Some shine like stars on the ice, but a Zamboni would beat Tara Lipinski

St. Louisans continued their long support of Target Stars on Ice on Friday night. The audience filled maybe a little less than half of the Savvis Center, but faithful figure skating fans received two hours of skating from Olympic, world and national champions.

Perhaps the freshest part of the evening came from Swiss national champion Lucinda Ruh, who wowed the crowd with her amazing spins. Ruh never quite made it in the standings as an amateur when she competed on the international level. But those who remember her know her as one of the sport's finest spinners. She was once clocked at 270 revolutions per minute.

Ruh is making her first appearance with the cast, and one hopes she will continue for more seasons. The rest of the cast is full of veteran skaters, including crowd favorites Kurt Browning, Kristi Yamaguchi, Ilia Kulik, Katerina Witt and Tara Lipinski.

Most of the seasoned veterans seemed to deliver. Browning is an exceptional showman on the ice. Throughout his long career as an amateur, he racked up three world gold medals and a silver medal. He's a natural with the crowd, combining artistry, technique and showmanship. His first solo of the evening was to Ed Robertson's "Guitar." He is a master when it comes to footwork on the ice and is still able to do breathtaking jumps with ease.

Yamaguchi is ever the champion. When she took the ice, she did so with command and confidence. The 1992 gold medalist is not content to go through the motions, as some past champions do. She has kept up her skating with speed and beautiful triples.

Not so with Lipinski, the reigning Olympic champion. Maybe it was an off night, but her skating was nowhere as refreshing as Yamaguchi's. Lipinski's first number was Beth Nielsen Chapman's "Color of Roses." Watching the Zamboni clean the ice at intermission would have been more exciting.

Lipinski seemed to skate down one end of the ice to the other, posing for the audience. She threw in a few double jumps and a nice spiral, but that was about it. If she is going to milk her 1998 Olympic gold medal for what it's worth, maybe she should study a champion like Yamaguchi.

Kulik, who won the men's gold in Nagano, Japan, doesn't seem to be taking the easy way out with his professional career. He continues his triples and artistry, to the delight of the crowd. His three solos showcased a technician, an artist and a showman. His first number was Jean Michael Jarre's "Rendezvous," where he reminded everyone that he still has what it takes.

Kulik pulled out mind-blowing triples as if they were nothing. His speed was not lacking one bit as he went down the ice with a champion's confidence. His footwork was outstanding. During his last two numbers, he weaved in a more playful side of his skating with the audience.