ISU Events -- 2005

[Lee]

*provisionally*

http://www.isu.org/news/prov2005.html

[RizzleRed]

Great that Canada got the World Juniors for 2005 -- but I wonder why they're putting them in Kitchener with their small ice surface -- this is the rink (I believe) where the skaters had so much trouble at the GPF with the small size. I realize Juniors probably won't cover the ice as much as seniors, but it still seems strange to me.

It also surprises me because Hamilton has 4C's in 2004 and the 2 cities aren't very far apart (relatively speaking) and they just had the GPF this past year.

[Lee]

The WOS obviously has what it takes to get the big events in their section...

[Spinner]

Well crud...I was [b:a0dde8326b]really[/b:a0dde8326b] hoping Calgary would get Worlds. :cry:

[Aaron W]

It sure would be great to go to Moscow for Worlds. I'm doubting that will happen though. On the other hand, Junior Worlds in Kitchener has some real potential. Hopefully I'll be able to do it! :)

[mikey]

I wonder if many people will go to Moscow for Worlds??? With all the visa requirements and security issues, I hope fans still attend...

[ruth01w]

[quote:616b4a1292="Spinner"]Well crud...I was [b:616b4a1292]really[/b:616b4a1292] hoping Calgary would get Worlds. :cry:[/quote:616b4a1292]

I was hoping that too. We had heard some months ago that Calgary was considered particularly after they lost the Goodwill Games that had been planned for 2005. Let's hope we can get another international event soon.

Ruth

[Scott]

Moscow will be a neat place to have worlds. I think that by the time 2005 roams around some of the visa issues may be resolved as Russia moves closer to the US, Canada and the West politically. This will be an interesting world championship. I hope to go and maybe even take a side trip to St. Petersberg!

[leap of faith]

Kitchener again?

gosh darn it. I was hoping we'd get them with our lovely new stadium.

[Snowflake3939]

I thought that it was 2006 that was mentioned for Calgary. Maybe we'll see Worlds back in Canada then. But in the past it seems to have alternated between Eastern Canada and Western Canada when the event has been held in Canada. Since Worlds was in Vancouver the last time, it would be Eastern Canada's turn again. I guess we'll all just have to wait until next June to find out.

[lotusland]

They must really be testing out Torino, Italy, because the ISU has assigned Torino 3 Championship events in 2005. According to the list, they will be hosting the European Figure Skating Championships, the Short Track Speed Skating Championships and the Sprint Speed Skating Championships. That's one ton of high profile events for a single year! And of course, they are promptly followed by the Olys in 2006.

Definately pays to be head of the ISU :wink:

[arena_gal]

A few thoughts on World Juniors in Kitchener in 2004. Although a lot has been made of the ice size in the main arena, it is 195 x 85, the new standard for NHL is 200 x 85. The rink is only 5 feet shorter than NHL/international, and the width is standard for North America. The two practice rinks at the Aud complex are 200 x 100. The Aud currently is undergoing a facelift and will have new concession, private boxes and more room to move around. They also have the meeting/schmooze areas that are needed for these kind of events.

Add into that that WOS is a strong section, K-W is a particularly strong and well connected club and that the Aud would like some high profile events to pay for their renovations and it all comes together. Also, the RIM park which is KW's home, has a 4 ice rink complex with one dedicated totally to figure skating. Kitchener is close to airports, has enough hotel space and had an electrified Grand Prix last year.

When you look at the big picture, the ice size is the smallest part of it. However, some days I do wish the WOS world didn't revolve around KWSC.