Danaé Blais has been added to the Canadian team for the upcoming ISU Four Continents Short Track Championships in Montreal, replacing injured teammate Kim Boutin, who has been withdrawn from the competition as a precautionary measure.
The decision to not race was taken on Monday after evaluating Boutin following several days rest. She has begun a progressive return to ice protocol with the objective of resuming regular training in the next few weeks. Her withdrawal is preventative in order to ensure she is well enough to participate at the upcoming World Cups and World Championships.
Replacing her at this inaugural international competition is Blais (Châteauguay, Que.), who is in her second season on the World Cup circuit. The 20 year old has skated at all four events this season, earning a career best fourth-place finish in the 1500m in Nagoya, Japan. She has also played an integral role in the relay teams’ success, helping the Canadian women earn a gold, silver and two bronze medals.
Ten of Canada’s best short track skaters will hit the ice from January 11-12 at the Maurice-Richard Arena against competitors from North America, South America, Asia and Oceania. They’ll look to build upon the early season success that saw them capture 18 medals on the World Cup circuit, including five on home ice in Montreal this past November.
- Courtney Sarault (Moncton, N.B.)
- Alyson Charles (Montreal, Que.)
- Claudia Gagnon (La Baie, Que.)
- Camille De Serres-Rainville (Montreal, Que.)
- Danaé Blais (Châteauguay, Que.)
- Charles Hamelin (Sainte-Julie, Que.)
- Steven Dubois (Lachenaie, Que.)
- Cédrik Blais (Châteauguay, Que.)
- Pascal Dion (Montréal, Que.)
- William Dandjinou (Verdun, Que.)
