What a day *SIGH* Day one for me at Skate Canada has finally come to an end and boy what a time I've had already. Where do I begin?
We arrived at the Hershey's Center a little bit before 9:00am.
We had intended to attend the men's practice for 7:30am however our bodies need a little bit more rest than we had thought. Sooo we had left for the Hershey's Center at 7:45am. Traffic was tight but we did manage to arrive just in time for the ladies practice. It turned out that there were a tiny bit behind so everything turned out great! While arriving at the Hershey's Center I had seen Victor Kraatz waiting at a red light alone in what looked like a rented car. Of course, I was quite surprised to see Victor even there.
Once arriving in the arena, ladies practice was just starting. We managed to find great seats for the day, right near where the skaters/zamboni came out. I was quite surprised to see how many people were at the early morning practices, considering this was the first day. I would have to say that there were definitely ALOT of younger kids in the arena, many from local skating clubs. All were searching for skaters and hounding them down for autographs. Having been there for nearly 5 min. getting my self settled, with camera in hand, I noticed Kurt Browning in the audience over to my left. I didn't even recognize him at first. He was sitting with his baseball cap on, blue jeans and of course a nice vest. It wasn't soon enough that all the "younger" children noticed who he was, and a HUGE line quickly started for autographs. I later found out that Canada AM did an interview that morning with Kurt Browning and Shae-Lynn Bourne and Victor Kraatz (That explains why Victor Kraatz was there)
Ladies Practice:
Michelle Kwan did NOT practice at ANY of the ladies practices today. My guess is that she wasn't arriving till later today.
So no reports on Michelle Kwan.
I young skater that I was VERY impressed by was from the USA - Diana Stelleto. She had my attention when she was on the ice. Landing some beautiful jumps right infront of me. Quite the young star - perhaps the next Tara Lipinski? Our Canadian ladies were a show - both Jennifer Robinson & Annie Bellemare. Both working hard, and looking pretty confident. During the ladies practice I spotted Todd Eldredge in the audience watching the ladies practice. I was quick to tell my friend who is a HUGE Todd fan, and of course we went over to get a few photos and of course a few autographs. He was so happy and kind enough to sign and pose for a photo.
I couldn't help notice all the people around me during the practices. Debbie Wilkes, Tracey Willson, Peter Carruthers, Barbra Underhill, Paul Martin, as well as MANY coaches, judges etc....
Ice-Dancing
The first Ice Dancing practice focused on The Compulsory Dance and Original Dance. The first flight of skaters featured all our Canadian Teams:
Megan Wing & Aaron Lowe - look sharp as always. I REALLY enjoyed their OD - skating to music from Cabaret. Just brings a smile to my face every time I watch them, because they both not only look like they are having a great time out there, they are also very consistent. I just LOVE their EXPRESSION. This team is definitely one of my favorites. Aaron was all in black, with Megan wearing a lovely light blue dress.
Marie-France Dubreuit & Patriuce Lauzan: I have to tell you that this is the first time I've ever seen this team skate LIVE and let me tell you I was impressed. They are so wonderful to watch. Quick, fast, great lifts.
In the second flight all eyes were on World Champions - Marina Anissina & Gwendal Peizerat. They definitely had some interesting costumes - Maria having a "?" symbol and Gwendal having a "!" What is the significant behind that? I'd like to know. I haven't seen this team skate LIVE since 1997 and in all honesty I was really happy to see them once again. Gwendal does look very sexy in long hair *hehe*
Pair's
Once the ice was re-flooded again, it was time to start the pair's practice.
Sale & Pelletier was the crowd favorites during the first flight. Many screaming either David's name or Jamie's name. Ever now and then Jamie would look up, smile and wave.
Also during that flight was the other Canadian teams of Kristy & Kris Wirtz and Jacinthe Lariviere & Lenny Faustino. It was clear to see that both Jacinthe and Lenny were having troubles with their side by side jumps. Must be very frustrating for them. As for K&K - I really enjoyed their short program. You can clearly see the connection between the two on the ice. Their program has some really neat movements, something we haven't seen from them. They were struggling a bit with their jumps it seemed.
During the second flight I was really focused on watching Berezhnaya & Sikaruldze. They ran through their free program which is skated to Charlie Chaplin. I thought it was a rather cute program, and I can't wait to see it in its entirely on Friday. However I found there was a lot of standing, and posing,expression going on through the program, during parts of the number. Bringing out the "Charlie Chaplin" One team I was impressed with was the team from China - Qing Pang & Jian Tong. I could not get over how she just FLIES in the air when he throws her. Light as a feather. They had lots of speed as well.
Men's
The last practices we stayed for were the men's 2nd practice of the day. Of course I was VERY excited to see "THE MEN" I think I enjoy this part of the competition the most!
The first flight of skaters brought most of our Canadian men - Jeff Langdon is looking great, I am so thrilled that he is back. I wish him all the best of luck, considering what happened to him at Nationals. And talk about a CUTIE PATOOTIE - Fedor Andreev. He has certainly grown so much, and WOW - he has the BLUEST eyes I've EVER seen. Did you all know that apparently he's done some modeling???? It definitely shows. I was very happy to receive his autograph after his practice. What a doll!! Ben Ferreira ran through his long program and actually did 99% of the program in its entirely and he looked pretty solid, landing all his jumps. The second flight brought us Todd Eldredge, and from France Gabriel Monnier. In my eyes this fella from France looks like Phillipe Candeloro. If you see a picture of him, you'd probably agree. Of course Alexei Yagudin was present and he was rather interesting to watch. He ran through his long program and his 1st jump was the quad - right SMACK infront of me, having a TERRIBLE fall. *YIKES*
It was a long and tiring day. But an enjoyable one and I can't wait till tomorrow. If you've read this far, thanks. I am in no way a journalist, who really gives DETAILED reports. So I hope you enjoyed reading this little summary of my first day at Skate Canada. I've been camera happy, and have been snapping a TON of photos. Trust me I've brought LOTS of film. When I return home, and have them developed I do plan on posting The Best Of The Best Photos From the 2000 Skate Canada International Championships.
Tomorrow is another day. I'll be at the rink for 12:00pm - just in time for the Men's practice. It will be a long day, Opening Ceremonies starting at 5:00Ppm with the Compulsory Dance, following the Pairs & Men's Short Program. Should be exciting indeed. Hopefully I can have another report up about tomorrow's events here at Ice World when I return home. So perhaps check back early Fri. morning - you may be in luck!!!! Till then, I'm off to bed!
Wednesday, November 1, 2000