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Helsinki Rockettes Strongest At Finlandia Trophy


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Helsinki Rockettes in their new short program. (Credits: Ville Vairinen - 2023)

Helsinki Rockettes started their season confidently and took the gold at Finlandia Trophy in Espoo, Finland on Saturday evening.

In addition, Marigold IceUnity, who came second, and Team Unique, who finished third, also skated their programs without any major mistakes. Another Finnish team, Lumineers, returned to the ISU Senior category after competing as the only Elite 12 team at Finlandia Trophy last year. This year, they finished fifth. The four Finnish teams were joined by Haydenettes from the USA for the second year in a row. Haydenettes came in fourth.

The invitational short program competition that opened the Finnish synchronized skating season was held at Espoo together with an international figure skating competition featuring other disciplines. All teams, who competed with short programs only, were looking strong at this point of the season. 

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Helsinki Rockettes (FIN) proved its still hungry for gold and finished on top with a score of 70.36. Their strong “Liberation” program had their usual style and sparkle. With beautiful dresses combining black and light rosa, and music from Muse, the team, which is currently number one on ISU World Standings, looked ready for another season among the world’s greatest.  

Marigold IceUnity (FIN), a team known for their versatility, served something new again with a “Some Like It Hot” short program, taking inspiration from a Broadway musical with the same name. They stood out with their bright, flaming red dresses, up-beat music and a jazzy choreography. Making no visible mistakes, they scored 69.22 points in total and ended up with the second-brightest medal tonight. 

Another team to skate clean was Team Unique (FIN), who opened the competition. Their new short program, “Let it be”, earned them 67.40 points and the bronze medal. Dressed in black and green, they skated energetically and with precision, having innovative tricks throughout the program. With only a minor mistake in the no-hold elements, they were deservingly happy after the skate. 


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Team Unique at Finlandia Trophy. (Credits: Ville Vairinen - 2023)

Haydenettes (USA), 30-time and reigning US champion, travelled to Finland to debut their short program “An Evening with Champions”. The program featured classical music with a twist and velvety, dark blue look, and was executed with great speed. With a fall in the twizzle element and in going into the intersection, they had two deductions and ended up with a score of 61.97. 

Lumineers (FIN) came fifth with 52.00 points. They showcased their theme “The Invisible Child”, a children’s story by the Finnish author Tove Janson. Unfortunately, today the story had two falls, one going into the move elements and one in the intersection, and some stumbling in the twizzles. After trying out the Elite 12 series last year, they’re back to challenging the three other Finnish teams this season. 

Another competition, Shanghai Trophy, was also held this week. The next international competition will be Riga Amber Cup in Latvia, in December. Before that, the four Finnish teams will go head-to-head again and show their free programs in the Finnish First Qualifications in one month.