Size of Hockey Rink to Present a Different Challenge

Defending U.S. men’s figure skating champion Tim Goebel got his first feel for the ice at Staples Center Sunday and pronounced it good--but cramped.

Goebel skated at Staples about a week or so ago, before the ice was thickened by about a half-inch to accommodate skaters digging toe picks into the ice for jumps.

In addition, he trains in El Segundo on an international-size rink, which at 200 feet long and 100 feet wide is 15 feet wider than NHL rinks such as Staples. “Hockey ice is different, but this is nice,” Goebel said. “It is small, but you can’t do anything about that.”

Goebel, vying for one of three men’s singles spots on the U.S. Olympic team, might train at altitude before the Salt Lake City Games to become accustomed to the thin air. “ If I make it,” he said.

If?

“Well,” he said, “you never know.”

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Staples Center spokesman Michael Roth said fans attending the championships should leave extra travel time because of congestion around the area. The Auto Show is taking place at the nearby Convention Center.

He also said fans should allow time for going through security procedures at the arena. Everyone entering the building must walk through a metal detector, and all bags will be subject to search.

“Anything bigger than a small briefcase won’t be allowed in,” he said, but added a diaper bag would be permitted.

Also, while it’s OK to bring small cameras (without flashes), Fire Department rules prohibit large signs and banners.

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Goebel drew the 14th starting position in the 18-man field for the men’s short program Tuesday. Todd Eldredge will skate fourth and Michael Weiss ninth. Among the women, Michelle Kwan will skate second Thursday as she tries for her fifth consecutive U.S. title and sixth overall. Sarah Hughes will skate fourth, Angela Nikodinov fifth and Sasha Cohen 14th.

Today’s schedule

At Sports Arena

11:10 a.m. Novice men free skate; 1 p.m. Novice women free skate; 3 p.m. Novice pairs free skate; 5 p.m. Novice dance free dance.

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At Staples Center

6:45 p.m. Junior men short program; 8:30 p.m. Junior dance compulsory dance; 10:45 p.m. Awards for all novice events.