Canadians are on the medal prowl once again after a strong performance in Friday's qualification rounds during the second stop on the World Cup short track speed skating circuit in Jeonju, South Korea.

Last week at the World Cup opener in China, the Canadian team took home seven medals.

Canada's Anouk Leblanc-Boucher advanced to the quarter-finals in the 500, 1,000 and 1,500-metres qualifiers at the short track speed skating World Cup Friday.Canada's Anouk Leblanc-Boucher advanced to the quarter-finals in the 500, 1,000 and 1,500-metres qualifiers at the short track speed skating World Cup Friday.
(Paul Chiasson/Canadian Press file photo)

On the women's side Friday, all the Canadians advanced to the quarter-finals in the 500-, 1,000- and 1,500-metre qualifiers.  

In the 500, it was:

  •  Anouk Leblanc-Boucher of Montreal
  •  Kalyna Roberge of Ste-Etienne-de-Lauzon, Que.
  •  Anne Maltais of Quebec City. 

In the 1,000, the following advanced:

  • Leblanc-Boucher
  • Roberge
  • Maltais
  • Amanda Overland of Kitchener, Ont.
  • Raphaele Lemieux of Riviere-du-Loup, Que.
  • Nita Avrith of Montreal

In the 1,500, these competitors have moved on:

  • Roberge
  • Leblanc-Boucher
  • Avrith

Avrith is in her first season on the national team, while Lemieux and Maltais have limited international experience.

"It was obvious that the girls learned a lot from last week's racing," said national team coach Martin Gagné.

"They knew their opponents better, they were vigilant and were less hesitant to pass an opponent. They're gaining a lot of confidence."

In men's competition, Olivier Jean of Lachenaie, Que., and François-Louis Tremblay of Montreal advanced in the 500. Tremblay and Jean were 1-2 in last week's 500 final.

In the 1,000, these Quebecers moved to the quarter-finals:

  • Steve Robillard of Montreal
  • Charles Hamelin of Ste-Julie
  • Marc-André Monette of Pointe-aux-Trembles

As well, Mathieu Giroux of Montreal is headed to a repechage.

In the 1,500, advancing were:

  • Giroux
  • Monette
  • Robillard

Monette, Giroux and Jean are in their first season on the World Cup circuit.

"The young guys are showing they are ready for this level," said men's national team coach Derrick Campbell. 

"It's a not a surprise. Just to make the Canadian team you're already skating at a high level and learning racing skills. But there's still a transition at the international level, and they've stayed relaxed and controlled their races."

In the men's relay quarter-finals, Canada placed second in its heat to move to the semis. Racing for Canada were Hamelin, Giroux, Monette and Robillard. The women's relay starts Saturday.

The schedule for that day includes the 1,000 and 1,500 finals.

courtesy Canadian Sport News