From a media release:

BATTLE OF THE BLADES PAIRS READY FOR ACTION ON THE FIRST LIVE PERFORMANCE SHOWS

• Toronto Maple Leafs fan favourite Darcy Tucker announced as first guest judge

The cast of BATTLE OF THE BLADES are gearing up for the very first live performance show this Sunday, September 25 at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT) on CBC Television, followed by the second live performance episode on Monday, September 26 at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT). Joining the judging panel for the first anticipated performance episode of the season is fan-favourite ex-NHL player, Darcy Tucker.

Known for his gritty style of play, Tucker played for the Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Colorado Avalanche, but is most well-known for his time spent with the Toronto Maple Leafs. A fan-favourite in the hearts of Leafs fans everywhere, Tucker spent seven seasons with the club before announcing his retirement in 2010, to pursue a career as a sports agent.

Tucker will add colourful commentary to the insightful remarks of Head Judge Sandra Bezic and Resident Judge Jeremy Roenick as the pairs showcase their skills in the hopes of winning a $100,000 donation for their charity of choice. The first BATTLE OF THE BLADES live performances will be comprised of one-hour competitions on Sunday, September 25 and on Monday, September 26 at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT). Subsequent weeks will feature one-hour performance shows on Sunday evenings followed by the dramatic, live “skate-off” half-hour results shows on Monday nights.

Viewers that missed the first episode last Sunday can watch a special presentation of BATTLE OF THE BLADES: GAME ON this Sunday, September 25 at 2 p.m., followed by an encore presentation of COVER ME CANADA’s series premiere at 3 p.m.

From Debra Yeo of the Toronto Star:

• Battle of the Blades: A sad beginning
  It was impossible to watch the Season 3 premiere of Battle of the Blades, “Game On,” and not feel the loss of Wade Belak. But to its credit, the show didn’t get maudlin about the death of the former NHL enforcer, one of eight hockey players who’d agreed to don figure skates for this edition of Blades. Read more.

From a media release:

CBC ANNOUNCES BATTLE OF THE BLADES’ PAIRS – INCLUDING NEW ADDITION RUSS COURTNALL

• Live performance shows begin on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT)

CBC announced today the eight pairs teams that have been partnered for the anticipated third season of the smash hit live series, BATTLE OF THE BLADES. This year’s BATTLE OF THE BLADES cast will include former Toronto Maple Leaf and Montreal Canadien Russ Courtnall, who has generously stepped in to take the place of the late Wade Belak and skate for Wade’s chosen charity, Tourette’s Syndrome Neurodevelopmental Clinic at the Toronto Western Hospital, with Kim Navarro.

A native of Duncan, British Columbia, Courtnall is most well known for his electrifying play and great skating ability during his time with the Leafs, Habs and five other NHL teams. Along with his impressive 15-year NHL career, Russ was also selected to represent Canada throughout his career at the World Championships and the 1984 Olympic Games.

BATTLE OF THE BLADES’ live performances begin with two one-hour performance shows Sunday, September 25 at 8 p.m. and Monday, September 26 at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT). Fans have asked for no elimination in the first week, but these performances will still count towards the first elimination held in week two. Subsequent weeks will feature performance shows on Sunday evenings followed by the dramatic, live “skate-off” results shows on Monday nights, until the new champions are crowned.

The season 3 pairs are:

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