For the Love of the Ice

Hello, my name is Rich, and I'm a figure-skating nerd. There, I said it. Yes, I know the difference between salchow and axel jumps. I also understand the new scoring system put into place after the controversial 2002 Olympics judging of the pairs competition. And after the women's short program in this year's Olympics, I thought Shizuka Arakawa could walk away with the gold considering past performances by the favorites. And she did. I also thought it was a real shame that perennial superstar Michelle Kwan had to bow out because of injury. While it's true I may never see her win a gold medal at the Games, I can see her in top shape at Champions on Ice, an exhibition of past champions and future stars. This is the Lollapalooza of figure-skating, with men's gold medalist Evgeni Plushenko, three-time U.S. men's champ Johnny Weir, surprise 2006 World Champion Kimmie Meissner and many others. Champions on Ice takes place 3 p.m. Saturday at the American Airlines Center. Call 214-373-8000 or visit tickemaster.com.
Sat., July 8, 3 p.m.