Another Skating Season Ahead....

[Ladskater]

Isn't it grand? I love Autumn not just for the beauty but it always reminds me of the beginning of a new figure skating season. When I was a skater I could hardly wait to get my skates out and sharpen my blades and register for another skating season. The anticpation was unbearable. I could not wait to hit the ice. Now of course I am more of an "arm chair expert" and my skates are resting in the corner of my room. I still look at them and dream of those days.

It's going to be another great season filled with the drama that we all love about figure skating and we will duke it out here at Golden Skate about our favorite and not-so-favorite skaters and programs but Isn't it Grand?




You can take the girl out of figure skating, but you can't take the love of figure skating out of the girl....

 

[merrybari]

Isn't it grand? I love Autumn not just for the beauty but it always reminds me of the beginning of a new figure skating season.

It's going to be another great season filled with the drama that we all love about figure skating and we will duke it out here at Golden Skate about our favorite and not-so-favorite skaters and programs but Isn't it Grand?

You've said a mouthful!! Very true! I've always been an avid skating fan, but even more so, if that was possible, since my first live competition - Skate America, last year! I've signed up for 4 this season: Skate America, Skate Canada, US Nationals and Worlds!!

Here in Michigan I've heard it said we have two season's: winter and road construction!

For myself it's now become summer and skating season! Can't start too soon to suit me. The drama and suspense has already started with so many coaching changes, retirements, reinventions - it's going to be grand!!

Bring it on!!

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

For the die hards, it's already started with the Junior Grand Prix. Check out the Hubbells from Mexico City results.

 

[flying camel]

Yes, it is grand indeed. I can't wait to see how are new senior ladies do. Will Flatt win Skate America? The anticipation is unberable. How will Czisny, Liang fare this season or will the newbies be on the podium again? What about Kimmie, will she be back to her old self, or will her jumps continue to elude her. What about Johnny, will he finally win a World title? How will B/A do under their new coaches. I can't wait!!!!!!!!!

 

[dutchherder]

I watched Ashley Wagner's performance at Liberty online, and wow-- she's looking really strong. I'm excited to see how she'll do this year with the new programs, new look, and new coach! :thumbsup:

 

[london_calling]

My absolute favorite thing about skating is the uncertainty of it all. You never know what is going to happen. I love it when the underdog triumphs and I hope we see some of those moments this season.

 

[Ladskater]

I love to see all the new programs - boy am I going to miss Jeff big time this season ! His taste in music is brilliant and his chorography is always interesting. I also enjoy seeing the new talent on the horizon - all the up and coming skaters.

It's going to be great.

 

[flying camel]

I watched Ashley Wagner's performance at Liberty online, and wow-- she's looking really strong. I'm excited to see how she'll do this year with the new programs, new look, and new coach! :thumbsup:

What coach did Ashley switch to?

 

[merrybari]

Ashley's working with Priscilla Hill now.

 

[Ginask8s]

Irina Romanova does choreography with her.

 

[SailorGalaxia518]

Well obviously will be rooting for Yu-Na Kim this season let's hope to god she stays healthy the entire season and win her 1st world title not to mention her 3rd GPF. She is unquestionably the best in world when she is in top form. Even better than Mao Asada.

Go Yunie!!!!!!!!



As far as the U.S. goes

I am looking to see how Mirai Nagasu, Caroline Zhang, Rachael Flatt, Emily Samuelson and Evan Bates do on the GP Circuit.

I have an early prediction for Nationals for the Ladies since their are only two spots for worlds

1.) Mirai Nagasu
2.) Caroline Zhang

Not in any particular order. I think if they hit during the GP Circuit, no question these Ladies are going 1-2 at Nationals. They are that good. If they don't deliver, I see Racheal Flatt and Ashley Wagner stepping in as spoilers.

I am also hoping that Samuelson/Bates will end up on the podium at nationals. I consider this team to take over the reigns of Belbin/Agosto when they retire.

4th at nationals last year, They could very well be going to their 1st senior worlds in LA.

Also rooting for the Hubbells this season as well as Mclaughlin/Brubaker in pairs and Johnny Weir, Jeremy Abbott, and Stephen Carriere

 

[skatergirl45]

I am excited about seeing Mirai and Rach on the GP. Also Evan's new programs. I want to see how Tankith and Ben are doing........................................
Good luck to everyone in this pre-Olympic year!!!!!

 

[R.D.]

Hate to put a damper on the excitement but I must admit I haven't looked less forward to a season since before I knew there WAS one...who to look out for? I can't name anyone. Asada and Kim are the ones to beat, maybe some other Japanese skater could play spoiler. What else? There's a reason I have not been around here as much as before.

 

[merrybari]

Hate to put a damper on the excitement but I must admit I haven't looked less forward to a season since before I knew there WAS one...who to look out for? I can't name anyone. Asada and Kim are the ones to beat, maybe some other Japanese skater could play spoiler. What else? There's a reason I have not been around here as much as before.

I'm so sorry the season has lost it's appeal for you. That said, I feel just the opposite. There have been so many changes, reinventions, new coaches, new music that it's certainly open season and anything can happen. Add to that, I see great depth within countries and internationally too. Difficult to make predictions when there are so many unknowns. I'm looking forward to seeing the results of all the hard work that has gone into so many skaters preparations.

For me that's a better deal than a clear cut favorite in ANY of the disciplines. Will be fun to watch the cream rise to the surface.

Bring it on!! Especially Evan's new programs, costumes and style. And boy, am I eager to see what Tanith and Ben come up with. They have been so low profile we don't even know the music!!

 

[Mathman]

Hate to put a damper on the excitement but I must admit I haven't looked less forward to a season since before I knew there WAS one...who to look out for? I can't name anyone.

Take the long view, Dog. If you can't work up an interest in men's, pairs, or dance, and if nothing outside the U.S. stirs your pot, then you can get excited about the free-for-all in ladies at U.S, Nationals.

Plus, you can watch to see if the baby brigade of Caroline Zhang, Mirai Nagasu and Rachael Flatt can make enough gains this season to draw a bead on Asada and Kim in 2010. Or will it be Ashley Wagner? Or will Kimmie return triumphantly to the top of the U.S. rankings after an off year? (Go Alissa!)

 

[R.D.]

You made a valid point, though: US Nats Ladies is the only event that will have some sort of excitement/suspense. And even that will be less than in previous years: the Kwan/Cohen rivalry was the height of it all, even though no one else had a chance. But now the field is wide open, and that's enough of a reason to stay tuned.

Something better shake up before the 2010 Olys...

 

[merrybari]

Mathman,

I so agree about Alissa. I'd love to see her finally come into her own. She's lovely on the ice - if can only get control and consistency in her jumps she should do very well. She has a maturity and grace to her style that the "baby brigade" will be hard pressed to match let alone beat.

Go Alissa!!

 

[lmarie086]

I'd have to disagree about Ladies being the only event with suspense. I might have a bias as it is my favorite event these days, but I think Ice Dance will be very exciting-both nationally (US) and internationally. Just think of all the coaching changes and the possibe vying for top spots.
Of course I can't really judge yet because I haven't seen any programs but in just US Nats alone:
Possible placements:
1-2; both either Tanith & Ben or Meryl & Charlie
3-5; a battle between Kim & Brent, Emily & Evan, and Jane & Todd. I am personally rooting for Jane and Todd , but we'll have to wait and see.
-Also, the placement of the Hubbells. First off, will they compete Seniors or Juniors. If Juniors, then there will be a fight between them, the Shibutani's and Chock and Zuerlein.
Beyond US Nats, there's
-Tessa and Scott; I am dying to know what kind of music they've chosen and if they've continued the road they've been on the last two seasons or not (I'm hoping now.
-Domnina and Shabalin vs K/N; the battle for #1 Russian spot. They meet each other twice in the GP circuit. Those are going to be real nailbitters, that's all I can say.
-Kerrs-will they FINALLY get the scores they deserve?!
Pechalat and Bourzat- what will their coaching change bring to them? I can only hope the voidiness continues.

And beyond Ice Dance, there is Johnny Weir. The sounds of his LP costume makes me .

 

[Hsuhs]

To me, the new season is all about:

1. Guys:

Will Daisuke land the planned 4+3 in the short program at CoC, what music will he skate to in his free? (since he's got more than one)

Will Brian keep his long hair? Can't say I'm in love with his new look. I liked the 'G.I. Brian' better.

I have a slight interest in Evan now, and want to see what TAT's come up with for him. The costumes, too.

I've seen a tiny bit of Alban Preaubert's new routine to 'Kalinka', and can't say I was sold. But I want to hope for the best.

The Chinese juniors.

2. Ice dancers:

Tessa and Scott and how they are going to deal with pressure. And, of course, the music.

Maia and Alex Shibutani's CD and OD. Don't like the elevator music they're using for their FD (but, technically, they are perfection).

3. Pairs

Aliona & Robin: can they repeat the last season's success?
Yuko & Alexander: wishing them an injury free season.

4. Ladies:

Will Miki start to look happier?
Will Elene overcome last season's problems? I'm a believer.

 

[samba]

I'd have to disagree about Ladies being the only event with suspense. I might have a bias as it is my favorite event these days, but I think Ice Dance will be very exciting-both nationally (US) and internationally. Just think of all the coaching changes and the possibe vying for top spots.
Of course I can't really judge yet because I haven't seen any programs but in just US Nats alone:
Possible placements:
1-2; both either Tanith & Ben or Meryl & Charlie
3-5; a battle between Kim & Brent, Emily & Evan, and Jane & Todd. I am personally rooting for Jane and Todd , but we'll have to wait and see.
-Also, the placement of the Hubbells. First off, will they compete Seniors or Juniors. If Juniors, then there will be a fight between them, the Shibutani's and Chock and Zuerlein.
Beyond US Nats, there's
-Tessa and Scott; I am dying to know what kind of music they've chosen and if they've continued the road they've been on the last two seasons or not (I'm hoping now.
-Domnina and Shabalin vs K/N; the battle for #1 Russian spot. They meet each other twice in the GP circuit. Those are going to be real nailbitters, that's all I can say.
-Kerrs-will they FINALLY get the scores they deserve?!
Pechalat and Bourzat- what will their coaching change bring to them? I can only hope the voidiness continues.

And beyond Ice Dance, there is Johnny Weir. The sounds of his LP costume makes me .

Agree with you about the Ice Dance US nationals. The third spot on the podium is quite open. Do not forget Wester/Barantsev, they just beat N/B at the Philly Challenge Cup in both OD & FD. I also feel that Jane/Todd are coming up strong, very likely to be on the podium.