Ferreira Wins Crystal Globe in Calgary, Goepper Second
In an epic conclusion to an exciting season of halfpipe skiing, Alex Ferreira and Nick Goepper found themselves together on the podium once again at the Snow Rodeo in Calgary.
After a week in frigid temperatures, the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team halfpipe riders gave it their all for the last World Cup of the season. In Friday's qualifiers, Svea Irving was the lone American woman to get through to finals, while seven American men qualified including Hunter Hess, Dylan Ladd, Birk Irving, Alex Ferreira, Nick Goepper, Matt Labaugh and David Wise. Wise was the top qualifier in heat one and Goepper was the top qualifier in heat two.
While the action heated up on Saturday night, the temperatures dropped. The famed night final took place at -5 degrees Fahrenheit, adding another layer of difficulty.
The women's side had their usual three run final format with eight finalists. Svea Irving put down her first run, giving her a score of 72.75 and she knew she needed to kick it up a notch for her next two runs. Unfortunately, Svea could not put down a clean run, getting caught up on her last two hits and finishing the night in fifth. China's Li Fanghui finished in the top spot, with Great Britain's Zoe Atkin in second and Canada's own Rachel Karker in third. Svea's finish secured her the fourth overall spot in women's halfpipe this season, just one away from an overall podium finish.
On the men's side, it was a 16-man, two-run final. Goepper finished as the top American man in second place with an unreal second run. Ferreira ended in third, after his first run resulted in a 91.75 - setting the tone for the contest. They were joined on the podium by New Zealand's Finley Melville-Ives in first, his first World Cup victory.
Hess finished the evening in sixth, after a good first run. He also debuted his misty 720, adding an extra 180 degrees of rotation from how he usually does it to land switch, a new twist on his beloved last hit. Wise finished the night in seventh, after a clutch last run, but unfortunately it was not enough to crack the podium. Ladd finished eighth, Birk Irving 10th and Matt Labaugh 14th. The American men put together incredible runs, with many having heartbreaking, last-hit falls that ultimately resulted in a disappointing night for many.
Alex Ferreira also won the Crystal Globe for the second year in a row and the third time in his career. Nick Goepper joined him on the overall podium, finishing the season in second overall. The two had a heated battle for the top spot that brought a lot of excitement to the season. They were joined by Canada's Brendan Mackay for third place overall.
Next up for the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team, slopestyle heads to Stoneham, Quebec next weekend for their last North American competition this season. Halfpipe is taking some time off, and then gears up for the World Championships in Endagin, Switzerland in March.
