Skate Canada names Pascal Denis high-performance director, replacing Slipchuk

OTTAWA — Skate Canada has named Pascal Denis its new high-performance director, replacing Mike Slipchuk, who has held the position for 20 years, the organization announced Friday.

Denis, whose appointment takes effect Nov. 16, has worked with the Ice Academy of Montreal, helping develop elite ice dancers from around the world. He has coached Les Suprêmes, a Montreal-based synchronized skating team, to five world titles.

A former competitive ice dancer, Denis spent 10 years on Canada’s national team and has more than 27 years of coaching experience.

Slipchuk will remain with Skate Canada for the rest of the 2026-27 season to help with the transition.

Skate Canada says Denis will help develop the next generation of Canadian figure skaters ahead of the 2030 and 2034 Winter Olympics.

The announcement comes as Skate Canada International gets underway Friday in Kelowna, B.C.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 30, 2026.

The Canadian Press