Two U.S. Synchronized Teams in Switzerland for World Challenge Cup for Juniors
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| Members of the Chicago Jazz squad in Switzerland |
(3/10/05) — This weekend two U.S. Figure Skating synchronized skating teams will compete in the World Challenge Cup for Juniors in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. The Chicago Jazz (Chicago FSC) and the Hockettes (Ann Arbor FSC) will represent the United States from March 11-13.
Due to the early entry deadline for the World Challenge Cup for Juniors, U.S. Figure Skating held a special qualifying event Jan. 15-16 to select the 2005 U.S. World Junior Synchronized Skating Team. The Chicago Jazz won the event in a close competition over the Hockettes. Just two weeks later the teams went head-to-head once again at the 2005 U.S. Synchronized Team Skating Championships in Lowell, Mass. The Hockettes won this round in a come-from-behind victory over their U.S. rivals.
The Hockettes are attending their second World Challenge Cup for Juniors and the Chicago Jazz, their fourth. The Hockettes are on a roll after capturing gold at the 2005 Cup of Berlin. The Chicago Jazz placed fifth at the 2005 French Cup.
This year, the traditional Neuchâtel Trophy competition will not take place and will be replaced by the World Challenge Cup for Juniors. Seventeen teams from 13 countries will compete for the title. Competition begins Friday with the short program.
At the 2004 event held in Milan, Italy, Finland's Musketeers won the gold. The United States was represented by Team Elan, which finished fifth, and the Chicago Jazz, which finished ninth.
