(February 9, 2007)

Canadian Pair Champion Jessica Dubé will be discharged from hospital this afternoon and is recovering after suffering an injury during last evening’s free skate at the 2007 International Skating Union (ISU) Four Continents Championships in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Dubé, 19, of Drummondville, Que., and her partner Bryce Davison, 21, of Cambridge, Ont., were performing a side-by-side camel spin during their free skate when Davison’s skate blade hit the side of Dubé’s face. She suffered a laceration to the left side of her face over the cheek and part of her nose.

According to ISU medical advisor Dr. Jane Moran, Dubé was transported via ambulance to Memorial Hospital where she was seen in the emergency department by medical staff and a maxiofacial trauma surgeon, who assessed her. She also had X-rays done, and it was decided at the time that it was best to take her to surgery for exploration of the wound and repair.

“We both realize the risks involved in pair skating,” said Davison. “Jess is handling it extremely well; she is tough and calm. We are both looking forward to getting home and back on the ice, and it is our hope to finish our season at the world championships in Tokyo.

“We would like to thank our family, friends and fans for their support,” added Davison. “The support from the Canadian team on site has been awesome. We also send our thanks to the medical staff at the hospital, and, in particular, Dr. Jane Moran.”

Dubé and Davison were crowned the Canadian Pair Champions at the 2007 BMO Canadian Championships in Halifax in mid-January. They had been standing eighth after the short program at the 2007 ISU Four Continents Championships.

The duo has decided to remain in Colorado Springs until the end of the event.

For further updates on the ISU Four Continents Championships, visit www.usfsa.org.