Homick, Buelow looking to build on ISU World Junior ice dance experience

Summer Homick and junior ice dancing partner Nicholas Buelow felt community support at world juniors. (Wilma Alberti Photo)

Jeff Tribe, Post Correspondent

Summer Homick and Nicholas Buelow’s results may not have been what they wanted at International Skating Union Junior Ice Dance Championships March 6 and 7 in Talinn, Estonia.

But they will help the pair focus on what they need to do in order to advance up the sport’s international rankings.

“The big idea was to go and get a lot of experience,” said Homick. “I think we did that, we learned a lot last week.”

“There is going to be a lot of good lessons we’re taking away from this,” Buelow agreed.

Previous international competition helped a pair at their first worlds, appreciating Talinn’s beauty while realizing they were there with purpose.

“When we get fully into competition mode, we were locked,” said Homick.

They opened with a strong 2.5-minute rhythm dance performance skated to the Back Street Boys Larger Than Life and Everybody, with one slight exception. Their feet hit during a no-touch step sequence, a momentary thing which would have been difficult to pick up with the naked eye. It was, however, caught in technical review and resulted in a seven-point deduction.

“We didn’t fall or anything,” clarified Buelow, happy with their overall skate apart from that notable exception.

“We thought we skated well and performed well,” agreed Homick. “But that one thing cost us a lot of points.”

Their rhythm dance score would be 49.38, the loss of those seven points effectively taking a top-10 finish off the table.

“A tough pill to swallow,” admitted Homick. “It was hard to sleep that night.”

Heading into the free dance portion of the competition the following day not where they wanted to be after the free dance, they still managed to put together a solid performance, garnering 76.48 points. That total reflected one other minor error on a twizzle (simultaneous, moving one-foot multirotational turns) segment which again, cost them.

Once again, however, the crowd’s response to their routine was enthusiastic, spectators subsequently informing them it had brought them to tears.

“It made it better to know that despite some mistakes, people were rooting for us,” said Homick.

Their 126.22 point total placed them 15th overall. Scores were reportedly down in general said Homick. Canadian Junior Ice Dance gold medalists Layla Veillon and Alexander Brandys finished fourth at junior worlds with a score of 160.58, roughly 10 points off their ‘Canadians’ total.

In the moment, there was disappointment. But time and a shift in perspective has helped them look back on an immensely successful season. Despite only being together two years and Homick battling injuries leading up to Canadians, they finished second there with a personal best performance, advancing to the world stage. While their overall performance fit in well, a couple of mistakes cost them in the standings. It was a measure of adversity, which however has only enhanced their determination to return and continue their skating journey.

“I think that’s the most important part,” said Homick. “We made it there and stuck together as a team.

“We’ve learned and need to be better.”

“Now we go back to work for next season and prepare what we can,” Buelow added.

A week after world juniors, they already were back on the ice in Barrie, working on basics and elements, beginning preparation for ‘drilling down’ segments of their new program.

“I think there is a little bit of fire in our bellies now to get going,” said Homick. “I think the biggest motivation for success is disappointment.

“When you get knocked down, you get back up again.”

Beyond working on next year, the pair is looking forward to performing at the Tillsonburg Skating Club’s Ice Show 2026: Dancing with the Stars On Ice. Three shows are scheduled, Friday, April 17th at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 19th at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. In a sense, it’s an opportunity for a personal thank-you in respect of much-appreciated ongoing support.

“The clubs do so much for us as well,” said Buelow.

“We definitely feel that love,” Homick concluded. “I think it’s so special to have a community behind us.”