Canadian Ice Dance Teams Progress to Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics Finals

Three Canadian ice dance teams have made significant strides at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, advancing to the finals after a strong performance in the rhythm dance section. Leading the charge are seasoned competitors Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, who secured a third-place finish with a score of 86.18.

Advancements in the Competition

On February 9, 2026, Gilles and Poirier impressively executed their routine, showcasing their experience as three-time Olympians and four-time World medallists. Gilles expressed her satisfaction, saying, “It was such a nice performance, we were really in the zone today.” The team’s focused mindset allowed them to enjoy their routine and perform at a high level.

Team Canada Performances

• Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier: 86.18 points, third place
• Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron (France): 90.18 points, first place
• Madison Chock and Evan Bates (USA): 86.18 points, second place
• Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha: 79.66 points, ninth place
• Marie-Jade Lauriault and Romain Le Gac: 74.35 points, fifteenth place

The top 20 teams advanced, with only three pairs eliminated from the total of 23 participants in the rhythm dance competition.

Highlighting Team Performances

Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha also put on an impressive show. Their energetic routine, featuring popular ’90s songs like “Get Ready for This,” resonated with the audience. Despite a minor slip, Lajoie remained optimistic about the crowd’s reaction.

Lauriault and Le Gac faced unique challenges, having to adjust their routine due to copyright issues with their original music choice. Le Gac noted the importance of adapting, saying, “We were already planning plan A, plan B, plan C.” Their reworked routine, set to Tom Jones’ “You Need Love Like I Do,” ultimately fit the atmosphere of the Olympics perfectly.

Looking Ahead

As the ice dance finals approach, the Canadian teams will build on their current momentum. The combination of experience, skill, and crowd support will be vital in their quest for Olympic success at the Milano Cortina 2026 games.