Sport Photos
Canada’s Best Skaters Take to the Ice for the Vancouver Stop of Stars on Ice
The best skaters that Canada has to offer took to the ice at Rogers Arena for the Vancouver stop of 2026 edition of Stars on Ice Canada. The tour, which started in Halifax, NS and has been making its way West, comes as many of the stars competed at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina, just over three months ago. The skaters headlining the tour include the 2026 Olympic Ice Dance Bronze Medallists Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, along with Team Canada members, Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps, Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud, and Madeline Schizas. The audience also had the opportunity to see the 2018 Olympic Bronze Medallist Kaetlyn Osmond, Canadian legend Elvis Stojko, 2-time Canadian champion Roman Sadovsky, and another 2-timer Canadian champion Keegan Messing. Marie-Jade Lauriault and Romain Le Gac, the 2026 Ice Dance Canadian Championship bronze medallists, were special guests for the Vancouver stop.
The first half of the show started with a group number, that served as a sample of what the night promised to offer. Skating to “Fearless” by Tommee Profitt, Sam Tinnesz, and Beacon Light, the number showcased the skater’s abilities to skate as a group and to start the show on an electrifying note.
This was followed by the individual numbers. First up, was Roman Sadovsky skating to “Standing Next to You” by Jung Kook. Roman, who won the Canadian championship in 2020 and 2025 and just barely missed the Olympic team in 2026, gave a cheeky and passionate skate that definitely brought the audience’s mood up. It is always a pleasure watching Roman skate, not only does he have the jumps and spins but his skating skills are some of the best.
Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud were up next, skating to “Be Italian” by Fergie, which feels very appropriate considering the Olympics were in Italy. The pair just won the bronze medal at the 2026 World Figure Skating Championship which took place in Prague, Czech Republic. Personally, I can’t wait to see how far these two go in their career.
Madeline Schizas was next to skate. Skating to “Cosmic Love” by Florence + the Machine, Maddie connected with the audience with an unforgettable skate. Maddie is a 4-time Canadian champion, and there still aren’t any signs that she plans on slowing down.
Next, Kaetlyn Osmond and Elvis Stojko gave a brief speech to honour Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier. A montage was shown of some of the most memorable programs Piper and Paul have done in their more than 20 years skating together, before introducing them to skate a shortened version of their fan-favourite and Olympic free dance “Vincent”. Seeing live this program, even in its shortened version, was truly something memorable.
Keegan Messing, who is always a fan-favourite because of the energy that he gives while skating, chose “I’m Still Standing” by Taron Egerton from the movie Rocketman for an energetic first individual skate.
Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps were up next, skating to “Let’s Twist Again” by Chubby Checker. Deanna made history at the 2026 Winter Olympics by becoming the oldest woman to compete in figure skating in almost 100 years, showing that sometimes the limit is truly the sky.
Kaetlyn Osmond stepped on to the ice to skate to “In the Air Tonight” by Judith Hill. Kaetlyn is one of the most successful Canadian skaters of all time, having won three Canadian championships, becoming a World Champion in 2018 and winning an Olympic Bronze Medal in 2018.
Piper and Paul came back to the ice to skate “Supermodel (You Better Work)” by RuPaul, which is also a shortened version of their 2025-2026 rhythm dance. There are very few things that are more entertaining to watch than two ice dancers skating to RuPaul.
After them, Elvis Stojko stepped onto to the ice. Clad in a blue boxer robe, he skated to “Mr Electric Blue” by Benson Boone. A Canadian skating legend, he is a three-time World Champion, two-time Olympic Silver Medallist, and seven-time Canadian champion. He has participated with Stars On Ice since 2016.
Then, a group number to close out the first half of the show. Performing to two different versions of “Too Darn Hot”, the ladies performed to the version by Holly Cole while the men performed to Anthony Strong’s version. It was a very fun number, and personally I was on the ladies’ side.
After intermission, the men skated a group number to “I Just Might” by Bruno Mars. It is always fun seeing the men just have the time of their lives. And we got to see Paul do an Axel, who knew he is a leftie?
Next, special guests Marie-Jade Lauriault and Romain Le Gac skated to “Everybody Everybody” by Black Box. They are skating in all three BC stops of the Stars On Ice tour, with Victoria being the next show.
Back to ice, Maddie skated to the very danceable song “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” by RAYE. In a very fun and cheeky moment, Trennt came out at the end of her performance with a giant inflatable ring, before carrying Maddie off the ice.
Next were Lia, Piper and Maddie for an all-girl number. Skating to “Golden” by Huntri/x from the extremely popular movie KPop Demon Hunters. The number is meant to resemble the performance as seen in the movie, including the gold and white outfits and choreography. The ladies definitely nailed the moves.
Roman came back to the ice for a very emotional performance to Chris Mann’s version of “Fly Me to the Moon”. This version really suited Roman’s skating style, and really connected with the audience. Skating to “Give Me Love” by Ed Sheeran, Lia and Trennt came back to the ice for an emotional and touching performance.
For her second individual number, Kaetlyn skated to “Dancing in the Dark” by Lucy Dacus. In some ways, it showcased the resilience skaters have as she fell on a double Axel (one of the jumps that exist in figure skating) before attempting another one as her next jump and landing it beautifully.
Elvis did his second number to “The Sound of Silence” by Disturbed. The heavy metal cover version serves as a background to Elvis’ powerful skating. At age 54, it is pretty amazing to see him still skate with this amount of passion and skill.
For the last individual number, Piper and Paul came back for the third time to skate to “Royals” by Lorde. It just felt like such a Piper and Paul program, dressed in costumes that you may as well find in Queen Marie Antoinette’s court.
To close out the show, all the skaters came out in black costumes with a colourful pixelated print to skate to “Life in Color” by OneRepublic. It was the perfect upbeat song to end the night. It is always great to see the best skaters from Canada, Stars On Ice is an amazing experience for fans across the country.
The Stars On Ice Canada 2026 tour has three more stops before saying goodbye to this year’s edition.
14/5 – Save-On-Foods Memorial Center – Victoria, BC
16/5 – Chilliwack Coliseum – Chilliwack, BC
19/5 – TD Coliseum – Hamilton, ON
Head to their website for all the information.
Also, this year’s 2026 Skate Canada International is scheduled for October 30 – November 1, 2026, at Prospera Place in Kelowna, BC. This is an excellent opportunity to see the best skaters from all over the world. Head over to Skate Canada’s website for more information.
Click the link to our Facebook page for the full gallery of the show!
Words: Elena Del Rivero
Photos: Cindy Shi
Sport Photos
NSL Vancouver Rise FC Stun Halifax Tides FC With Last-Minute Winner
Drama took over Swangard Stadium on Saturday night as Vancouver Rise FC rallied from a 1-0 deficit to beat Halifax Tides FC 2-1, with Jessica De Filippo scoring the winner deep into stoppage time.
Rise nearly opened the scoring inside the first two minutes. De Filippo found herself at the edge of the six-yard box, but her first-time effort sailed over the bar.
Vancouver continued to create chances. Ten minutes later, Anna Bout slipped Anaïs Oularbi through on the left, with Oularbi cutting the ball back for De Filippo. Her sliding attempt just missed the pass.
Halifax had a chance of its own moments later, but Rise goalkeeper Morgan McAslan came up with one of the saves of the night. She stopped Julia Benati’s point-blank effort before quickly smothering the rebound.
The Tides eventually broke through in the 18th minute. Benati sent Rhodes in behind the Vancouver defence, and Rhodes finished past McAslan to give Halifax the lead.
Rise pushed for an equalizer before halftime. Bout tried her luck from distance in the 30th minute, but her shot skipped wide of the far post.
Vancouver‘s pressure picked up as the half progressed, with crosses repeatedly sent into the Halifax box. Just before halftime, Myla Ewasiuk met an Oularbi free kick with a header, but Tides goalkeeper Anika Tóth was ready for it.
Rise came out of the break with renewed pressure, bringing Latifah Abdu into the match to add another attacking option. Her impact was almost immediate.
Camila Reyes found Abdu behind the Halifax defence, sending the forward in alone against Tóth. Abdu slipped as she took her shot, though, leaving Tóth with an easy clearance.
The equalizer finally arrived in the 56th minute. Bout delivered a cross into the box, and De Filippo rose to meet it, powering her header past Tóth to make it 1-1.
Vancouver kept coming in search of the winner.
Josie Longhurst nearly put Rise ahead in the 74th minute when she popped the ball up just outside the box and launched an ambitious volley. She got plenty of power behind it, but the effort went just wide.
Abdu came even closer seven minutes later. After turning two defenders, she unleashed a volley that forced Tóth into a fingertip save.
De Filippo then came within inches of a second goal when her header was deflected onto the post and out.
With the match moving into stoppage time, the pressure from Rise finally paid off.
Abdu found space on the left and floated a cross toward the penalty spot. De Filippo brought the ball under control before firing it into the net, sending Swangard Stadium into a frenzy and completing the comeback.
The win gives Rise another dramatic result at home as the club continues its push through the season.
Vancouver Rise FC will return to action on Saturday, August 22, against Ottawa Rapid FC in Ontario. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. PT. The team then returns to Swangard Stadium on Saturday, August 29, to host Calgary Wild FC at 3 p.m. PT.
Tickets are available through Vancouver Rise FC.
Check out our favourite photos of the match below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
NSL VANCOUVER RISE FC v HALIFAX TIDES FC
All Photo Credit: Jason Martin
Sport Photos
NSL Vancouver Rise FC Suffer Late 3-2 Loss to Calgary Wild FC in Pride Game
Vancouver Rise FC suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Calgary Wild FC on Saturday afternoon at Swangard Stadium, surrendering two goals in added time after taking a 2-1 lead late in the second half.
The match was the Rise’s Pride Game, giving the club a chance to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community alongside the action on the pitch.
The opening half was a tight affair, with both teams spending much of the first 45 minutes battling for control in midfield.
Maithe Lopez created the first real opportunity for Vancouver, firing a left-footed shot that Calgary goalkeeper Katelin Talbert was able to handle. Anna Bout and Lopez continued to threaten from the wings, forcing Talbert into several punches as Vancouver sent crosses into the Wild box.
The game opened up just before halftime. Vancouver goalkeeper Morgan McAslan held onto a long-range effort from Taegan Stewart before Talbert responded at the other end, making a kick save on a hard shot from Lopez near the edge of the box.
Latifah Abdu had Vancouver’s best chance of the half in stoppage time. After chesting down a lobbed pass from Yuka Okamoto, Abdu fired a low shot that narrowly missed the far post.
The teams went into halftime tied 0-0.
Calgary needed less than three minutes after the restart to break the deadlock. The Wild were awarded a penalty, with Stewart stepping up and calmly converting to give Calgary a 1-0 lead.
Vancouver nearly answered immediately. Two minutes later, Abdu got onto the ball inside the box and went for goal, but her effort was blocked wide.
McAslan then kept the Rise within striking distance in the 53rd minute. Jorian Baucom managed to slip behind the Vancouver defence and fired towards goal, only for McAslan to react quickly and make the save.
That stop proved to be a turning point. Just two minutes later, Vancouver found its equalizer. Bout played the ball down the left for Abdu, who drove forward before spotting Jessica De Filippo making a late run into the box. Abdu cut the ball back, and De Filippo took a touch before driving a low shot past Talbert to make it 1-1.
The momentum had swung firmly toward Vancouver, and the Rise struck again soon after.
Camila Reyes collected a loose ball and sent a cross deep into the Calgary box. De Filippo was once again in the right place, redirecting the ball past Talbert to give Vancouver a 2-1 advantage.
With the lead in hand, the Rise made changes in an effort to manage the final stages and hold onto all three points.
The match took another dramatic turn when Calgary appeared to have a chance to get behind the Vancouver defence. Tori Tumeth made a last-ditch tackle to stop the attack, but the defender was shown a red card after the challenge was judged to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Down to 10 players, Vancouver had to defend its lead with the game entering its final stages.
The Rise looked set to see out the match, but Calgary produced a stunning late comeback. The Wild scored twice in added time, turning a 2-1 Vancouver lead into a 3-2 defeat and leaving the home side empty-handed after a match that had appeared to be slipping in their favour.
The loss was a particularly frustrating one for Vancouver after the Rise had fought back from a halftime deficit and taken control of the match in the second half.
Vancouver Rise FC will look to bounce back on Saturday, August 15, when Halifax Tides FC visit Swangard Stadium for a crucial matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. PT. Buy ticket here.
Check out our favourite photos of the game below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
VANCOUVER RISE FC vs CALGARY WILD FC
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer