Weiss Joins SOI as Guest Skater

[PAskate]

http://www.starsonice.com/news/detailnews.asp?NewsID=292

[Rogue]

Guess we won't be seeing him at Worlds this year. If he's touring in Feb and Mar, he won't have time to train.

[Artemis]

Not necessarily. It does say "select performances," and of course he can do his competitive programs as part of the tour.

Of course he may also be hedging his bets -- there's a distinct possibility he won't make the World team.

[Sydney]

Interesting. I really don't seem him as a SOI skater. Actually, I seem to be saying that a lot about additions to the cast in the past few years.

As long as Sarah Hughes comes and tours in Canada, I'll be a happy camper.

[Oracle]

Actually, I think Mike will fit in with SOI very well. They need someone who is lively & upbeat, fun to watch. I've always enjoyed his exhibition programs more (usually) than his competitive programs. He won't need to do quads in SOI & maybe Todd Eldredge can help him with his triple axle. They really need someone besides Todd who can still land the more difficult triple jumps. With the cutbacks in prize money by the ISU & fewer stops for COI, I think this is a smart career move for a family man.

[iceskaterdawn]

I'm so glad my SOI shows are in January!!!

[Schmeck]

Another solo guy? Just what SOI needs, besides another pairs team :roll:

Where are the ladies? Is it just going to be Sarah?

[Alexa]

The veteran Weiss, currently ranked third in the world by International Skating Union, is looking forward to the challenges of coupling his busy performance schedule with a grueling competitive season.

Is it true he is ranked third? How could that be? Maybe I am just confused but it doesn't seem possible.

Schmeck, I agree with you...why the dominance of men and pairs?

[Jaana]

Is it true he is ranked third? How could that be? Maybe I am just confused but it doesn't seem possible.

It is perfectly possible and here you can see where his third place came from:

http://www.isufs.org/ws/wsmen.htm

Marjaana

[Alexa]

It is perfectly possible and here you can see where his third place came from:

http://www.isufs.org/ws/wsmen.htm

Marjaana

Wow, thanks for the info--that does surprise me. 8O

Though I know this is not the only factor, but given his world championship results the last couple of years, I would have never thought he could be 3rd overall.

[Rogue]

Unfortunately, the ISU uses a bogus system for ranking. I mean, you have guys who haven't even competed at the Senior level internationally in the top 20. At the least, they should break out the Junior rankings from the Senior rankings.

[Jaana]

Yes, the system favours some skaters. Those that have participated in all ISU international competitions and also competed well in them. On the other hand it is fair, because e.g. GP is a part of the skating season.

The junior rankings are though confusing.

Marjaana

[dr.frog]

Unfortunately, the ISU uses a bogus system for ranking. I mean, you have guys who haven't even competed at the Senior level internationally in the top 20. At the least, they should break out the Junior rankings from the Senior rankings.

Since the main purpose of the ISU ranking system is to seed skaters for the Grand Prix events, the current system of giving points for junior events assures that the top skaters coming off the junior circuit (Evan Lysacek, for instance) can transition directly to the senior GP events. Otherwise, since the rankings build on themselves over time through repeated participation in GP and ISU championships, how are new skaters ever going to get a chance to break in to that elite group?

[jcspkbfan]

Michael's name has also been added to a few of this fall's Disson shows:

http://www.dissonskating.com/our_events/index.htm

I wonder if this means Michael is turning pro or just taking this season off from eligible skating to "explore his options?" (similar to Todd Eldredge during his last few years of eligible skating)

[Teenes]

Where are the ladies? Is it just going to be Sarah?

Right now, it looks like Yuka and Katia are each taking half the tour. And I hear there may only be one guest star per stop, which means at some shows there will be 3 ladies (Sarah, Yuka/Katia, Kristi/Oksana) and at others there will be 2 ladies and 4 men (Alexei, Todd, Steven, Kurt/Michael).

[NJSk8Fan]

Don't you wish the original core cast could skate forever with SOI? It's so odd getting used to new cast members. I'm not thrilled about Sarah joining nor Michael being a guest.
I agree that the cast needs more women and also at leat one ice dance pair.