American Cup 2 - Blaine, MN (Jan 25-26, 2014)

[Laura (Lori)]

This thread will be used for discussion and trip-planning for American Cup 2 in Blaine, MN (Jan 25-26, 2014).

Discuss any topics related to this event - trip-planning, pre-competition, post-competition, and 'Game Day' chat!

Before making travel arrangements, double-check with USS and ISU official schedules.

For those who are planning to attend the event, pertinent information gathered here - as it becomes available - will be summarized IN THIS 'INTRODUCTORY' POST for quick-reference.

Please share any info on the following topics that will be of help to those who will be attending the event and/or following along online:

Media Links - TV Coverage; Webcasts; Live Fan Chat, Etc.
Participating Skaters
Event Schedule and Time Zone Conversions
Venue Info
Ticket Info
Hotel Suggestions & Info
'Practical' Info - Clothing, Cameras, What to Bring, What NOT to Bring...
How To Meet Up With Other Fans
Transportation Tips (Ground and Air)
Sightseeing Ideas
Weather Reports
Carpooling/Room Sharing Connections
Links to Watch for More Info
Links To Results When The Event Has Concluded

[Laura (Lori)]

This is the next competition on the calendar - and it takes on special significance because I'm hearing that AmCup2 will fill in any unused slots for World Championships.

World Championships berths are always offered to our Olympians first - but sometimes those Olympians are ready for some time off, so their positions on the team will need to be filled. And of course, we'll need to add 2 more ladies because we're only sending 3 to Sochi.

AmCup2 will be used to determine who those skaters will be!

[Laura (Lori)]

The registration deadline has passed - but here are the skaters who will be competing:

MEN:
Lukas Anderson
Lorenzo Arno
Keith Carroll, Jr
Nathaniel Frazier
Tyler Kroll
Cole Krueger
John-Henry Krueger
Stephen Meyer
Casey Mullarkey
Gunnar Olsen
Ryan Pivirotto
Jake Powers
Ian Quinn
Jae Jae Yoo
Soo An Yoo

LADIES:
Danielle Amos
Gabriella Arno
Alexis Burkholder
Kazia Cooper
Mei Fredeen
Kimberly Goetz
Samantha Holmes
Katherine Ralston
Betsy Richards
Brittany Salmon
Sarah Shires
Kathryn Toth
Taylor Wentz
Jerebelle Yutangco
Lauren Ziegelmayer

[Laura (Lori)]

Final Day of racing today - here are results from Day 1 (Saturday). Tied for the top spot are Lexi Burkholder and Kimi Goetz for the Ladies, but Brittany Salmon is very, VERY close; For the men, it's a tie between John-Henry Krueger and Keith Carroll Jr., with Cole Krueger in third.

Four Different Skaters Split Four Event Titles

www.usspeedskating.org/new/four-different-skaters-split-four-event-titles

[Laura (Lori)]

AmCup 2 is finished - Top 3 for the Ladies: Kimi Goetz; Brittany Salmon; Lexi Burkholder. For the Men: John-Henry Krueger, Keith Carroll Jr.; Cole Krueger. They will go in that order to fill any available World Championship slots in March that are not filled by Olympic Team members.

I'm so impressed with newcomer Kimi Goetz - going to World Championships in her very first year on ice! (Had we qualified a Ladies Relay team, she would have also gone to the Olympics! )

Very happy for Brittany as well. Both she and Kimi are going to Montreal 'cause the Ladies will most definitely need to fill 2 slots. If either Emily, Aly or Jessica choose to take some time off after the Olympics, then Lexi will also have an opportunity to go! I can't wait to see any of these first-timers show what they can do against international competition!

For the men, JH, Keith & Cole will only go if any of our 5 Olympians decline their spots.

[Laura (Lori)]

I've already given y'all the basic wrap-up of the Top 3, but here is the Official USS rundown at the end of the competition:

Goetz, Krueger Win American Cup #2

Inline convert Kimberly Goetz won the overall women’s title at American Cup speedskating event at the Schwan Super Rink; John-Henry Krueger bounced back from Olympic Trials disappointment to win the men’s crown.

Read it all:
www.usspeedskating.org/new/goetz-krueger-win-american-cup-2