the Palm Beach Ice Works.” said Chan from his training base in Colorado Springs. “I respect his decision to move into his role full-time and I know he will build a successful program at the new rink. He has been a real mentor to me and I know that my former coach Mr. Colson would have greatly appreciated the work that Mr. Laws did.”

Patrick Chan will be coached by his long time choreographer Lori Nichol with assistance from technical expert Christy Krall. “I am extremely comfortable with where I am at in my preparation and training for both the BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships and the Olympics.” said Chan. “Lori Nichol will take on the responsibility of leading my final preparation and competition strategy through the Olympics.  I am very fortunate to have had such a long and close relationship with Lori and I respect her talents immensely.  Lori, along with Christy Krall, provides me with a team that I have full confidence in and I am looking forward to continuing my journey with them.”

Mike Slipchuk, Skate Canada's High Performance Director, said “Don Laws’ knowledge and guidance has been a valued asset to Patrick's skating over the past few seasons.  Moving forward, Skate Canada fully supports the team of Lori Nichol and Christy Krall and the technical expertise and competitive preparation they will bring to Patrick leading to the Olympic Games”

-30-

Skate Canada, the national governing body responsible for the development and administration of skating in Canada, is the largest figure skating association in the world. With skating programs for athletes of all ages, offered at 1283 clubs and 54 skating schools* across the country, Skate Canada is an association dedicated to providing every Canadian the opportunity to learn life skills while experiencing the power, strength and creativity of one of Canada's premier sports.