Gilles, Poirier open what could be their final season at Skate Canada International

This could be Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier's final year on the ice, but they're not treating it like a farewell tour.

As the Canadian ice dance veterans open their season this weekend at Skate Canada International in Saskatoon, their focus is fixed on one goal -- bringing home a medal from the Milan-Cortina Games in February.

"This is an Olympic season, and this is an Olympics where we want to be on the podium," Poirier said. "I don't think we're trying to contextualize it in our bigger career, whether it's the last one or not.

"There's already so many balls to keep in the air through an Olympic season. There's so much happening, and there's a lot of distractions that come in. There's a lot of pressure that comes with the Olympics as well, and I think that is enough pressure to put on ourselves rather than worrying about anything beyond that."

Now entering their 15th season together, Gilles and Poirier are firmly among the world's best and genuine contenders for gold in Milan.

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 though they're focused on the present, longtime coach Carol Lane believes this season will be their last.

March to Milano: What's old is new again for Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier

"I'd be very surprised if they decided to carry on," she said. "This will be the end, yeah. This will be the last season. A lot of last things this year, so it's very poignant and it makes you realize 14 years goes by in a blink."

If it is indeed their last dance, there is a full-circle element to the season. Gilles and Poirier are revisiting