CANADIAN OPEN MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Registration is now open for the Canadian Open Masters Championship being held February 22 - 23, 2014 in Quebec City. The competition format is olympic-style short all-round long track including 500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m and 3000 m for both women and men.

The venue is the 400 m Gaetan Boucher Oval named for the famous Olympian from nearby Charlesbourg who won numerous Olympic medals and world sprint titles during his career. Many past and current national and olympic team members also developed their speed skating skills on this oval which is a national training centre for Speed Skating Canada.

The oval was also the site for the Masters International All-Round Games in both 1996 and 2001, as well as many previous Canadian Masters Championships including 2006 and 2010.

The competition schedule will also give participants opportunity to visit the beautiful and historic city including Old Quebec which is a UNESCO world heritage treasure.

Registration closes February 12, 2014. We look forward to seeing you there for some great masters speed skating fun!

5th MASTERS INTERNATIONAL SPRINT GAMES

Congratulations to Canadians who participated in this event at the Olympic Oval in Kearns Utah during March 16 - 17, 2013 with results as follows:

• Sarah Hopkins - 2nd place, Women 30-34

• Michelle Pepin - 2nd place, Women 35-39 (PR's 500m & 1000m)

• Julie Houle - 4th place, Women 45-49 (PR 500m)

• Randy Plett - 4th place, Men 50-54

• Donnie Hyrnyk - 10th place, Men 50-54 (PR's 500m & 1000m)

• Bob Irvine - 3rd place, Men 55-59

92 skaters from 10 nations participated with 19 international masters records, 91 personal records and 181 season best times achieved.

Complete results can be seen here.

Next year's version of this event will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan.

PREMIÈRE COMPÉTITION COURTE PISTE À MONTRÉAL

Photo André Pouliot

Compétition à l’invitation du Club des maîtres-patineurs de Montréal
Aréna Maurice-Richard
Le 17 mars 2013

Bien que la Ville de Montréal alloue du temps de glace spécifique aux adeptes du courte piste de 18 ans et plus depuis 1990, le Club des maîtres-patineurs de Montréal existe depuis 2004 et ses entrainements se déroule à l’Aréna Maurice-Richard, au même endroit que l’équipe nationale de courte piste.

Le Club, en association avec les responsables de la Région ouest de la Fédération de patinage de vitesse du Québec, a organisé une première compétition qui a reçu un accueil enthousiaste des maîtres patineurs du Québec puisque près de 40 patineurs de tout le Québec se sont inscrits. Plusieurs patineurs de la région de Québec ont répondu à l’invitation, en particulier les frères Maurice et Pierre Gagné, légende vivante du patinage de vitesse au Québec. Deux volets de participation étaient proposés : amical et compétitif.

Tous y ont donc trouvé leur compte dans un climat de camaraderie amicale. Cette initiative remplie de succès encouragera les administrateurs, bénévoles et patineurs de renouer avec cette expérience dès l’an prochain.
Jean-Luc Malo




Photos André Pouliot

CANADIAN ENTRY QUOTA AT IMSSC ALL-ROUND GAMES

This year on February 22-24, the 22nd Masters International All-Round Games will be held at the Max Aicher Arena in Inzell Germany. Although 13 Canadians tried to enter the competition, only 7 will go. This is because Canadians shared a maximum allocation (quota) of 36 entries with 9 other nations on a first-come/first-served basis.

On-line registration opened on October 1, 2012; and by October 4, the quota was filled with only 3 Canadians managing to grab the available entries. By February 1, 2013 (only 3 weeks before the competition), 2 more Canadian entries were accepted but 8 other Canadians remained on the waiting list. One week later, the number of Canadians waiting was reduced to 5.

Organizers finalized the competition entries on February 14, inviting 4 more Canadians to participate and leaving 1 on the waiting list. Presumably having made other plans or unable to arrange affordable transportation so close to the event date; 5, of the 7 Canadians invited in the last 2 weeks of registration, declined.

This is clearly not working for Canadians; especially given that 8, of the first 36 entries, ultimately withdrew their applications.

Over the 22 year history of the Games, Canadians used to enjoy their own quota. In some years, this was shared with USA skaters. Canadian participation has varied but has generally been good considering the high cost of accommodation and travel to the various European competition venues - 13 in Alkmaar (2003), 10 in Inzell (2004), 9 in Baslega de Pine (2005), 12 and 9 in Erfurt (2008 and 2012). In 2007 and 2011, the Games were held in Calgary with 92 and 63 Canadians participating in those respective years.

In more recent time, Canadians have been relegated to share the "Other Nations" quota. Perhaps, this is due to our poor showing at several of the Games - only 3 in Helsinki (2006), 0 in Bjugn (2009) and 3 in Baselga de Pine in 2010.

Brett Arnason, our Canadian representative, will attempt to make a case for restoring a Canadian quota at the 36th Session of the IMSSC in Amsterdam on May 25, 2013. To assist with this request; Canadians, who wish to attend the 23rd Games in Stavanger NOR in 2014, should let Brett know by April 15, 2013. It would be very awkward if we fight for our own quota and then don't fill it - so, please, only express your your intent if you are serious about going.

Brett can be reached by e-mail at brett@arnasons.ca
 

Thanks ... and may the wind be always at your back.

CANADIANS AT INZELL SPRINT CLASSIC

Congratulations to Brett Arnason of Winnipeg and Julie Houle of Saint John who placed respectively 3rd and 4th in their age classifications (M60 and W45) at the 16th Masters International Sprint Classic in Inzell Germany during February 2 to 3, 2013.

 Brett Arnason

 Julie Houle

Complete results can be seen here.

5TH MASTERS INTERNATIONAL CANADIAN OPEN

Meet information and entry form are now available for the 5th Masters International Canadian Open. Sponsored by the Manitoba Speed Skating Association, the event will be held on the Susan Auch Oval in Winnipeg during January 26 - 27, 2013. This is the oval where many famous Canadian skaters, in addition to Susan Auch, got their start including Cindy Klassen, Clara Hughes and Mike Ireland.

 Susan Auch Oval - photo by Brad Chambers

The oval is situated next to the Cindy Klassen Recreation Centre which, in addition to a swimming pool, houses the change rooms and a multi-purpose room overlooking the skating track.

Susan Auch Oval - photo by Mathew Zigue

The short-allround olympic-style long track meet will include official distances of 500m, 1000m, 1500m and 3000m for both men and women with additional exhibition events of 100m and team pursuit. Racing and awards will be organized on 5 year age divisions from 30 years up.

Susan Auch Oval - photo by Stan Milosevic

A special rate for hotel accommodation has been arranged for the Hilton Suites which provides an airport shuttle service and is located only 2.5 km from the skating oval.

Susan Auch Oval - photo by Chris Harbeck

Entries must be submitted by January 18, 2013.

QUEBEC MARATHONS

The following report is courtesy of Catherine Kwiecien: 

November 10 - 11 was a great kickoff to the MSI series for 2012 - 2013 with the first marathon event, hosted by Quebec City.

On Saturday, a number of skaters enjoyed a warm-up skate on the beautiful oval around mid-day, in preparation for the 21 km marathon skate at 5:30 pm. With approximately 50 skaters at the start line on Saturday evening, the ice was glistening, temperatures were hovering around freezing and winds were mild ... many spectators enjoyed a great race with exciting finishes for both the men and women in the 21 km distance. For the men, first, second and third place finishers were Daniel Dubreuil, Alexandre Dery and Christopher Fiola, all of whom are in the under 20 age category. For the women, Anika Bedard had a strong finish, followed closely by Suzanne Dionne and Jennifer Benediktson.

  Photo by Alicia Weiss

On Sunday, an 8:30 am start and the threat of rain did not discourage 13 women who competed in the Women's Artic Roses 10 km race. With a sprint finish for the final 40 metres, Suzanne Dionne crossed the line first with Sandy Ramer and Jennifer Boyer a fraction of a second behind.

Over 30 skaters did challenge a light rain on and off for the one hour challenge. What an exciting race that was with records broken by the men and an equally strong skate by the women. Christopher Fiola, who is only 16 years old, placed first, with Constant Montpellier less than a second behind him, and Dominique Gravel finishing a close third - all broke the record for the QC One Hour Challenge with a whopping 89 laps completed. Anika Bedard won for the women with 72 laps, followed closely by Jennifer Benediktson with 71 laps and Catherine Kwiecien in third with 70.

 Photo by Alicia Weiss

Quebec City results

Many thanks to Gaetan Rochette, and his team, for his superb organization of the QC marathon. And special thanks to Christian Gagne and Ursula Hendel for their colourful commentary of the races. The QC marathon was a huge success!

La Série MSI est maintenant lancée par la présentation du Marathon de Québec cette fin de semaine des 10 et 11 novembre derniers. Environ 50 patineurs se sont alignés au départ des 21 km samedi à 17h30 sous des conditions presqu’exceptionnelles, vent léger et température près de 0°C. Les spectateurs s’attendaient à une compétition relevée et excitante autant chez les hommes que chez les femmes. Au cumulatif chez les hommes, Daniel Dubreuil, Alexandre Déry et Christopher Fiola se partagent respectivement les première, deuxième et troisième places, tandis que chez les femmes, Anika Bédard terminait en force suivie immédiatement de Suzanne Dionne et de Jennifer Benediktson.

 Photo by Alicia Weiss

La journée de dimanche se présentait différemment sous une  pluie légère, un vent un peu plus soutenu mais une température toutefois plus élevée. À 08h30 on lançait les 10 km des Roses Arctiques strictement réservées aux femmes qui étaient au nombre de 13 cette fois. Les gagnantes se sont partagé les trois premières places au sprint sur 40 mètres. Ainsi le classement respectif : Suzanne Dionne, Sandy Ramer et Jennifer Boyer.

Plus tard, 31 patineurs s’alignaient au départ du défi d’une heure sous une pluie un peu plus importante mais agrémentée d’une température très clémente. Les spectateurs ont pu assister à une course enlevante avec en prime le bris du record de l’heure par un impressionnant 89 tours battant ainsi celui de 2011 par 7 tours.  Le jeune Christopher Fiola (catégorie des moins de 20 ans a dominé la course devant Constant Montpellier (M-50-59) par moins d’une seconde tandis que Dominique Gravel (30-39) se classait tout près derrière. À noter que tous trois ont battu le record des 82 tours ainsi que Sergio (88 tours)

Anika Bédard remporta le titre chez les femmes (72 tours) suivi de Jennifer Benediktson (71 tours) et Catherine Kwiecien (70 tours).

 Photo by Ann Hanham

Résultats du Marathon de Québec

Sincères remerciements à Gaétan Rochette et son équipe de chronométrage et de bénévoles. En particulier à Ursula Hendel et Christian Gagné pour leurs commentaires durant la course. Le marathon de Québec a été un franc succès.

INTERNATIONAL MASTERS SHORT TRACK GAMES 2013

The International Masters Speed Skating Committee is seeking interest, from masters short track skaters around  the globe, in the first-ever International Masters Short Track Games to be held in Cicero, New York sometime in March-April 2013. Masters long track skaters have been gathering annually in various places around the world for the past 21 years, most recently in Erfurt last March where 192 competitors from 15 nations took part. Now it's time for masters short trackers to have their turn.

If you're interested, please let Frank Anderson (pictured above) of Perth Western Australia know by e-mail to frankanderson@aapt.net.au. Frank would also appreciate knowing your age, gender and 500m seed time to help determine the best racing format to promote a safe and fun event for all competitors. Frank hopes to hear from you soon.

SUMMER CAMPS 2012

For those looking for summer fun and training on the long track, check out the Calgary Olympic Oval Masters Camp scheduled for July 16 to 21.

If short track is your game, try the Ellis Edge Masters Camp taking place in Ottawa during August 3 to 6. The Ellis Edge website indicates the 30 skater limit is already full, but there is a waiting list.

ONTARIO MASTERS SHORT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

Thirty-five masters skaters met in Waterloo on March 31 - April 1 for the 2012 Ontario Masters Short Track Championships. Consisting of 12 women and 23 men representing age classifications from 30+ to 70+ years, the meet was run in conjunction with the much larger Ontario Regional Championships involving skaters in younger age groups.

Masters came from many of Ontario Speed Skating's clubs including Barrie, Clarington, Durham, Gloucester, Hamilton, Kawartha, Kitchener-Waterloo, Milton, Newmarket, Oakville, Ottawa, Quinte, St. Lawrence and Toronto. Events consisted of a heat and final in 500m, 777m and 1000m, as well as a final in the 1500m distance with women and men skating in separate race groups.

Men 50+ competitor Cameron Boyd - photo courtesy of Cameron Boyd

To allow skaters to race in mixed age groups and still provide awards based on separate 5 year age classifications, standings were determined based on time, rather than placement, similar to a long track samalog system. Complete results may be seen here.

Many thanks to the competitions's numerous volunteer officials, organizers and supporters who prevailed throughout 9.5 hours of racing on Saturday and 7.5 hours on Sunday as well as additional time for meet preparation and follow-up.

MASTERS AT OVAL FINALE

Masters skaters were amongst the over 200 competitors from 14 countries enjoying the fast ice at Calgary's Olympic Oval during March 14 to 18, 2012. Participants included:

• Gail Bouchette (CAN F30) - personal records 500m, 1000m and 1500m
• Brian Boudreau (USA M45) - season bests 1500m and 5000m
• Gerard Garon (CAN M50) - season bests 500m, 1000m and 1500m, personal record 5000m
• Brynjulf Makestad (NOR M60) - season bests 500m, 1000m and 1500m
  
• Herman Vermeer (NED M50) - season bests 500m and 1000m, personal record 1500m
  
• Kees Bollaart (NED M50) - season bests 500m and 1500m, personal record 1000m
  
• John Pillar (CAN M50) - personal records 500m and 1000m
  
• Ronald Johnston (CAN M70) - season bests 500m and 1000m
  
• Octavian Moga (ROU M45) - season bests 500m, 1000m and 1500m
  
• Russ MacDonald (CAN M45) - personal records 500m and 1000m
  
• Thony Hannevig (NOR M55) - personal records 500m and 1500m
  
• Daniel Harney (CAN M45) - personal records 500m and 1000m
  
• Tijmen Hartel (CAN M45) - season best 1000m
  
• Martin Hanggi (SUI M40) - season best 500m, personal records 1000m, 1500m and 10000m
• Vaughn Thibault (CAN M40) - personal records 500m and 1000m, season best 1500m
  
• Bob Irvine (CAN M55) - season best 500m, personal records 1000m and 1500m
  
• Sean Maw (CAN M45) - season bests 500m and 1000m
  
• Cornelis Hijnen (CAN M40) - season bests 500m and 1000m
  
• Brian Johnston (CAN M55) - season best 1500m
  
• Matthew Otwinowski (CAN M55) - season bests 500m and 1000m
  
• Werner Meyer (CAN M70) - season best 1500m

Congratulations to all skaters. Complete results may be seen here.

21st MASTERS' INTERNATIONAL ALLROUND GAMES

This year, 7 Canadians took part in the 21st Masters’ International Allround Games held March 9 to 11, 2012 in the Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann-Icehall, in the beautiful city of Erfurt/Germany. A total of 192 participants from 15 countries (AUS 1, AUT 1, BLR 5, ESP 1, FIN 8, GER 28, ITA 6, KAZ 2, NED 67, NOR 39, RUS 15, SUI 5, SWE 3, USA 4) came from as far as Australia to skate in this unique event.




The meet was again a success thanks to the organisers, Eissportclub Erfurt and all the friendly volunteers who welcomed us, provided good ice for breaking new IMMSC masters records and personal achievements and a good time! Usually, one of the rules of this meet is that the skater has to qualify to skate the 4th distance (women 3000m and men 3000m or 5000m depending on age) according to their overall standing after the third distance. This year, because of a lower number of skaters and higher dropout number, the organisers had enough time to exceptionally allow all skaters to skate their 4th distance. We would like to thank them and wish that this would always be the case.

Congratulations to all Canadian skaters who skated well: Jennifer Boyer (F30-34) finishing overall 5th, Anika Bédard (F45-49) 9th, Julie Houle (F45-49) 11th, Constant Montpellier (M50-54) 5th, Alain Meilleur (M50-54) 16th, John Pillar (M50-54) 19th and Bob Irvine (M55-59) 6th.

Next year, this meet will take place in the recently build oval in Inzell, Germany. Start training soon and we hope to see you there!

The complete results are available here.

SUE STECKLE JOINS MSS NEWS

Readers may have noticed the February 10, 2012 post titled "Masters Speed Skating Events Calendar" by Sue Steckle. Starting with the 2012-13 competition season, Sue will be coordinating the MSS News Events Calendar using Google Calendar. In addition to being the usual one-stop shop for many events of interest to Canadian masters, this calendar will provide increased interactivity and additional information such as links to event location maps. The calendar will also be able to be synchronized into other calendar platforms or mobile phones.

MSS News is very pleased to welcome Sue (Edmonton AB, originally from Waterloo ON) to the existing team of blog contributors which will again increase coverage of what's happening with masters speed skating all across Canada. If you know about events which may be of interest to masters speed skaters, please send information to Sue at skate@suesteckle.com

MSS News continues to thank Anika Bedard (Quebec City), Rejean Lavoie (Edmonton) and Shelia McGinn (Halifax) for their ongoing support.

As always, if there's something happening in your area - let us spread the News by sending your stories, reports, photos and results to mss@cogeco.ca By working together, we can continue to promote masters speed skating in Canada and around the world.

CANADIANS IN BERLIN

Congratulations to Randy Plett, of Winnipeg MAN, for his 2nd place overall finish in the Men 45 category at the 15th Masters International Masters Cup in Berlin GER during March 3-4, 2012. Randy's 41.41 sec 500m was the 2nd fastest in his age category and 3rd fastest out of 69 men of all divisions. His 2:06.06 1500m was also 2nd fastest for Men 45 and 4th fastest out of 69 men of all divisions.

Bob Irvine, of Calgary AB, also skated well finishing 4th overall in the Men 55 category. Bob's 42.92 sec 500m was the 2nd fastest in his age category and 11th fastest overall.

This competition, held at the Icehall Sportforum, attracted 80 skaters from 7 nations. Complete results can seen here.

2012 Skate the Common Marathon Halifax NS

The Skate the Common Marathon returned to the Halifax Common on February 18th and 19th, 2012, with six races over two days, including two new events: Tri-the-Oval, a skate-bike-run winter triathlon sanctioned by Triathlon Nova Scotia, and the 3K Top Blade Sledge Race, both firsts for the Common.

Warming up for the 5K Family Race
Photo by Peter Steeper

After a week of challenging weather, conditions improved on Saturday morning for the 5K Icebreaker Family and Open races.

Olivia Gowan of Fredericton NB showing great form in the 5K Open

Photo by Peter Steeper

In the afternoon, the weather and ice were great and the skating fast for the 25K Big Ice Challenge.

Susan Hayden enjoying the 25K Big Ice Challenge
Photo by Elio Dolente

The weather was cold and windy Sunday morning for the triathlon.

Landon Zeeman and Mike Christie in the lead in the Tri-the-Oval winter triathlon
Photo by Peter Steeper

Sunday afternoon, the ice was fast for the 10K Hockey/Speed Skate Challenge, and the sledge race.

Start of the 10K Hockey/Speed Skate Challenge
Photo by Peter Steeper

Jake Maarse of North Gower, ON, who skated all three skating marathon distances, was the overall winner of the 5K Open, and 10K Hockey/Speed Skate Challenge, and came second in the 25K Big Ice Challenge. Landon Zeeman was the overall winner of the 25K, and the Tri-the-Oval Triathlon.

Dave Waters and Vicki Morton on their way to winning their classes

Photo by Peter Steeper

Fifteen sledge hockey players from the Annapolis Valley, Cape Breton, and the Halifax Regional Municipality competed in the 3K Top Blade Sledge Race. Vicki Morton, Sam Meehan, Eric Durand, Dave Waters, and Van Bernard won their classes.

Complete results are available here.

More pictures by the marathon's official photographer, PeterSteeper.ca available here.

ARNASON 3rd AT WORLD MASTERS SPRINTS

Congratulations to Brett Arnason of Winnipeg who placed 3rd in the Men's 60-64 age group at the 4th Masters International Sprint Games in Heerenveen NED this past weekend.

Brett Arnason at 2011 Masters International USA Single Distance Championships
Photo by Steve Penland

Other Canadian competitors included Randy Plett (12th overall for Men 45-49) also from Winnipeg and Julie Houle from Saint John (13th overall for Women 45-49).

Complete results can be seen here.

4th MASTERS INTERNATIONAL CANADIAN OPEN

During February 4 to 5, 2012; thirty-five skaters assembled in Fort St. John, British Columbia to compete in the 4th Masters International Canadian Open. The amazing Pomeroy Sports Centre served as the venue on its 2nd floor 400m indoor oval overlooking 2 hockey rinks below with an indoor walking/jogging track overhead at the 3rd floor. Ice guru Mark Messer, from Calgary's Olympic Oval, was on-hand assisting centre staff to create the best possible ice conditions for this event as well as the Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships scheduled February 11-12.

Participants included 30 masters (8 women and 22 men) and 5 seniors (3 women and 2 men) including former national team member and local hero, Jay Morrison. The international aspect of the meet was guaranteed with the welcome presence of Steven Miller of Plymouth, Minnesota.

In addition to the official short all-round olympic-style events (500m, 1000m, 1500m and 3000m), various exhibition races were also held including 100m (heats and finals), team pursuits (6 laps for women, 8 laps for men) and mass start 10 km and 25 km "marathons". Combined with practice times on both Thursday and Friday, there was no shortage of opportunity to skate.

The Fort St. John Elks Speed Skating Club did a fabulous job of hosting the event including a honour guard of young skaters carrying flags during the opening ceremonies and individual lap-counters for marathon participants. This "above and beyond" welcome for competitors was evident throughout the Pomeroy Centre, the host Pomeroy Hotel and the city itself, including a tremendous social gathering on Saturday evening which featured special awards for the most "experienced" skaters and those who had travelled the farthest to attend.
Many thanks to all event officials and the many helpful volunteers including meet coordinator Sheri Dressler, chief referee Rita Johnson, assistant referee Wim Kok, recorder Dee-Ann Stickel and the ever-cheerful clerk-of-the-course Claudette McDowell.
Complete results can be seen here. Check out this report in the Alaska Highway News.