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As the first competition of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating approaches, the Ice Academy of Montreal (I.AM) is buzzing with activity. On a dreary autumn morning, Olympic champions and rivals alike are sharpening their skills on the ice. Among them are American duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who are perfecting their flamenco-themed free programme, while French skaters Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry, the latter a former Canadian champion, focus on their twizzles. Despite the fierce competition, the atmosphere at the academy fosters collaboration, with 13 of the 23 teams competing at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics training under the same roof.
A Unique Training Environment
The I.AM has built a reputation as a formidable training ground, having produced the last two Olympic champions and nine of the last ten world champions. This success is attributed to the academy’s ethos, which encourages skaters to train alongside their competitors. While this may seem counterintuitive, it has resulted in a remarkable synergy that pushes athletes to new heights.
Patrice Lauzon, who co-founded the academy with his wife, Marie-France Dubreuil, believes that the competitive spirit fostered within I.AM is beneficial. “When the elite train together, they push each other further,” he explained. However, he acknowledges that not every skater thrives in this environment.
At I.AM, the athletes are not tied to individual coaches; instead, they benefit from a collaborative approach. A team of coaches, choreographers, and dance specialists rotate among the skaters, ensuring that each team receives tailored guidance. Dubreuil emphasises the importance of individuality in each athlete’s performance, stating, “We’re in the YouTube generation. They all come to me with videos – can we do this?’ No. Let’s build your own thing.”
Rivalry and Friendship
The camaraderie among the skaters is notable, even among competitors. This bond has led to unexpected partnerships, such as that between Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry. Following the retirement of Cizeron’s long-time partner Gabriella Papadakis, he sought out Fournier Beaudry, who was in need of a new partner after her previous teammate faced a suspension. Dubreuil describes their collaboration as a natural progression, highlighting their years of friendship.
The academy’s history is deeply intertwined with the evolution of ice dance in Canada. Lauzon and Dubreuil, both former elite competitors, found themselves at a crossroads early in their careers. Despite early struggles, they received pivotal support from Skate Canada, allowing them to pursue their dreams. This experience motivated Lauzon to create a training environment in Canada that mirrored the best in the world.
The Academy’s Growth and Vision
Since its inception, I.AM has evolved from a small coaching operation to a prominent institution in the figure skating world. The academy gained international attention during the Sochi Olympics in 2014 when one of its teams, Sara Hurtado and Adrian Diaz, made a memorable impression. The real turning point came in 2015 when Dubreuil began working with Papadakis and Cizeron, transforming them from a struggling team into world champions almost overnight.
The academy continues to expand, with a recently opened campus in London, Ontario, where Olympic gold medalist Scott Moir serves as head coach. The rebranding to the Ice Academy of Montreal in 2019 reflects its mission: to focus on the personal growth of each athlete, fostering not just champions but well-rounded individuals.
Why it Matters
The Ice Academy of Montreal embodies a new era in figure skating, where collaboration and competition coexist harmoniously. As more athletes from diverse backgrounds come together to train, the potential for innovation in ice dance grows exponentially. With the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan, the academy’s influence will be closely watched, as it continues to shape the future of the sport and redefine what it means to be a champion.
