events

Eleven U.S. Athletes to Compete at Two International Events this Week

icenetwork.com JGP Italy event page
icenetwork.com Finlandia Trophy event page

Jason Brown (photo by Michelle Harvath)

(10/4/11) - The United States will send six skaters to JGP Italy, the sixth event of the International Skating Union (ISU) Junior Grand Prix (JGP) of Figure Skating Series in Milan, Italy, while five skaters will compete at Finlandia Trophy in Vantaa, Finland.

JGP Italy begins Thursday with the ladies and men's short programs, while Finlandia Trophy kicks off Friday with the men's short program and short dance. For complete coverage, please visit www.icenetwork.com.

Courtney Hicks, the 2011 U.S. junior champion, looks for her second gold medal of the season in Milan, having won gold at the 2011 JGP Australia. A medal-winning performance in Italy could help her gain a spot at the 2011 Junior Grand Prix Final, which features the top six point-earners in each discipline throughout the JGP series. Hannah Miller, who won the 2011 U.S. novice title, makes her first international appearance this week.

Like Hicks, Jason Brown also won gold at the 2011 JGP Australia and hopes that earning a podium spot in Italy will help him qualify for the JGP Final. Making his international debut is Jay Yostanto

The 2011 U.S. junior silver medalists, Lauri Bonacorsi & Travis Mager, were the silver medalists in Australia. They skate for another medal and a possible spot in the JGP Final.

Now in its 15th season, the JGP Series consists of seven international events in a cumulative point-scoring format. Approximately 400 athletes representing more than 35 countries are expected to participate in the series. Each athlete is eligible to score points in two of the seven scheduled events (pairs can compete in two of four designated events). The top six point-earners in each discipline qualify for the Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, Dec. 8-11 in Quebec City, Quebec.

Held annually since 1995, Finlandia Trophy is a senior-level competition for all ladies, men's and ice dancing organized by the Finnish Figure Skating Association.

Douglas Razzano makes his season debut in Finland and hopes to add to the two international medals he already owns.

Reigning World bronze medalists and U.S. silver medalists, Maia Shibutani & Alex Shibutani, look to start another successful season in Vantaa. Competing in their first senior season last year, the duo earned a pair of bronze medals in each of their Grand Prix assignments. They are slated to compete at Cup of China and NHK Trophy later this fall. Madison Chock & Evan Bates, who teamed up last spring, make their senior international debut at Finlandia Trophy. Both teams train under coaches Igor Shpilband and Marina Zoueva.