I voted Emanuel, becuase he has better luck with the quad. His dance training also comes through in his footwork, which is great. It was a tough decision though, because I really love Buttle, and they are both well-rounded skaters.
I picked Sandhu for two reasons. The first is because he can do the quad on a much more consistent basis than Buttle. The second is because Sandhu's skating (at least when he's on) is unbeatable IMO. His programs are amazing, especially that flamenco SP of his.
I would rank Buttle second, but it would be a close second. I can easily see how people would prefer him to Sandhu.
No man in Canada besides Buttle comes close to Sandhu in terms of basic skating skills. And Jeff is still not nearly as powerful as Emanuel. Sandhu beats him hands down on ice coverage per stroke, ease of blades etc. Everything that Emanuel does just looks bigger. Sandhu also has better jump techniques (minus the flutz and occasional two-foot landing). Buttle will be amazing when he skates up to his potential, but Sandhu can be a god if he's on.
Because of Sandhu's recent success he is looking stronger, but I am partial to Jeff. He reminds me of Kurt Browning, the way he flows so effortlessly from one element to the next and his musicality sense is superb. I also like Sean Sawyer and am eagerly awaiting his "arrival" in the Sr. ranks. I know Jeff needs to really get those jumps solid, but man what flow and artistry!
From ABC TV, I've only seen Ben Ferreiro once. He did not skate well competitively but I did note that he had a budding style and fairly good basics. I was impressed but since then nothing much has happened for him. I notices he came out second in the Canadian Nats. Hopefully I get to see him in 4C.
I think it's a tie between Buttle and Sandhu. Unless one of them takes a giant skate forward, they will be one or the other in competitions. One thing going for them is that they both have different styles. I like that.
jeepers....I don't like when two of my favorites are on the same thing cause its sooo hard to decide....but I am with CassidyL about Chris (yet) but I'm with Jeff for the NOW part
lol http://www.jeffbuttle.ca.tc http://www.chrismabee.ca.tc
I think that Emanuel Sandhu is capable of more than Jeffrey Buttle. Emanuel has the ability to land very beautiful jumps along with difficult ones, but he just has inconsistency.
Emanuels jump technique is by far superior to all of the canadian skaters that I have seen, when he lands it, his 3axel is gorgeous, back positions etc...Jeffrey Buttle technique in his quad and 3axel could be very much improved...
Presentation wise, I like the "out on a limb" approach that Sandhu takes when he skates to music that is a bit far fetched for amatuer skating.
If all were to be just on one day, and put together 2 solid programs, Sandhu is the best....but i like both Sandhu/Buttle.
Oh God too tough! I love Jeffs skating but I can see why Eman would be better. However in the long run I see Shawn Sawyer as having the potential to be better than all of them. He has a great gift and I just hope he can consistently nail the jumps to back it up! His Junior Worlds lp was awesome!!