Jazz and Lenny split?

[Honey]

I heard a rumour today that Jazz and Lenny have split.
Is there any truth in this and if so are they still going to skate with
other partners?

[Polish]

I have no idea if this is true but it wouldn't surprise me.

[jcspkbfan]

I hope this rumor isn't true, but if it is, I hope they'll both be able to continue with other partners. :(

[Polish]

Can anyone think of a potential partner for Lenny? I can't think of anyone with pairs experience who also has the triple jumps. Maybe he'll do what Fecteau did and pair up with a singles skater.

[Annes]

I thought this would happen.

[Emanfan]

He looked incredibly unhappy after the SP at Worlds. I wouldn't be surprised if this rumour is true.

[Lise]

It wouldn't surprise me either.

They are a good team, however, without the sbs, they are in trouble. They've rarely landed them in competition and I was surprised that they came back this season. I think they were very disappointed with Worlds overall because they slipped from 10th last year to 15th, and, the team they beat at Nationals, came in 5th.

I think that if they do stay together, they really need to address the jump issue-Putnum and Wirtz and Langlois and Archetto will certainly surpass them next year.

Lise

[Polish]

Originally posted by Lise


They are a good team, however, without the sbs, they are in trouble. They've rarely landed them in competition and I was surprised that they came back this season. I think they were very disappointed with Worlds overall because they slipped from 10th last year to 15th, and, the team they beat at Nationals, came in 5th.


Actually, they slipped from 8th to 11th. I'm not sure why you're thinking they came 10th last year at worlds or 15th this year.

[Tony Wheeler]

They were actually 13th this year. And from what I've heard, it does sound like they have split.

[serpentine]

somehow i am not surprised if this is the truth....i, personally, saw it coming all season. even though jacinthe's solo jumps have been a factor in lower placings, i feel the spark of the partnership has faded a bit overall. is it just me, or do you find when you watch this pair, you tend to focus on Lenny rather than Jacinthe? I always felt he needed a more dynamic partner...someone he can play off of more. They have been good together, but i just have never felt right that this was the perfect match. Well, i sure hope that if they have split, both partners find new partners, as they are two talented skaters. :( :cry:

[calypso56]

OKAY, I'll confess that I am a BIG fan of Lenny. He is very creative, as well as being a good pairs guy. When he was unhappy this season, I was unhappy, too.

ITA with Serpentine that Lenny needs someone with great acting ability who can work with him in original programs. The Transylvania Lullaby this season could have been much more dramatic, for example.

I have nothing against Jazz at all. I just think Lenny could go farther on the international scene if he had a livelier partner. With the ebb and flow of pairs in recent weeks there should be someone available.

Lenny is 24, though, so he needs to act quickly.

[Polish]

Originally posted by Tony Wheeler
They were actually 13th this year. And from what I've heard, it does sound like they have split.

You're so right! They were 15th in the SP, and 11th in the LP for 13th overall.

[Polish]

Originally posted by serpentine
is it just me, or do you find when you watch this pair, you tend to focus on Lenny rather than Jacinthe?

No, it is not just you.

Lenny has turned out to be an amazing performer. He was so great in their LP this year. He's also one of the best lifters in the world.

[serpentine]

yes! Lenny is a VERY strong pairs skater. Good line, good technique, solid and neat footwork in the lifts, and consistent. He has tons of potential to be on the top of the international podiums. gosh, i'm practically making him sound like another david pelletier waiting for his jamie sale to come along, but i really think it is true. and, furthermore, i think he has a...uhh...much more "even" temperament than david, so he really would be a catch for *that* female partner out there waiting for him.

i personally do not think age is an issue in his case, look at patrice archetto, i think he's pushing 30 or 31, and i don't consider him disappearing from the scene anytime soon! :)

[scs]

Before we speculate any further on future pairings...has this separation been confirmed? I was suggested, not by a reliable source, on another board shortly after worlds that this team may split, but there was nothing to confirm that then either.

[calypso56]

I've got it!

Lenny should try Leslie Hawker as his new partner!

She has loads of talent, and a terrific work ethic. She is creative and can sell a program. Her jumps are OK (someone with more knowledge can talk about that aspect). Plus, she is not making progress in Ladies. I'd be willing to bet she would love to fly!

But scs, you are right. This is just speculation so far. I think people who have been frustrated by L&F this year are having a bit of a fling, imagining what could happen. It seems that there are quite a few people with the same idea.

[Lise]

or if Marcoux/Buntin decide to not skate together, he can skate with Val!

[schnood]

I hope this isn't true, since L & F are one of my favourite teams....I think they have a lot of potential, they/she is quite inconsistent though.

I wonder if Jacinthe could convince Bruno Marcotte to come out of retirement?

[pinkjellybean]

Originally posted by schnood
I hope this isn't true, since L & F are one of my favourite teams....I think they have a lot of potential, they/she is quite inconsistent though.

I wonder if Jacinthe could convince Bruno Marcotte to come out of retirement?

AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Someone said it!

I love jazz and lenny however if they don't skate together anymore I have said before I'd like Bruno to come back and skate with Jazz, that would be great :)

[Polish]

Why would Bruno want to skate with Jacinthe? He's had his fair share of partners who can't do the SBS triples, so why would he want another one? Heck, she can't even do a DA 99% of the time.

Anyway, this discussion is pointless. Bruno Marcotte has been hired by Joanne McLeod to be the Pairs Director at the 8Rinks in Burnaby.

[Polish]

Originally posted by Lise
or if Marcoux/Buntin decide to not skate together, he can skate with Val!

M&B are a couple so I don't see this happening.

[Calgary88]

I used to have a web site for Lenny and Jazz....guess it's a good thing I didn't keep it up! Jazz has always had a problem with consistency. It's usually been her errors that have cost them.

Lenny is definitely the more lively of the two and was definitely the better skater (thought I always thought Jazz had a nice classical look to her skating). He will need to find someone with a personality similar to Jazz's, because he is the one who likes to shine.

I wish them both luck.

[Catherine M]

I don't think 24 is too old for Lenny to start over, if indeed that's what happens.

David Pelletier was 23 when he teamed up with Jamie; Patrice Archetto was 24 when he teamed up with Anabelle in the summer of 1997 and Jean-Sebastian Fecteau was 26 when he teamed up with Utako last summer. We've yet to see how well Fecteau's career will go with his new partner but we do know that both Pelletier and Archetto have done pretty well!

The only thing "different" about Lenny's situation is that he would be starting over as Canadian champ while Pelletier, Archetto and Fecteau all started over after mid-level results at the previous Canadians.

Whatever happens, I wish both Jacinthe and Lenny well. Their "Dracula" freeskate is one of the highlights of last season for me.

[pinkjellybean]

Originally posted by Polish
Why would Bruno want to skate with Jacinthe? He's had his fair share of partners who can't do the SBS triples, so why would he want another one? Heck, she can't even do a DA 99% of the time.

Anyway, this discussion is pointless. Bruno Marcotte has been hired by Joanne McLeod to be the Pairs Director at the 8Rinks in Burnaby.

Woah, I have simply thought they would be a good match, jazz's problems on sbs jumps notwithstanding. I wasn't insinuating this was ever going to happen. Gosh... I think Jazz is a great partner and I think someone has to be able to fix her jumps.

In my opinion both jazz and lenny are not good jumpers and I would hope they'd both be able to clean up this area....it's rather infuriating to watch them try them over and over in practice and just not get them most of the time. The problems on the sbs aren't just nerves or consistency in competition, they need to be consistent on them in practice too.

I wish jazz and lenny all the best and hope the everything works out so that they're happy in the end :)

[bleu]

I thought they needed a coach change this summer not break up.

[Tony Wheeler]

Lenny is looking for a new partner, and Jacinthe has decided to retire.

Edited 4/14 to rephrase my original post

[shopper]

well i wish jaz good luck and happiness in whatever she chooses to do
and i hope lenny finds someone to skate with.

[supersk8er]

Wow...even though it was easy to sense tension between the two in their interviews...I never thought they'd split! I think that's really sad...All the same, good luck to both of them! :)

[memememe76]

Wow, that whole "I'll watch the airplanes while you shop" line during their Tour of DC brings a whole new meaning!

Seriously, a real bummer. I was a big fan of their lyrical quality. And Jazz is one of the most lovely skaters out there. At least they'll always be remembered as Canadian champions.

The only thing "different" about Lenny's situation is that he would be starting over as Canadian champ while Pelletier, Archetto and Fecteau all started over after mid-level results at the previous Canadians.

Or look at Lloyd Eisler who started over after being a Worlds medalist!

Frankly, I can't think of anyone for Lenny right now. Maybe he should go the Eisler route and pick someone from juniors.

[catija]

ok i skipped through the forum after reading the first page, but i hope lenny finds a partner who is equally talented, and has similiar bodylines to him. ditto for jaz

[yankeepolka]

I agree that Lenny should hook up with Leslie Hawker. Leslie is an awesome skater and can easily nail a double axel and 3 toe or sal. Whatever Lenny decides, I wish him luck. He's a great guy and a wonderful competitor. I also wish Jacinthe all the happiness in the world. Jacinthe actually dates Jennifer Robinsons brother.......maybe there will be wedding bells sometime soon????? Best of luck to them both.

[Tigger]

What a shame. I loved this team and they had such wonderful and creative programs. All the best to the both of them.

[jcspkbfan]

I agree it's a shame this team has broken up, but I'm happy to hear Lenny's looking for a new partner...hopefully something will work out for him! Judging from all the other examples listed here, he's still got plenty of time to find that perfect match--and while we're thinking about potential future partners, how about Nicole Watt? People have talked about the possibility of Nicole doing pairs before, she's still pretty young and she's definitely tiny enough! :)

[TRAxel]

I am just curious, where is this news located at? Is there an URL or something to direct me to?

I am saddened by this news :(

[second_destiny]

TRAxel, there usually isn't a press release or anything for stuff like this. I can forward the email from Skate Canada to you if you want. We won't hear much of it otherwise.

[serpentine]

SecondDestiny, if you could PM a copy of the SC email, I would appreciate it. Thank you!
serpentine~~~

[PatC]

Meeran Trombley........

I think that would be a good match

[ophelia]

I am sorry if I missed this but did someone get an e-mail for Skate Canada and is this offical ?

[Sydney]

I have to admit, I'm surprised. This year wasn't so great, but they were consistent last year, and are now Canadian champions. I have to admit, I was really bored with this team before, but their long program was the first program of theirs I really enjoyed watching.

Just mentioning this because someone brought it up: I have to admit.... I would *love* to see Bruno Marcotte have some success with a new partner. It's a shame that a guy with his talent and steady feet could never find the right match. It just seems unfair! I think his and Jacinthe's body types would fit together, but as someone mentioned, Bruno's retired now :(

[becca]

"Meeran Trombley........

I think that would be a good match"

(sorry if that didn't work...I don't know how to quote other posts)

No offence to MeeRan, she is a friend of mine and a very talented pairs skater (who absolutely sparkles when she skates) but her weakness is her sbs jumps so if that was Lenny's problem with Jazz then I don't think the MeeRan is the answer.

[second_destiny]

As far as Skate Canada is concerned, Jazz and Lenny are no longer skating together, therefore making this an "official" decision. I cannot, however, comment on Jazz's decision or Lenny's tryouts as I have no information on this.

All I can say is that it's a real shame because they were a very talented pair with lots of presentation. I wish them both all the best in their futures!

~SD

[bleu]

Well, I don't know what to say.

I saw them live last year and thought they were a fine pair. I guess it was meant to be.

[becca]

What about Hjordis Lee as a possible match? I think their styles would match really well and she seems to be a pretty good jumper. She is 18 so even the ages would work out pretty well.

[Francis71]

Hjordis would be wonderful - wasn't she interested in pairs at one point. In response to other posts - I am not too sure those throw triples would be any good for Nicole Watts knee. Would like to see Leslie Hawker and Lenny at least try out. I always liked Lennys skating but we need to remember that the only thing he and Jazz didn't have were the jumps - the perfect partner needs to have the throws, the lift positions etc. and the jumps.

Becca you always have Cricket Club news - any pair girls in waiting over there - is Chantal staying with Jesse this year? (now she would be lovely and her jumps were improving and she is quite young). What ever happened to Joanna Purdy - has she retired? (always liked her look on the ice).

Hope Lenny knows that we are all working pretty hard to come up with a partner for him!!

[becca]

Francis21 - nope, for the first time (i think) we actually have an even number of male and female pairs skaters at the club, everyone is spoken for. It's funny that you thought of Chantal though cause that is the first person who both my mom and I thought of too. Her jumps are much improved (especially in competition) and I think that her and Lenny would have the most amazing lifts ever! However, she does plan to compete with Jesse this season. They are really good friends on and off the ice and I think that she will benefit from another year on the JGP circut (mostly to gain confidence though...she has all the makings of a great sr pairs skater already).

[~RL~]

Originally posted by Francis71
What ever happened to Joanna Purdy - has she retired? (always liked her look on the ice).

I've been wondering the same thing. Does anyone know if Johanna is still skating?

[second_destiny]

Where's Nadia Micallef when you need her? ;)

[leap of faith]

Originally posted by second_destiny
Where's Nadia Micallef when you need her? ;)

working at TSN behind the scenes for the skating.

[second_destiny]

Originally posted by leap of faith
working at TSN behind the scenes for the skating.

It was a joke, actually, 'cause Nadia is the one who suggested Jazz as a partner for Lenny...I thought maybe she'd have another good idea :D

*sniffles* I miss Nadia and Bruno...

[Erin F]

Originally posted by becca
What about Hjordis Lee as a possible match? I think their styles would match really well and she seems to be a pretty good jumper. She is 18 so even the ages would work out pretty well.

Wasn't the problem with Hjordis and Craig Buntin that she didn't want to move to Ontario, though? But I suppose things can change in a year, especially since she's now 18, and would probably be done high school.

I'm not sure if she'd be the right partner for Lenny, but I was thinking at Nationals that Shanique Olliviere-Lake should try pairs...she's the right size, got a solid double axel and triple toe, and has good basic skating/presentation. However, I think she might be too small for Lenny; he's one of the bigger male pairs skaters and I think she's less than five feet.

I definitely think that Lenny will have to be looking at singles skaters, however. In terms of the junior pairs, the only ladies that had the jumps were Terra Findlay and Jessica Dube and both of them are two young and small for him. And in sr pairs, the girls below 4th place weren't any more consistent on the jumps than Jacinthe.

[pinkjellybean]

IMHO jazz and lenny both aren't good jumpers. I would have liked to have seen a change of coaches, even if only for a summer and get those jumps up to par. Lenny is a good partner but if I were considering skating with him I'd like to see him consistent on the 3toe. Had they been able to resolve the jump issue they could have been top ranked. A change of partner isn't going to automatically bump lenny up, assuming this partner will be near jazz's level lenny still needs to be able to jumps consistently!

[bcskater]

Originally posted by Erin F
I'm not sure if she'd be the right partner for Lenny, but I was thinking at Nationals that Shanique Olliviere-Lake should try pairs...she's the right size, got a solid double axel and triple toe, and has good basic skating/presentation. However, I think she might be too small for Lenny; he's one of the bigger male pairs skaters and I think she's less than five feet.
i think that shanique would be a good pairs partner too except for the fact that the jumps the other way. its not impossible to work with but it would be a big challenge.

[Erin F]

Originally posted by bcskater
i think that shanique would be a good pairs partner too except for the fact that the jumps the other way. its not impossible to work with but it would be a big challenge.

You're right--I'd forgotten about that. So definitely not the right partner for Lenny...hmmm, maybe she should pair up with Rob Davison. Pascale Bergeron was having serious jump problems in Saskatoon (I think the only time I saw her land a triple toe or double axel all week was the 3t in the SP).

[tulip]

Originally posted by becca
"Meeran Trombley........

I think that would be a good match"

(sorry if that didn't work...I don't know how to quote other posts)

No offence to MeeRan, she is a friend of mine and a very talented pairs skater (who absolutely sparkles when she skates) but her weakness is her sbs jumps so if that was Lenny's problem with Jazz then I don't think the MeeRan is the answer.

I totally agree. Not only can Meeran Trombley not jump (can't do a double axel, let alone a triple jump), she is too short for Lenny, too young for Lenny, and can't even skate for Canada at the Olympics as she's not a Canadian citizen (or wasn't last year).

As for Lesley Hawker, I think they would be terribly mismatched. Lenny has a quite a classical look on the ice, whereas Hawker is more "jockish". She would have to improve her presentation A LOT in order to match Lenny.

I agree with Erin that Lenny will probably have to look to singles for a partner. There are no female pairs skaters other than the top 4 who have a good triple jump (and as Erin said, Dube and Findlay are too young and too short for Lenny).

[tulip]

Originally posted by becca
What about Hjordis Lee as a possible match? I think their styles would match really well and she seems to be a pretty good jumper. She is 18 so even the ages would work out pretty well.

YES! I love the idea of Lee and Faustino! She definitely has a solid double axel and triple toe as well as excellent presentation! The key is whether she can move to Ontario or not. And career-wise, this would be a great move for Hjordis b/c it's not going to happen for her in singles.

[tulip]

Originally posted by pinkjellybean
IMHO jazz and lenny both aren't good jumpers. I would have liked to have seen a change of coaches, even if only for a summer and get those jumps up to par. Lenny is a good partner but if I were considering skating with him I'd like to see him consistent on the 3toe. Had they been able to resolve the jump issue they could have been top ranked. A change of partner isn't going to automatically bump lenny up, assuming this partner will be near jazz's level lenny still needs to be able to jumps consistently!

:?:

Lenny maybe missed 2 triples all year and no double axels. He is definitely not inconsistent on the SBSs. Maybe two years ago, but not lately. Also, they skate at the top club in Canada as far as technical coaching goes, so if Jacinthe can't get the jumps with Lee Barkell and Doug Leigh right there, I doubt she'd be able to get them working with someone else. Coaching was not the problem with this team. Her lack of jumping talent was the problem.

[roogu]

Is there anyone that you do like, tulip?


Jaz may not be consistent but she is able to land those jumps ...... she had no problems with the jumps last year landing the triple toe in both the short and long programs at Nationals, Olympics AND Worlds. I dunno why she's had such a tough time with them this year, but she's certainly capable.

[pinkjellybean]

Originally posted by tulip
:?:

Lenny maybe missed 2 triples all year and no double axels. He is definitely not inconsistent on the SBSs. Maybe two years ago, but not lately. Also, they skate at the top club in Canada as far as technical coaching goes, so if Jacinthe can't get the jumps with Lee Barkell and Doug Leigh right there, I doubt she'd be able to get them working with someone else. Coaching was not the problem with this team. Her lack of jumping talent was the problem.

I know first hand how amazing the jumping techinque from the mariposa is and it has benefitted me an amazing amount, it's solid and I always say that "mariposa techinque" is perfect (however no one thing works for everyone). My comment was because everyone seems to think Jazz just can't jump and she's the only one who's been inconsistent, very not true. The sbs's are problems for both of them, but I don't think it's some fatal flaw for Jazz. And just because they train in Barrie doesn't mean they are going to be perfect jumpers, also, Doug isn't their primary coach and though they skate on some single sessions to work on jumps that doesn't mean they are even being coached on the session. Maybe then need more time and more time with a singles coach specifically. Either from barrie or elsewhere.

Personally, I really like jazz and I would like to see her partnered up where she could really shine. It just seems she's being put down here and to me she's a great pairs skater.

[tulip]

Originally posted by pinkjellybean
The sbs's are problems for both of them, but I don't think it's some fatal flaw for Jazz.

Lenny maybe missed one or two jumps all year (Bofrost Cup LP for one) where as Lariviere maybe landed one triple jump all season (Bofrost Cup LP) and one double axel all season (Worlds LP). This is not a good success rate, jellybean, and I'd say it's a fairly fatal flaw for Lariviere (as their international results this season would indicate).

[tulip]

Originally posted by roogu
Is there anyone that you do like, tulip?


Jaz may not be consistent but she is able to land those jumps ...... she had no problems with the jumps last year landing the triple toe in both the short and long programs at Nationals, Olympics AND Worlds. I dunno why she's had such a tough time with them this year, but she's certainly capable.

Last year is not this year and obviously Faustino feels the same. Skating is too time consuming and too expensive to wait around for your partner to try and get the jumps landed in competition.

As for who I like, didn't I say earlier on this thread that I liked Hjordis Lee? She's a great skater and I think she'd be a great pairs skater. I also like Marcoux, Langlois, Putnam, Findlay, Dube, etc. What's your point?

[bcskater]

Originally posted by tulip
YES! I love the idea of Lee and Faustino! She definitely has a solid double axel and triple toe as well as excellent presentation! The key is whether she can move to Ontario or not. And career-wise, this would be a great move for Hjordis b/c it's not going to happen for her in singles.
OK ... why is it so completely necessary for her to move to barrie? i agree that barrie would be a good place for them to go but i do not understand why it would be so "key" for them to be there and there only. it seems logical that if the partnership is worth developing it should involve some compromise :?? JMO

[tulip]

Good point, bcskater. Maybe Lenny can move to Vancouver and they can be coached by Bruno Marcotte! ;)

But Lenny's got a girlfriend and school commitments in Ontario so I don't see him moving.

[bcskater]

very good pionts also, tulip :D glad we agree

[Isabelle]

Um...has anyone stopped to think that the reason they split up is not neccessarily because Jacinthe was inconsistent with her jumps this year? I have no idea why they split up but it seems that everyone is saying it's because of Jazz's jumps, and IMHO there are probably other reasons.

[lotusland]

Unless Lenny or Jaz tell us "why" they retired their partnership, we are only speculating. And some of our speculations aren't very sensitive. Can't we just say we enjoyed their skating while it lasted and leave it at that?

[x_peacegirl_x]

hjordis and lenny???? sorry but that seems weird to me. and i don't think it would EVER happen. just my opinion but i don't see how this would ever work! hahha actually it seems funny

[tulip]

Well Courtney, Hjordis almost teamed up with Buntin last year so it's not that far-fetched to think she might skate with Lenny. Or at least try-out with him.

[lotusland]

Tony Wheeler, you mentioned earlier that Jaz has decided to retire and that Lenny was currently trying out with ??? Do you know who he has tried out with?

If Lenny hasn't already found someone, perhaps he should go out to BC and have a look at what the West has to offer. Cheaper for everyone involved if Lenny made the trip West, rather than having "X" number of girls travel East for tryouts. Just a thought. ;)

[supersk8er]

Originally posted by x_peacegirl_x
hjordis and lenny???? sorry but that seems weird to me. and i don't think it would EVER happen. just my opinion but i don't see how this would ever work! hahha actually it seems funny

Is it really quite that funny? :??

[pinkjellybean]

Hjordis has a very unique quality about her, I'm not sure it would really match Lenny. I think as far as physical looks go they would really match but I don't think their skating style's are the same. hmmm, all the same I do wonder how they'd look together...

OT: but where's Jean-Michel and Bruno when you need 'em...

[Ryan O]

I too noticed at Worlds that there was some tension between them after the short program, but they had just won Nationals so I thought they would be happier.:?? Is it not a little unusual for the reigning national champions to split up though? How often has this happened in terms of statistics? :?:

I was beginning to observe this season that Jacinthe's jumps were a problem, but L&F had good choreography and good story-telling ability on the ice--better than the other Canadian pairs, including L&A. They used to have a pretty good working relationship too and were featured in pieces at the last two Worlds showing viewers around the city where Worlds was held (eg. Nagano, Washington).

But if this decision is the best thing for them I guess it is. They were one of my 2 favourite current Canadian pairs (Marcoux & Buntin being the other) so it's a bit too bad, but perhaps if they have reached their potential together it is time to move on. This does give other Canadian pairs like Marcoux & Buntin, who were kept off the podium this year, a chace to medal at Canadians next year.:)

So now both former pairs bronze medalist Jean-Sebastien Fecteau and Lenny are looking for partners? They both are good partners. Perhaps they should hook up with each other?;)

[second_destiny]

Actually Jean-Seb already has a partner....he has for awhile now.

My only hope is that Lenny doesn't end up with someone just for the sake of having a partner. I'd love to see him with someone who has the technical ability as well as that fabulous presentation style that Canadian pair skaters just ooze :D

[lutzskate]

Haven't been here in a while, and was sad to see that they have split. Someone mentioned how Lloyd Eisler went to the Jr. ranks to find Izzie, and that got me thinking.

I know she's no longer junior, but what about Cynthia Phaneuf? She is a real little spark-plug! I think that she would have the ability to be very dramatic on the ice, and would compliment Lenny's humorous side. She's got great speed and flexibility.

What do you think?

[Lise]

I think Cynthia will have better success as a singles skater, not pairs.

[Skatingsarah]

I think this is good, I'm sure that Lenny with find a partner. Hopefully with a little more flare. I found he had alot of it but it was lacking on jaz's part. I most of all find a girl that can 'do' the jumps! Best wishes to Jaz and good luck to Lenny

[PointBleu]

Cynthia would be too tall to be your typical pair skater. She must be 5'3'' at least, if not 5'4'' now.

[pinkjellybean]

Lenny has been with a really awesome girl for a little bit now... if this becomes officialy permanent I will let y'all know. It's a good one!!!

[deanna]

Why is 5'3 too tall to be a pairs skater? If you look at the ISU biographies, you will see Xue Zhen and Tatiana Totmianina are both 5'3 as are many other pair girls who compete on the international level. Its really about how big the guy is. For example, a 5'3 tall girl shouldn't be matched with a 5'8 inch pair guy.

Has Cynthia Phaneuf grown that much? According to her Junior Team bio, her height is listed at 5'1".

[PointBleu]

Yup, Cynthia has grown few inches lately. She's more 5'4'' than 5'3''.
She is very long-limbed, not your typical pair skater body (if you want to compare to Xue Shen).
Anyway, she'll have a bright career in singles ;)

[deanna]

No argument there Pointbleu. Cynthia is an extremely talented singles skater who is definitely going places!

[calypso56]

ITA about Cynthia. Much as I would like Lenny to find an incredible partner, I really would be sad if Cynthia were to leave the singles field. She has a wonderful future. Within five years I hope to enjoy watching Cynthia win Ladies and Lenny and his new partner (I'm dying of curiousity, pinkjellybean) win Pairs at Canadians.

[tulip]

Originally posted by pinkjellybean
Lenny has been with a really awesome girl for a little bit now...

Care to give us any hints? ;)

[tulip]

Originally posted by deanna
Why is 5'3 too tall to be a pairs skater? If you look at the ISU biographies, you will see Xue Zhen and Tatiana Totmianina are both 5'3 as are many other pair girls who compete on the international level. Its really about how big the guy is. For example, a 5'3 tall girl shouldn't be matched with a 5'8 inch pair guy.

Elizabeth Putnam is also 5'3" and her partner is barely 5'9" and they have no problem.

I thought that Totmianina was more like 5'4" or 5'5".

[pinkjellybean]

Originally posted by tulip
Care to give us any hints? ;)

I can't guarantee anything yet, but I believe she was mentioned earlier when people were throwing around names of girls who should skate with Lenny. I would be excited if this worked out :)

[Ryan O]

I think the tallest female pairs skater in recent times was Valerie Saurette who is 5'5. Good thing Seb was 6'1.:)

[lotusland]

Okay pinkjellybean, I'll bite.

So far in this thread we have mentioned:
Lesley Hawker, Valerie Marcoux (already partnered with her boyfriend), Nicole Watt, Meeran Trombley (according to becca, will be skating with Jordan Wensel(sp ?)), Hjordis Lee, Chantal Poirier (again according to becca, she will be skating with Jesse Sturdy), Joanna Purdy, Shanique Olliviere-Lake (reverse jumper), Terra Findlay (too young and too short), Jessica Dube (just announced a partnership with Bryce Davison) and Cynthia Phaneuf ... was it one of these eleven? ;)

[calypso56]

Hahaha, Lotusland. I see you did the same exercise I did.

I think it must be one of those eleven, and I am SO curious as to which one it is. My guess was Lesley Hawker. I would LOVE to be right!

Pinkjellybean, do you know when the new pairs team will be announced? We are DYING of curiousity out here.

[itsgr82sk8]

I saw some place that Carla Montgomery was mentioned tooas a possible partner for Lenny.

[Annes]

Oooh! I'm betting it's Hjordis Lee--but that's a complete guess. I can't wait to find out!

So next year the "top" teams should be, in no particular order:

Langlois & Archetto
Mlle X & Faustino
Wakamatsu (sp?) & Fecteau
Putnam & Wirtz
Marcoux & Buntin

That's a fairly strong team. The battle at Nationals should finally be good, after so many years of sub-par free skate performances.

[Annes]

I guess out of the possibilities named, lotusland, these girls are possible:

Lesley Hawker,
Hjordis Lee,
Joanna Purdy,
Cynthia Phaneuf
Carla Montgomery

[becca]

somebody told me that he was in BC doing tryouts which would imply hjordis lee (i think that her name might have been mentioned too). However, I can't for the life of me remember who I heard it from so please don't take it to be the truth. Still, my guess is Hjordis Lee.

[lotusland]

I think you are right Annes, Carla Montgomery was mentioned in a different thread. I forgot about her. Since we are going back to other threads, I wonder if we have missed someone else pinkjellybean is thinking of?? :?? Did we ever mention Meghan Duhamel?

I'm trying to picture Lenny with each of our "twelve or thirteen" girls ... some are a good colouring match ... some seem too short ... or definately a VERY different skating style than Lenny.

I really don't know who I'd prefer to see him with, but out of our selections, I'll go with Hjordis Lee. She has the necessary "pairs" jumps and IMHO no one can touch her for performance value. But a nagging voice says, she won't move to Barrie.

Other possibles in no particular order:
Lesley Hawker
Carla Montgomery
Meghan Duhamel

Does anyone know if Lenny ever looked outside Canada like Fecteau did?

[winston]

Lenny has tried out with Hjordis Lee, no decisions have been made yet, Carla Montgomery has decided to stop skating and focus on school.

[blades]

8-)

fascinating news winston!...wouldn't that be great?!!...where'd you hear this??!!

[pinkjellybean]

Originally posted by becca
somebody told me that he was in BC doing tryouts which would imply hjordis lee (i think that her name might have been mentioned too). However, I can't for the life of me remember who I heard it from so please don't take it to be the truth. Still, my guess is Hjordis Lee.

She has come to Ontario, it's not official yet but would be great :)

[lotusland]

She has come to Ontario, it's not official yet but would be great

Are you confirming pinkjellybean, that the "girl" you were referring to is Hjordis Lee? And, does that mean you are confirming she is in Barrie now??

If so, this is wonderful! I'd be soooo excited if they teamed up! Faustinno & Lee has a nice ring to it. :D

[luckiest1]

How does one pronounce Hjordis? Is the "H" silent? Just like to know how to say a name...

[VGL]

I think the Hj combo makes a sound sort of like Hu in Hu. Hard to put it into words.

[blades]

8-)

ya shure!...yump'in yimminy!...maybe i pronounce it like a wyeee...could it be..yordis?...(in ontario?...now?...woah!...that's news!)...

[dancing_girl]

The way you pronouce it is...Your-dus

[leap of faith]

If they're in Barrie this is awesome. I'm going there for a visit next week. Hopefully I'll get to see this potential new team.

[luckiest1]

Thanks, dancing_girl.

[Isabelle]

I seem to remember people calling her Jor-dis....

[calypso56]

Even though I proposed Lesley Hawker as a possible partner for Lenny, I would be more than happy with a team of Lee & Faustino.

Hjordis has such an animated expression. She looks really feisty, and I am sure could sell a program with ease. I can just imagine how awesome the Vampire program would have been like with Hjordis.

There seems to be a groundswell of support for this pairing. I sure hope we are not disappointed. (Ya hear that, Lenny?)

[Annes]

I agree Calypso, this team seems v. exciting. I am wondering, however, about how long it would take Hjordis to learn the pair elements.

[pinkjellybean]

Originally posted by lotusland
Are you confirming pinkjellybean, that the "girl" you were referring to is Hjordis Lee? And, does that mean you are confirming she is in Barrie now??


Ok, yes I was talking about Hjordis, I was rather excited, I don't normally post a lot here... I guess I should have just posted originally they had a rather extended tryout/practice, no teasing was meant...

yes, she was out here in ontario... I can't confirm they will skate together or that she will be coming back to Ontario but keep your fingers crossed...

Someone else wondered about Hjordis' pairs abilities and I'm pretty positive she's skated pairs before (I think briefly as a novice, but I could be totaly wrong).

[blades]

8-)

pbj...when did they do this tryout???...fascinating news!

[lotusland]

Annes, you were wondering how long it would take Hjordis to learn the pair elements? I am interpreting your question to mean can she learn it in time for Canadians or earlier? And then pinkjellybean mentioned they thought Hjordis had already done pairs in Novice.

Drumroll, please ... I decided to see what I could find out about her. And I am confused to say the least. Which means I might have it all wrong, or even have researched someone else with the same name. Is that likely, 2 Hjordis Lee's?!?!

Anyway, I didn't find any mention of her ever doing pairs. She has most definately done singles. She also got the bronze medal at Jr. Nationals a couple of years ago in ?ice dance?? can that be right? She has apparently won several competitive ballet and jazz awards, scholarships or whatever. And, it seems she also does ?musical theatre?? and even won an award or something there too. Either she is all over the map, or I'm a lousey researcher.

If she does all this, how much does she actually skate?
Can someone set this straight?

8O

[pinkjellybean]

Originally posted by lotusland

Anyway, I didn't find any mention of her ever doing pairs. She has most definately done singles. She also got the bronze medal at Jr. Nationals a couple of years ago in ?ice dance?? can that be right? She has apparently won several competitive ballet and jazz awards, scholarships or whatever. And, it seems she also does ?musical theatre?? and even won an award or something there too. Either she is all over the map, or I'm a lousey researcher.

If she does all this, how much does she actually skate?
Can someone set this straight?

8O

Ok, I'm back again... I asked if Hjordis had done pairs before and apperently I was mistaken. She has not, although she did have previous pairs tryouts, I think that's what I was remmembering.

I remmember her from nationals and she's quite amazing, she has a huge artistic depth (she was competing in singles). I know she's done a lot of dance as well, which really shows in her skating.

However, while I was checking out if she'd done pairs before I found out it's ok to say they're now officialy skating together! Yay!

PS: Blades - I haven't been able to reply to your PM, it says your mailbox is full.

[blades]

8-)

too much for one person eh lotusland???...know what ya mean...but...quite true...

saw her in the vancouver stage production of "joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat" last year...and the previous year in "cabaret"...

how much does she skate?...answer: enough (and kudos to coach bruno del meistro (sp?) for his work with her to date...)

beebs told me to watch for her at canadians in '98...said she was outstanding...and beebs was right...been a pleasure watching her improve since then...nice girl...nice family...

gonna be an interesting pairing...best of luck to both of 'em...

[becca]

I remember hearing before that she used to ice dance at the national level (so your research skills are fine). I know that she doesn't have pairs experience but I watched her try-out with Craig Buntin last spring and they were able to do lovely lifts so she has at least one pair skill under control (i think they did death spirals too).

[pinkjellybean]

Originally posted by becca
I remember hearing before that she used to ice dance at the national level

I'm glad I'm not losing my mind, I must have confused pairs with dance but I knew she'd had a partner before, my mistake in recal I guess.

[Proudmom]

Will they be trianing with the same coach that Jazz and Lenny trained with?

[Isabelle]

If I remember correctly, Hjordis was 3rd in Pre-Novice Dance at Junior Canadians in 2001.

[pairs_guy]

I dont know where you got the results of her placing third in prenovice dance in 2001, but i look at the results on the skatecanada site all the way back to 1998-1999, and she was never in dance ...:??

[roza]

You're right Isabelle! I just checked on the Skate Canada website and Hjordis was in fact 3rd in pre-novice dance in 2001 with Andrew Trigg.

[roza]

You're right Isabelle! I just checked on the Skate Canada website and Hjordis was in fact 3rd in pre-novice dance in 2001 with Andrew Trigg.

here's the link if anyone's interested: http://www.skatecanada.ca/english/results/2000/0jrnationals/CAT008RS.HTM

[pinkjellybean]

Originally posted by Proudmom
Will they be trianing with the same coach that Jazz and Lenny trained with?

I hear they will train in Barrie with Lee.

[Kathleen]

I remember seeing Hjordis on TV at Canadians, being interviewed on how it feels to be skating in the seniors. At the time, I was very impressed by how she spoke, very bright, articulate and honest. I thought she was a real cutie.

Hope it works out well for them, seems very promising.