LetsGoDU

Michelle Kwan To Play For DU

The Associated Press

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2006

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Coach Gwozdecky may have finally solved the problem of replacing Paul Stastny for the upcoming season. Sophmore walk-on Michele Kwan will be available for the Pioneers after transferring from UCLA. Although not a physical player, Kwan is noted for her skating ability and winning attitude. Kwan plans on skipping the upcoming figure skating season and attending the University of Denver.

Kwan said on Wednesday she will become a full-time student at Denver, and will be content to skate in exhibitions (such as DU's exhibition game aganst Calgary on September 30th?).

"Each year, since 2002, I have taken a one-year-at-a-time approach to my figure skating plans," the five-time world champion said. "Education is very important to me, and this year I have decided to put college first (I wish Stats & Skinner had the same commitment). Next year at this time I will again evaluate all my options, including returning to competitive skating."

The 26-year-old Kwan did not compete in the 2005-06 season because of a series of injuries. She was chosen for the U.S. Olympic team on a medical bye, then injured her groin in the first practice in Turin, Italy, and withdrew.

Last month, Kwan underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in her right hip (probably sustained from hip checking Scott Hamilton into the boards during a pickup 3 on 3 game), an injury she sustained during the 2004-2005 season. The rehab lasts about four months, another factor in her decision to skip this season.

The most accomplished skater of her generation, Kwan won a silver medal in the 1998 Olympics and a bronze in 2002 (A better showing than the US/NHL Olympic Hockey Team). She previously attended UCLA, earning a year worth of credits that have been transferred to Denver. Kwan plans to major in political science, with a minor in international studies (Looks like we have a budding Condoleezza Rice in our midst).

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Coach Gwozdecky said, "We are excited to have Michelle come to DU. We have no doubt that she'll step in and contribute right away. I see her on a line with Corbin and Mullen who skate like figure skaters as well."

No word if Geoff Paukovich will skip the upcoming hockey season to perform with Kwan in DU Programing Board's Christmas extravaganza Beauty & the Beast on Ice.