'He's the show': American superstar speed skater Stolz ready to dazzle at hometown oval

Call it the Jordan Stolz effect.

It's been 20 years since a speed skating World Cup has been held at the Pettit National Center in Milwaukee. But after all of the mind-boggling success 20-year-old Jordan Stolz is having, World Cup racing is returning to Wisconsin this upcoming weekend.

It's stop number four on the circuit this season. And it's one of the hottest tickets in town.

"He's the show," said Stolz's coach, Bob Corby.

"Saturday and Sunday are sold out and there are just a few tickets left for Friday."

Capacity is set for around 3,000 spectators and Stolz's hometown oval will be buzzing every time he laces up. Fans are in a frenzy over the speed skating phenom.

It's a return to a state steeped in speed skating glory.

At the top of that list is Eric Heiden, who famously won five Olympic speed skating gold medals at the 1980 Games. Heiden was born in Madison, Wisconsin and is regarded as one of the best athletes on the planet – and is the measuring stick for all the other skaters.

Bonnie Blair trained at the Pettit National Centre in Milwaukee – she won five Olympic gold medals over three different Games. Dan Jansen, also an Olympic speed skating champion, was born and raised in a suburb of Milwaukee.

But it's been a while since the state with a long history of speed skating has produced a world-class skater – until now.

After compiling 19 consecutive World Cup wins – that includes the 500-metre, 1,000m and 1,500m distances – Stolz, who comes from Kewaskum, Wisconsin and trains at the Pettit Center, is rewriting the history books every time he takes to the ice.

WATCH | Stolz speaks to CBC Sports about expectations, Heiden comparisons:

Speed skating phenom Jordan Stolz: Pressure, history, and Eric Heiden