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Elvis's ready to rock again
The three-time world figure skating champion, forced out of last week's world championships in Minneapolis because of a groin injury, is expected to skate this weekend in Philadelphia.
That surprise announcement came yesterday from Stojko's manager and legal adviser Ed Futerman, who said skating's Terminator is back from his holiday on the Caribbean island of St. Martin, is in great spirits and anxious to return to the sport.
The Richmond Hill skater is in Philadelphia working with choreographer Uschi Keszler in anticipation of joining the Champions on Ice tour Sunday at the CoreStates Center.
Futerman insisted his client would not attempt anything that would aggravate his injury.
Futerman said Stojko, 26, has recovered enough from his groin problem to skate a show-type number but will not attempt major jumps or difficult technical tricks.
Stojko is undergoing treatment from acupuncturist Susan Makray. Even on vacation, Stojko received treatment as Makray and her husband Ken travelled with him to St. Martin.
CANADA LIMITED
Futerman did not discuss the recent world championships with Stojko, nor the ramifications of Canada's showing at the Minneapolis Target Center.
The Canadian team's two entrants in the men's singles event, Jeff Langdon and Emanuel Sandhu, finished eighth and 29th respectively, thereby limiting to one the number of men the team can enter at next year's worlds.
But Futerman doubts that situation will come into play when Stojko decides, during the next couple of months, whether he will remain in the eligible (or amateur) ranks for another season or turn professional.
"I don't think Elvis wants to put himself in the position of having to be the savior of male figure skating in Canada," Futerman said. "He'll do what he thinks is best for himself and for the sport in Canada."