Calgary, AB. (March 15, 2025) — In front of a raucous, flag waving and cowbell ringing crowd, Canadians took over the podium at the FIS Ski Cross World Cup races at the Craigleith Ski Club in Collingwood (ONT) today taking four of the six steps on the box. This is the second time this season that Canada has had four athletes on a ski cross podium on the same day.

In the men’s race, Reece Howden (Chilliwack, BC), winner of yesterday’s race, took second today, while Kevin Drury (Toronto, ON) repeated yesterday’s third place result. In the women’s race, Courtney Hoffos (Windermere, BC) raced to second while Abby McEwen (Edmonton, AB) claimed her first career podium with a third-place finish. 

Today is Howden’s third podium in four races at Craigleith, the 29th podium of his career and the result moves him to 12 points out of top spot in the season standings.

“Today was really great. Everybody did so well,” said a pleased Howden. “Seeing these two women on the podium was awesome and shoutout to Gavin Rowell who skied really fast and battled all day coming back strong from a difficult result in yesterday’s race.” 

These back-to-back third place finishes give Drury 18 career podiums and moves him into sixth in the season standings.

“I’m note sure what happened today,” said a laughing Drury. “It was like Reece and I switched places, somehow out of nowhere my starts were fast and there was Reece making all the passes. When I heard that the women were second and third, I was fired-up for our finals and what do you know, Reece and I also went second and third.”

This is Hoffos’ second podium at Craigleith, to go along with a second-place finish in 2023, and this is her ninth podium in 54 World Cup starts.

“It’s so exciting to race on home soil. The crowd has been amazing, and it’s such a fun moment to be on the podium with Abby, especially for her first,” said Hoffos. “It sometimes takes me a little while to figure out the race start. I’m glad that I could learn and build from day to day here, and to take that into today’s race.”

McEwen picked up her first podium today in her 57th World Cup start to go along with 20 top 10 finishes. 

“I’m feeling a lot of gratitude right now. It’s been a journey, and I am so stoked to be on the podium,” said McEwen. “The conditions weren’t prime today and I just accepted it and made the best of things.”

Other Canadians racing today were India Sherret (Cranbrook, BC) ninth in the women’s race, and Gavin Rowell (Prince George, BC) sixth, Kris Mahler (Canmore, AB) 10th and Nicholas Katrusiak (Whistler, BC), in just his 15th World Cup start, was 27th. 

Next CANskiteam World Cup races: (link to FIS Calendar)

Ski cross head to World Championships in Engadin (SUI) for races March 22 and 23

Men tech race SL in Hafjell (NOR) March 16

Para alpine race in Veysonnaz (SUI) March 20-25

Alpine World Cup Finals are in Sun Valley (USA) March 22-27

Follow Canada’s Ski Team this season on Alpine Canada’s website, across our social media accounts and subscribe to our newsletter.

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For more information or media inquiries please contact: 

Mark Halliday
Alpine Canada
403 777 3204
media@alpinecanada.org

About Alpine Canada 

Alpine Canada is the governing body for alpine, para-alpine, and ski cross racing in Canada, as well as for Canadian ski coaches, providing education, certification, insurance, and compliance with the coaching code of conduct. With the support of valued corporate partners and donors, along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Coaching Association of Canada, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship, and World Cup athletes to stimulate visibility, inspiration, and growth in the ski community.