From Michael Oliveira of the Canadian Press:

• Finalists say it’s been a long haul as ‘Battle of the Blades’ finale looms
  “CBC-TV’s Battle of the Blades concludes Sunday and Monday, and the coaches and finalists say it’s been a long, draining experience with no shortage of ups, downs and surprises. What sounded like a joke of an idea at first – take eight retired hockey players and see how they do in figure skates – bloomed into a ratings hit. Tickets to the live performances at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens became a hot commodity.” Read more.

From Cassandra Szklarski of the Canadian Press:

• ‘Battle of the Blades’ eyes franchise possibilities as season winds down
  “CBC’s skating hit “Battle of the Blades” is heating up off the ice, with talks underway to mount the elimination-style reality series in other countries, executive producer John Brunton said Wednesday.” Read more.