Gogolev places third to help Canada reach team final

Stephen Gogolev finished third in the men's short program, earning eight points and helping Canada qualify fourth overall for the figure skating Team Event final.

Stephen Gogolev placed third in the men's short program at the Olympic figure skating Team Event, helping Canada advance to the final phase of free programs. The 21-year-old from Toronto posted a personal-best score of 92.99 and earned eight points for the team. After the men's segment Canada sat fourth with 27 points. The United States, Japan and Italy occupied the top three positions, and finals begin with the ice dance free program on Saturday with medals decided on Sunday. Key details: - Stephen Gogolev placed third in the men's short program and earned eight points for Canada. - Gogolev recorded a personal best score of 92.99 at the Milano Ice Skating Arena. - Canada has 27 points and qualified fourth overall for the Team Event final. - The United States, Japan and Italy were the top three teams after the men's segment. - Canada was ranked fifth after day one with 19 points, two points ahead of France. - Ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier and pairs Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud each finished fourth, Madeline Schizas was sixth, and Pereira and Michaud replaced Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps after an injury to Stellato-Dudek. Summary: Gogolev's third-place finish contributed to Canada reaching the final phase of the Team Event, where four Canadian skaters remain scheduled to perform free programs. The final segment begins with the ice dance free program on Saturday and medals will be decided on Sunday.