Canada's Gilles, Poirier lead after rhythm dance at Skate Canada International

Canadian ice dance stars Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier are in the lead at Skate Canada International following Saturday's rhythm dance in Saskatoon.

The four-time world medallists from Toronto earned 85.38 points while making their Grand Prix season debut, placing ahead of Allison Reed and Saulius Ambrulevicius of Lithuania (80.89) and Americans Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko (80.89).

Fellow Canadians Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha, who won silver at the event last year, are currently fourth with a score of 75.95.

Gilles and Poirier, the silver medallists at this year's worlds, are aiming for a record sixth straight Skate Canada title.

The free dance program is scheduled for Sunday at 1:40 p.m. ET, with live coverage available on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem. A full streaming schedule is available here.

Canadian ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier take the lead at Skate Canada International

Now in their 15th season together, Gilles and Poirier are firmly among the world's best and genuine contenders for gold at the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games in February.

They've won medals at three straight world championships, claiming bronze in 2023 followed by back-to-back silver medals behind Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.

Both Gilles and Poirier will be 34 in Milan, and longtime coach Carol Lane has said she believes this season will be their last.

Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier 'bring the fun' to rhythm dance at Skate Canada International

American world champion Ilia Malinin built a comfortable lead in the men's competition with 104.84 points in the short program later Saturday at SaskTel Centre, 12.77 ahead of Japan's Kazuki Tomono.

Estonia's Aleksandr Selevko was third with 91.28.

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