(February 5, 2003)

Two Canadian synchronized skating teams came home with nice keepsakes from their trip to Prague, Czech Republic this past weekend.

Stamford and Company and Gold Ice, who were overseas representing Canada in the Senior and Junior events, respectively, at the 2003 Prague Cup, both had successful performances at the event, and both teams were rewarded for their efforts.

Stamford and Company, the bronze medallists in the Senior event at the 2002 Bank of Montreal Skate Canada Synchronized Nationals, skated two strong programs that earned the team the silver medal. The only team to beat them in the competition was Team Berlin 1, of Germany, who finished first in both the short program and the free skate to claim the overall title.

Rounding out the podium was the team from the U.S., the Crystallettes, who finished third in the short program and the free skate.

The Stamford and Company team, which trains in Niagara Falls, Ont., were pleased with the performances in Prague, and the team members are looking forward to competing at the 2003 BMO Financial Group Skate Canada Synchronized Nationals, which will be held Feb. 28 - March 1 in Montreal, Que.

Also bringing home a medal from the event is the Junior team of Gold Ice, which trains out of the Toronto area.

The bronze medallists in the Junior event from the 2002 Bank of Montreal Skate Canada Synchronized Nationals also skated two outstanding performances, capturing the gold medal.

The team was trailing the eventual silver medal winning team, Team Fintastic, of Finland, following the short program, but finished the competition with a strong free skate that moved Gold Ice to the top of the podium.

Finland's second entry, Festa Aboensia, was third in both portions of the event, and took home the bronze medal.

Skate Canada congratulates both Stamford and Company and Gold Ice for their outstanding performances at this event!