I mean up until now. The Announcement is pretty clear that if a return skater is from a host nation, they expect any second spot to be given by the host, which USFS has not done. If they didn't get two, it's on USFS. If C/B were submitted as a return couple, it's unconscionable that they didn't get one, if everyone guaranteed theirs got them.
This. I am quite sore that Alexandrovskaya/Windsor did not get a GP. The rule about Junior World champions having a guaranteed GP should be reinstated, and, I think, include the medalists, as well. The transition into the Seniors is hard enough without depriving young teams of their chance to move up in standings (especially teams from smaller Federations who cannot just wave a wand and have a host pick arranged).
Right now, medalists and JGPF champions are eligible for a pick. Minimally make it mandatory that any Jr. Worlds medallist or JGPF champion who is not from a host nation be guaranteed one. They could also guarantee one non-host pick to the host's top-ranked skater/team if more than one make the Jr. Worlds podium or win JGPF. If there are others from the same host, the host can use a host pick or TBD independent from whether another host gives them one.
I'm assuming Russia had a higher pick than Canada when it came time to allocate the men who finished 1-3 at Worlds. If Canada could have chosen Hanyu, I'm guessing they would have, since his presence would have had an immediate impact on ticket sales.
When Hanyu was announced for Skate Canada in Mississauga and Lethbridge, the lower bowl each year sold out within hours of the GP assignments being released. It was amazing to watch online how fast tickets were selling. For this year in Regina, the lower bowl is mostly sold anyway, but an announcement of Hanyu being assigned there could have potentially sold out most of the entire rink.
Seeing how tickets really didn't move at all yesterday, I think SC will probably have to hope for large walk-up crowds or people waiting for single event tickets to go on sale, in order to try and sell most of what's left.
Looking forward to attending my 3rd SC in a row, and being able to see Olympic programs early in the GP season!
I am thinking half the top 10 retires after this season so then there should be more opportunities.
Alexandrovskaya/Windsor train in both Sydney and Moscow.
Off-topic: Brooklee Han has been based in Dallas since last year. Brendan Kerry is based in Los Angeles (Riverside) and Kailani Craine splits her time between Australia and Los Angeles.
I'm surprised USFS wouldn't give Cain/Leduc the TBD spot at SA since they didn't get any other spots, unless they are assuming they will pick one up as alternates?
Right, so if Fernandez, when he was WC, wanted Japan, the Japanese Fed would have skipped Hanyu. Or if V/M wanted France, the French Fed would skip P/C or, Skate Canada would skip Chan, or the French Fed Joubert, or the Russian Fed, V/T.
