W. Vancouver (BC), Canada - Canadian Halfpipe Ski Team head coach Trennon Paynter has announced his 2009–10 lineup. Two new members will join the squad, lead by halfpipe superstars Sarah Burke and Mike Riddle, for the upcoming season.


Last year, the team attained podium results in almost every event it attended, including the World Championships, Winter X-Games, Dew Tours, World Cups, and more.

Paynter said, “It may not be easy to surpass the results of previous years, but the team is up for the challenge, and is approaching the 2010 season on a mission to raise the bar to new levels.”

The two new members – Dania Assaly from Edmonton, Alberta, and Matt Margetts from Penticton, British Columbia – will join the team veterans in the pipe this season.

Assaly has been steadily rising through the ranks of both halfpipe and slopestyle for the past few seasons. She finished the 2008-09 season with a victory at the World Ski Invitational event and subsequently went on to earn four more consecutive podium finishes in the southern hemisphere this summer. Paynter described Assaly’s style as, “Aggressive, confident and stylish.” He added that he expects big things from her this season.

For his part, Margetts has been making his mark on the freeskiing scene with an impressive combination of halfpipe and slopestyle results as well as a notable film resumé. Margetts is continuously breaking new ground in the sport through his relentless pursuit of progression and style. He represents the fresh new face of freestyle skiing.

The team is rounded out by veterans Burke (Squamish, B.C.), Rosalind Groenewoud (Calgary, Alberta), Riddle (Squamish, B.C.) and Justin Dorey (Vernon, B.C.).

Long time team member Matthew Hayward will be taking the 2010 season off from full-time competition due to injury, but he is expected to be back in full form for the 2011 season.