Unfortunately, there' aren't a ton of high-quality videos from Canadian Nationals. But if you've found (or you have) a better version than we do here, please let me know!
In alphabetical order, here are our judges:
Francy runs Figure Skating Evolution, which you can find on Twitter.
Justine is busy coaching and writing about skating. You can also find her on Twitter.
Sharon can be found on Tumblr and Twitter.
Taryn is on Twitter - and was in Halifax this past weekend!
LET'S GET JUDGING. When you're finished reading, leave a comment to let us know what you thought about Canadian Nationals, how you think the real judges did, and how you think our judges did. If you disagree, sign up to judge an event later in the year and share your thoughts!
Judging Canadian Nationals
Francy: All of the last flights in SPs and LPs except for the ladies, my least fav discipline (only checked the top 3 FS).
Justine: Most of it!
Sharon: The final flight of both the short and long segments for pairs, ladies, men, and ice dance.
Taryn: Every minute. I wanted to get my money's worth!
Who had the best performance of the event?
Francy: Seguin/Bilodeau in the Pairs event. The SP had some imperfections but their free was stellar and had a bigger emotional impact than Duhamel/Radford. The joy and youthfulness of their skating really came across. Honorable mention to Paradis/Ouellette's FD: standing O!
Francy: Ilyuschechkina/ Moscovitch and Paradis/Ouellette have been flying under the radar for me this season so I was impressed with their improvements here. Honorable mention: Moore-Towers/Marinaro and Firus.
Francy: Just as a personal preference for the 'type' of skater, I'd have had Nadeau in the mens event higher than the 'quad guys.'
Taryn: The crowd certainly thought Dylan [Moscovitch] and Lubov [Ilyushechkina] were underscored on their short. One person actually yelled at the judges! For me, I was surprised at how low the PCS were for Selena Zhao. Skate Canada had been promoting her as a new skater to watch but the judges didn't seem to have any love for her.
Francy: I don't think there was massive overscoring, but I'd have had Duhamel/Radford slightly closer in scores to Seguin/Bilodeau, Gilles/Poirier farther from Weaver/Poje. I'd also have Reynolds a placement lower.
Out of those skaters and teams who finished in the bottom half of their events, who had the best performance?
Francy: Sorry, I didn't watch that far. Was hard to keep up with US Nationals too (and basic vital functions). (Editor's note: SO. MUCH. SKATING.)
Justine: I wouldn't say Roman Sadovsky had the best performances this week. But this boy is mega talented and has a bright future. Just stop growing and work things out. I want to see a lot more of you in the years to come!
Taryn: The sixth and seventh place pairs teams had great performances. The women are young (16 and 18) with lots of potential. The two dance teams coached by Wing/Lowe were also very entertaining.
What surprised you most about this event?
Francy: The top 3 at the Ladies event. Didn't think much of CAN ladies field until now.
Honorable mention: Moore-Towers'/Marinaro's scary fall and ability to pick themselves up and put up a great fight in the rest of the competition. Nam's poor skates: he didn't have an impressive season but I thought nationals would be a walk in the park. Paul/Islam not making the team.
Justine: I think I was surprised most by how awesome our Ladies were. Way to go girls! You're skating like you can compete with the best in the world. And second, I was surprised by how angry I was after the Men's event, and it had very little to do with Patrick for once.
Sharon: Nam finishing off the podium. It was sad to see his struggles continue at Nationals. No Worlds or 4CCs. Hopefully he will be able to regroup next season.
Taryn: The quality of the women's free skate. It was so competitive! I was also surprised that there was movement within dance. Islam and Paul are lovely skaters but just can't seem to move up the ranks and are now falling back.
Preparing for 4CCs and Worlds
Francy: I would have given Moore-Towers/Marinaro 4CC instead of Ilyuschechkina/ Moscovitch. I think in general if 3rd/4th are not too far when there are 3 spots at Worlds, 4th could get 4CC as a consolation (in ice dance Paradis/Ouellette don't have Worlds minimums so they need to go).
Justine: Lol. What a disaster for the Men. Given the Nationals results I would have had a skate-off between Liam, Kevin and Nam at 4CC. Because giving the second spot to Liam just like that, based on his international results, is ridiculous. But otherwise I think I agree with the decisions. Poor Paul & Islam though. These two just can't catch a break.
Sharon: For the most part I think the choices are fair. A little surprised that Liam Firus is going to Worlds. I'm not sure if he'll be able to finish in the top 10 to help Patrick get those 3 spots. Personally I was hoping for him and Kevin to skate off at 4CCs.
Taryn: I understand the world team as it is only fair that the top skaters at the Nationals get the positions. I wish that the men with a history of international success (Roman and Nam) could get a last international event. It seems wrong that Roman can get to the Grand Prix final but not junior worlds.
Which skater/couple is going to have the most success at Worlds/4CCs?
Francy: Seguin/Bilodeau will keep impressing on the world stage thanks to their consistency. Weaver/Poje will win 4CC with a healthy 4-5 points margin and are in a good place for gold at Worlds.
Justine: Seguin & Bilodeau are going to continue to close the gap between them and Duhamel & Radford this season and I can't wait. I think Kaitlyn & Andrew just might get these next two titles. I think this is FINALLY their year.
Sharon: Weaver/Poje, I'm confident, will win 4CCs and medal at Worlds.
Taryn: Weaver/Poje have had a great season and have two wonderful programs. I think they're a safe bet for the podium at the Worlds
Which skater/couple is going to have the least success at Worlds/4CCs?
Francy: Duhamel/Radford are feeling the pressure and they are not as consistent/ confident as last year. It's gonna be a fight even to medal in this deep pairs field at Worlds. Same for Chan, he needs to have a clean SP + land quads/3As in the free. For Gilles/ Poirier, it will be hard to keep last year's placement, and for the ladies to break the top 10.
Justine: Liam Firus. I'd be surprised if he makes it through to the FS. Because Canada decided to send someone without a consistent 3A or quad. I'd be quite surprised if he lands either cleanly in Boston (though if he does I will be cheering for it!). Skate Canada, remember when Nam was 5th at Worlds?? Because I really think you missed that one.
Sharon: I don't think Gilles/Poirier will repeat their 6th place finish at Worlds, between their too-outside-of-the-box programs and other teams really stepping up.
Taryn: Liam Firus hasn't shown that he has the ability to get international results.
Will the country gain/lose a spot in any disciplines at the World Championships?
Francy: It looks like things will stay the same, barring major implosions.
Justine: Well, we ain't gaining anything in Men! I think there's a chance for 3 spots in ladies if both Gabby and Alaine skate like they did here, but I probably wouldn't put my money on it. Everything else will remain the same.
Sharon: I think each discipline will keep its current amount of spots at Worlds.
Taryn: We'll probably stay the same.
And, just for fun...
Francy: Weaver/Poje: impeccable! (I still do miss the see-through FD shirt on Poje though). Honorable mention: Seguin/Bilodeau, Iliuscheschina/Moscovitch.
Who had the worst costume at this event?
Francy: Gilles/Poirier's costumes, while fitting the program's theme, are too much for me. Not a fan of Chan's preppy SP outfit and pajamas FS outfit either.
Francy: Seguin/Bilodeau and Paradis/Ouellette chose both programs that really fit them. Honorable mention: Iliuscheschina/Moscovitch short.
Justine: Nicolas Nadeau and Mary Poppins! I was loving this! I also love every time I hear Romeo & Juliet and Leo talking to me.
Sharon: Kevin Reynolds's Grand Piano music is wonderful.
Francy: Not really awful selection but not fitting the skaters: Nam's FS music is too heavy for him, the wrong vehicle at this moment. Not a fan of Duhamel/Radford overall selection either: the two pieces are too similar in style, they need something more powerful (a la Muse last year). The top ladies didn't have much fantasy...
Sharon: Gilles/Poirier's Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds short dance. The transfer from the Beatles to Mozart to Rameau and back to the Beatles is jarring.
Taryn: I hate saying this but Duhamel/Radford. Moulin Rouge is overdone this year. The Adele song isn't great program music. I love their skating but neither they nor the crowd seem to be into the music.
Francy: Weaver/Poje and Seguin/Bilodeau best chemistry. Paul/Islam are a couple and I get less romantic chemistry.
To close it up...
Francy: Weaver/Poje will win worlds in a close battle with Papadakis/Cizeron. Duhamel/ Radford will get bronze, if any medal at all. Same for Chan.
Justine: Patrick Chan won't make the World podium. On that note, I think Canada might only walk away with one medal in Boston.
Sharon: Patrick will not medal at Worlds. I'm rooting for a repeat of the GPF podium with Yuzu, Javi, and Shoma.
Taryn: Kaetlyn Osmond will win 4CCs.
Anything else to add about this event?
Francy: Unfortunate coincidence with US nationals. CAN nationals fly always under the radar (maybe because there's less competition for the top spot). I loved PJ Kwong's media coverage.
Justine: I'm so happy about so much. But seriously Skate Canada, Liam is not the next Patrick Chan. I'm only a little bitter, in case you hadn't noticed. I learned this week that I only want to cheer for skaters who are part of #TeamOrser. Amazing recovery Kirsten & Michael from that crazy fall! I was impressed! Why wasn't I in Halifax last week? It's not like there wasn't an empty seat for me. Also, why was it easier for me to watch Japanese Nationals live at 4am on Christmas than it was to watch Canadian Nationals live in Canada?
Taryn: It was great overall. Lots of quality skating!