Mr. Ice Guy

Copyright 2001 Indiana Newspapers Inc.

After conquering cancer and other health problems, Scott Hamilton says this is final tour with 'Stars.'

'The magic place."

That's what Scott Hamilton says he will miss most.

The Olympic gold medalist generally considered -- "by leaps and bounds," as some analysts put it -- the world's most popular figure skater of the past 20 years is on a farewell tour. Hamilton, 42, is bowing out of Stars on Ice, the touring show he co-founded 15 years ago, which comes to Conseco Fieldhouse on Sunday.

So what does Hamilton -- a TV personality, author and cancer survivor as well as a veteran entertainer -- call "the magic place"?

"It's standing on center ice, and the view of an appreciative audience," Hamilton says. "I expect to miss that every single day of the rest of my life."

Even so, it's the right time to stop touring, Hamilton said by phone from Denver. It's been his home base since the early 1980s -- although Hamilton's stays at home have been infrequent as Stars on Ice burgeoned from an initial six stops in 1985 (and an opening-night fire at an arena in Maine) to the current 66-city extravaganza.

Hamilton said health concerns aren't prompting his decision to stop touring. He remains in remission from the testicular cancer discovered in 1997. His comeback after chemotherapy and surgery was the subject of an emotional TV special and of his 1999 best-selling autobiography, Landing It (Kensington Books).

Aging, not retiring

His decision to hang up his blades as a touring performer -- "please don't say I'm retiring" -- has to do with something inevitable: the aging process.

"I'm skating great now, definitely better than during the last couple of years because my ankle is pain-free," Hamilton said. "But the question is, 'Could I be in this shape for a national tour again next year?' "

Hamilton's reference to his ankle is about an ailment overshadowed by his battle with cancer: His ankle has been surgically rebuilt after enduring decades of pounding on the ice as he landed his spectacular jumps, including his trademark back flip.

As for Hamilton's reference to "not retiring": The 1984 Sarajevo Olympics gold medalist is exploring half a dozen possibilities for his post-touring career.

"I have a vision of a Broadway ice show, or at least a stage ice show," he says. "My concept involves something with ice that's never been done on stage before, so I'm not going to reveal anything more about it."

He also may remain as a producer of Stars on Ice, which will continue without him as a performer in future years. Hamilton says he hopes next year's tour includes stars from the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.

Routines in his farewell tour include an opening number set to James Brown's rendition of I Feel Good -- music chosen, Hamilton said, to instantly address audience concerns about his health. In another routine, 1992 Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi salutes Hamilton by skating around him to the song If It's Magic.

For years, Yamaguchi has referred to her friend as "Skate God" because of the awe with which Hamilton is regarded by fellow figure skaters.

Others have called him a "pioneer" for his innovations with professional ice shows. Before Hamilton and business partner Bob Kain launched Stars on Ice, most touring ice shows featured skaters costumed as cartoon and fairy tale characters; Hamilton's productions showcase former Olympic and world champions displaying their athleticism.

During his farewell tour, Hamilton periodically chats with the audience in each city's arena.

"It's not maudlin," he says. "I have to say, though, that at times I get a lump in my throat in the various cities. Certain arenas, certain audiences, certain posters, trigger my emotions."