Alexander Enbert, a silver medalist in figure skating from the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Games and a winner of Ice Age, spoke with socialbites.ca about the Channel One Cup draw held at Sevkabel Port in St. Petersburg. He noted that watching the event unfold from the ice rink near the Gulf of Finland offered a memorable experience worth following closely for fans who enjoy skating and competition alike.
Historically, the draw for this tournament, where captains pick their squads, took place at the venue of the competitions or involved pre-assigned teams. The shift to Sevkabel Port marks a change in staging that draws attention to the city’s waterfront setting and unique urban landscape.
Enbert described his experience at the Sevkabel Port ice rink as wonderful, with striking views that make a ride there especially pleasant. He supported the decision to host the draw at that location, noting that the spot showcases a quintessentially St. Petersburg atmosphere: abundant water and open spaces, juxtaposed with tall, iconic buildings that create a skyline both familiar and surprising. He added that he would be happy to visit the ice rink again in the future.
In the Channel One Cup of 2024, the blue team is led by Anna Shcherbakova. Earlier, Alina Zagitova’s team had claimed the trophy in three consecutive editions, highlighting the strong talent present in the field and the ongoing competition among elite skaters.
There has also been discussion surrounding Kamila Valieva amid disqualification conversations and related matters, with broader conversations about victims and appropriate responses continuing to unfold in the public sphere. The event and its coverage have kept spectators engaged as these issues have persisted alongside sport.