N.Z. skating team chosen

Press, 24 September 1987, Page 52

N.Z. skating team chosen

By

BOB SCHUMACHER

Two of New Zealand’s ice skating nominations for the Winter Olympic Games in Calgary, Canada, in February, Mike McMillen and Shane Bradford (both Canterbury) have been named, along with Matthew./ Briggs (Auckland), //fo* compete against Austral!? ' for the Tasman Trophy.: Philip Cavanagh land) is the 'reserve. ? ! The TaSman Trophy won by New- Zealand ■- when it was last held in 1984, will be held in conjunction with the national. 111 m track speed cham-

pionships at, The Big Apple from, today to Saturday. , The test series will be between, two three-man senior teams and will-.be, raced, over 500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m jahd.3ooom, as well as a.3000m relay between Countries. ; skathd' inf ". trophy & 1982, and .1984// hilt /the ' Mouthful. McMllWfii ?’and Bradford — whois still an intermediate be . making their debuts// In the national men's senior championshi&ffhei'■

New Zealand and Australian test skaters will have to contend with the outstanding Auckland competitor, Chris Nicholson, not long out of hospital after*?aserious training ..mishap?:-;, u ?>., ’Nicholson is comfortably the'' country’s. 1 top skater as he : ..proved, lri' June when outclassing his. opposition (which included McMillen) In the Canterbury championships,. but it might take /. time for his confidence to return. His younger' brother#-Andrew, still'd'/ junior, \cduld also figure in” ■ the senior placings.