Watch Out, Washington

It's Skate America time!

After a long summer (um...no skating since March?!), skaters are finally packing up their suitcases, brushing off their passports, and heading out to Everett, Washington!!!! It's time to check those TV schedules (or not, since basically nothing is being broadcast in the US...for more on that, see below) and get yourself [again, if you're American...if you're not, you probably have better coverage than us] an Icenetwork membership (or let your old one "accidentally renew" on your parent's credit card like I did) because it's basically the only way you're going to see figure skating this year.

If you don't have the time to see all of Skate America, here are some highlights that I think that you shouldn't miss:

The Ladies: This is the big discipline at this year's SA. Miki Ando, Yu-Na Kim, and a bunch of the little American upstarts are competing. The main reason to watch? Kimmie Meissner--we're all curious about how she's doing.

Johnny vs. Evan: How is this one going to play out? Oh, and keep an eye for Adam Rippon looking to make his senior debut, and Shawn Sawyer on a hunt to fill up the gap that Jeff Buttle left behind.

Ice Dancing: Watch out for Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto under new coaches. How will they fare against the raining world champs? If you have the time, keep an eye out for the young Americans in this event.