2nd MASTERS INTERNATIONAL CANADIAN OPEN

Eighty-eight competitors, including 73 Canadians, 1 German, 1 Romanian and 13 Americans, skated in this short all-round competition held during February 21 - 22, 2009 in the new Richmond Olympic Oval in Vancouver BC.Overall results for the 25 female competitors included Nicole Slot (1st), Connie Pope (2nd) and Anika Bedard (3rd), while Randy Plett (1st), Patrick Kelly (2nd) and Bob Irvine (3rd) topped the roster of 63 male skaters. Medals were awarded to the top 3 participants in each 5-year age class for both men and women including Roy Whitney (80+) and Agatha van der Starre (75-79).

Unofficial competition included a fun 100m final for the top sprinters which turned out to be a crowd attraction for the many spectators. Off the ice - over 75 participants, officials and companions gathered for an excellent buffet dinner and social event organized by Brett & Marnie Arnason at a neighbouring hotel on the Saturday evening. Brief presentations by Speed Skating Canada representatives included a continued commitment to masters speed skating in this country.

Many thanks to the numerous officials and to British Columbia Speed Skating for a well-run event that was enjoyed by all participants. Additional results including opening and lap times can be seen here.

Photographs by Jeff Bough are available here.

CANADIAN AGE CLASS LONG TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

Twelve master men and 2 master women joined with younger age class competitors in this meet in Regina on February 14-15. As recent Speed Skating Canada rule changes have re-admitted masters to this mass start competition, this is a good turnout and bodes well for the continuation of masters participation.

Results can be seen here.

2nd MASTERS INTERNATIONAL CANADIAN OPEN - RECEPTION UPDATE

Brett Arnason has provide the following update for the reception scheduled for 6 pm to 10 pm on Saturday February 21 at the Best Western Hotel.

There will be a pasta bar for $32 per person including:
- Freshly Baked Garlic Foccacia Bread
- Traditional Caesar Salad
- Tomato & Cucumber Salad
- Cheese & Spinach Tortellini, Julienne Vegetables, Tomato Basil Sauce
- Farfella Pasta, Roasted Chicken, Cream Sauce
- Tiramisù
- Freshly Brewed Organic Coffee, Decaf Coffee & Selection of Tea

In addition to the competition hosting committee, approximately 30 folks will be attending so far. It would be great to see more people take advantage of this excellent opportunity for masters skaters to get together.

Please contact Brett Arnason by e-mail prior to February 17 at brett@arnasons.ca.

Hope to see you there!

1ST CHALLENGE-PENTATHLON DES NEIGES

The Groupe GCS and the Fédération de patinage de vitesse du Québec invite all skaters to try this first challenge during the Pentathlon des neiges that will take place February 21 and 22, 2009. A spectacular 500m track has been build downtown on the Plaines of Abraham overlooking the St-Lawrence River.

This event will include 4 distances (1km, 10km, 25km and 40km), free skating and a special evening of skating under the stars. Gaétan Rochette and Marathon Skating International will be the official timer. The FPVQ skating age class will also apply for these races.

For more information (in French), please consult the Pentathlon website.

JAKE MAARSE SKATES THE DISTANCE FOR ROTARY HOME

Jake Maarse will be skating 2 x 100 km on the Rideau Canal to raise funds for the Ottawa Rotary Home.

See details here on how to help Jake reach his goal.

JOLIETTE MARATHON

The following message was received from Alain Meilleur via Anika Bedard -

Hello everyone, if you received this mail its probably because you're a skater and this is to invite you to a natural ice marathon on the l'Assomption river in Joliette. This race is part of the Marathonskating int'l series and is a part of the Festi-Glace. The races on this river represent a come back for this natural ice where nice events have been held in the last few years.

For the race, two distance will be offered, a 10km and 40km on an 2km loop.

where: Downtown Joliette
when : Sunday february 15th 10:00 am

LAKEFIELD MASTERS CHALLENGE

15 masters skaters braved the cold outdoor temperatures on January 24 to 25, 2009 to compete in the 2nd Masters Challenge on the Ontario Speed Skating Oval in Lakefield.

Photos on the Oval's website can be seen here.

More photos from the Peterborough Examiner can be seen here.

Here's a CHEX TV video report featuring deaf and blind master speed skater Kevin Frost.

Results can be seen here.

ONTARIO MARATHONS

Masters participants were dominant among the many competitors of all ages who skated 2 recent marathon events in Ontario.

Results for Ottawa's Bytown Marathons held January 24 to 25, 2009 can be seen here.

Bytown 40 KM Marathon - photo by Alicia Weiss

Results for the Big Rideau Lake Marathons in Portland on January 31, 2009 can be seen here.

Big Rideau Lake 50 KM Start - Photo by Alicia Weiss

WINNIPEG OLYMPIC STYLE RACE SERIES

Masters competitors clocked some of the fastest times in these sprint events held January 21, 2009 at Winnipeg's Susan Auch Oval.

Results for 3 masters men can be seen here and for 2 masters women here.

ALBERTA OPEN LONG TRACK

Twelve master men and 2 master women were among the top competitors of all ages in this event held January 23, 2009 in Calgary's Olympic Oval.

See the men's 500m results here and the women's 500m results here.

BRITISH COLUMBIA PROVINCIAL LONG TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

Masters skaters including eight master men and two women enjoyed the newly opened Richmond Olympic Oval by competing in this event during January 24 to 25, 2009. Men's results can be seen here and women's results here.

OTTAWA LONG TRACK

Masters competitors made a strong showing at the Ontario Long Track Meet held at Ottawa's Brewer Park Oval during January 17 to 18. Cold temperatures, wind and snow did not dissuade 7 women and 8 men who joined with younger-age participants in skating both mass start and olympic style races including all-round, sprint, 100m and team pursuit.

Mass start 3000m - photo by Kelly BallWomen's Mass Start 1000m - photo by Alicia Weiss

Men's Mass Start 1500m - photo by Alicia Weiss

Many thanks to the event organizers and officials who stood out in bitter weather all weekend. Olympic style results can be seen here.

2nd MASTERS INTERNATIONAL CANADIAN OPEN - RECEPTION

Registration for this event has now closed and, as of February 1, there appears to be 97 competitors including 80 Canadians.

Brett Arnason, Canadian representative to the International Masters Speed Skating Committee, is organizing a get-together for all interested participants and spouses/friends during the evening of Saturday February 21 to be held at the Best Western Hotel at 7551 Westminster Highway in Richmond. Brett is planning a pasta bar and salad plus dessert at an estimated cost of $25 per person. There would also be a cash bar.

This will be a great opportunity for everyone to meet and renew friendships.

If you're interested, please let Brett know by e-mail to brett@arnasons.ca.

Looking forward to seeing you there!