Igor Shpilband moves down the street, takes future American bronze/silver medalists
Ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who placed fifth at the U.S. championships in January in their first season together, are leaving the Arctic Figure Skating Club to be coached full-time by Igor Shpilband at the Novi Ice Arena, U.S. Figure Skating announced this evening.
Shpilband -- one of the world's top ice dance coaches -- had been at the Arctic Edge Arena in Canton with coaching partner Marina Zoueva from 2003 until last week, when rink management removed him as ice dance director. Shpilband and Zoueva ended their professional relationship, with Zoueva remaining at Arctic with the Vancouver Olympic gold and silver medalists -- Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada, and four-time U.S. champions Meryl Davis and Charlie White -- as well as with 2011 world bronze medalists, Maia and Alex Shibutani. blah blah drama we get it
"Working with Igor has always been invigorating and I look forward to continuing our skating career under his guidance," Bates said in a statement. "He is a brilliant coach, and I am confident that he will do everything to help us achieve our goals on the ice. I am sincerely grateful to have worked with Marina. She is talented and I have wonderful memories of my time with her. My experience in Canton has been nothing but positive. Thanks to the team of coaches and my training mates."
Chock and Bates are both former world junior champions, but with different partners. Bates won a spot on the 2010 U.S. Olympic team with Emily Samuelson, while Chock won the 2011 U.S. bronze medal with Greg Zuerlein.
Bates didn't compete in 2010 after his Achilles tendon was sliced in a skating accident, requiring surgery. He teamed up with Chock last July.
The Novi Ice Arena, located on Nick Lidstrom Drive, is operated by Suburban Sports Group.
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According to Google Maps, Arctic Edge and Novi Ice Arena are 13 miles away from each other so at least they don't have to move but color me unsurprised that they followed Igor out the door