OTTAWA, ON: Moncton, N.B., will host the 2012 Canadian Figure Skating Championships from January 16-22, 2012 at Moncton Coliseum Complex and the practice arena will be the Red Ball Internet Centre. This year the Canadian Figure Skating Championships will include the junior and novice categories in addition to the senior events.

Moncton previously hosted the event in 1974, 1985 and 1992. The city also hosted the Skate Canada Junior Nationals in 2006.

“It’s always exciting to be heading out to Canada’s east coast, the people are friendly and they love their skating. We’re looking forward to calling Moncton home this January,” said William Thompson, Skate Canada CEO. “This is a critical event for any skater who wishes to reach beyond the national skating scene and advance to the international stage. With national titles on the line and international assignments up for grabs, this event always brings the thrills and I am sure it will be no different in Moncton.”

“We look forward to welcoming Skate Canada back to Moncton for their 2012 Canadian Figure Skating Championships. With the success of Canadian skaters at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, and Patrick Chan’s gold medal performance at the 2011 World Figure Skating Championships, figure skating fans from Atlantic Canada are in for a great week of entertainment this January,” said George LeBlanc, Mayor of Moncton.

All-event ticket packages for the events will go on sale in September.

Approximately 260 skaters in the women’s, men’s, pair and ice dance disciplines will compete at the senior, junior and novice levels at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships. Athletes will vie for spots on the Skate Canada National Team and the Canadian teams that will compete at the 2012 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, the 2012 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships and the 2012 ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships.