CANADIAN MASTERS SPEED SKATING COMMITTEE FORMED

On Saturday February 24, 2007, twenty-four Canadian masters skaters from 6 provinces took time away from watching the ongoing World Cup time trials and Olympic Oval Stampede Breakfast to meet in one of the University of Calgary's Kinesiology lecture halls.

45 minutes later, the Canadian Masters Speed Skating Committee had been formed with Brett Aranason of Winnipeg elected as its interim spokesperson and a draft letter to Speed Skating Canada regarding masters competitions had been reviewed and accepted.

See the Meeting Minutes

See the letter sent to Speed Skating Canada by e-mail.

Even if you weren't able to voice your support for this organization or the letter, you can still do so by e-mail to Brett Arnason or to your provincial representative -

British Columbia - Gary Link

Alberta - Brian Sulzer

Saskatchewan - Mickey Kupchyk

Manitoba - Jean-Francois Godbout

Ontario - Sheila McGinn

Quebec - Anika Bedard

New Brunswick - Reg van Drecht

MORE REFLECTIONS ON THE CALGARY GAMES

Mickey Kupchyk of Regina sent his perspective on the 16th Masters International Speed Skating Games held in Calgary's Olympic Oval during February 22 - 25, 2007.

Do you remember the first time you did it? Well last week was the first time for a number of us. For some of the lucky ones they’ve done it multiple times, but I’m sure they’ll all admit that the first time was still the best. It’s easy to tell who the first timers are, just look for the people with that goofy contented smile on their face. So what is “it” exactly – skating in your first World Masters competition of course.

To capture the entire essence of the event in one word I’ll have to plagiarize that sage poet Eric Cartman from South Park, “Sweeeeet”!

It would take pages to list all of the accomplishments that were skated at The Olympic Oval last week (besides Ross did that already). Suffice it to say, records were dropping faster then a January thermometer in Winnipeg. Everyone I talked to over the week had at least one PB. So rather then talking about individual accomplishments I’d like to try and capture some of the general feel of the event.

Probably the thing I’ll remember the most is how all the skaters dumped the tank on absolutely every race. The exhaustion and determination on each skater’s face gasping for air as they dug down deep to find the last ounce of energy to finish the final lap. Watching smooth silent powerful strides transform into wobbly scrapping uneven steps as high tech speed skates turned into boots of cement.

Seeing “Brothers of the Wind” standing around the track yelling encouragement, willing their comrades on to the finish, feeling their pain as lactic tolerance thresholds went over the redline, and finally sharing in the joy of personal accomplishment.

Doing a 3 second personal best in the 1500m only to be humbled by a Dutch demigod as he sets a new world record and crushes your best time by 12 seconds. Drawing an American “flyer” for the 3000m right after he sets a new world record in the 500m.

Skating the killer 5000m and making the mistake of looking at the lap counter thinking you only had about 2 laps to go then seeing the number 5 still on the board. Swearing an oath to every deity you can think of if only you’d be granted enough strength to finish the race.
So what else happened all week?

First off we need to thank the Games organizers, everything ran like clockwork. It was a class act from start to finish. Nice bag of goodies and awesome T-shirts. The best part - we didn’t have to skate before noon each day – now that’s what I call knowing the demographics of your clientele. And what about the ice – unbelievably FAST! I actually saw them melt down a piece of ice, take it to the doping center and run tests on it to see if it was juiced. I’m not joking, if you don’t believe me just ask me. Heck even a dead man could have done a PB on that ice.

After the second day of racing Brain Sulzer invited a number of us over to his place for lasagna and beer. Great lasagna and even better salad. I think late in the evening we solved a number of world problems including global warming and hunger but I don’t think anyone took any notes. I guess we’ll have to go back to his place again some time and see if we can reconstruct the solutions. Can you say more beer at Brian’s?

Saturday morning they held a good old fashion pancake breakfast with sausages and frozen juice. Alright so it was a little cold outside in the tents but nobody was complaining. Too bad Bob Irvine was the only one who got the memo to dress like a cowboy.

Saturday night Rejean Lavoie invited us over for spaghetti and beer. Turns out Rejean and Jules went to high school in Gravelbourg Saskatchewan. Aha! Just like I thought, everyone has roots back to Saskatchewan even if they don’t want to admit it. Just a little aside, did you know that the first airport in Canada was opened in 1920 in Regina of all places? Bad news is that they still use the same straw bales to sit on in the waiting lounge.

The wind-up party was at Cowboys, a bar where they play both kinds of music: country and western. It’s the first time I’ve been in a place like that in a long time. The last time I was in a nightclub, a beautiful 20 year old women walked up to me and looked me right in the eyes, wet her lips and said, “excuse me sir, my mom would like to dance with you”. I’ve been in therapy ever since.

As the awards were being handed out that night I turned to my buddy Lyle Dickieson from B.C. and said, “One day it’ll be us up there getting the awards”. A lady overheard us and said, “Those are some pretty awesome skaters”. I had to agree with her but pointed out, “They’re only human like us and you just have to want it more”.

It’s hard to believe that I’ve only been speed skating for 2 years yet I’ve met enough great people to fill a lifetime and still I met more at these Games. It’s ironic that the Academy Awards are on TV as I write this. The band leader would definitely have to play me off the stage if I tried to list all of the wonderful people that I’ve met over the past 2 years. Oh hell I’ll try, there’s Anika, Ann, Bernie, Bob, Bob, Bob, Brett, Brian, Brian, Bruce, Cheryl, Cliff, Dave, Eugene, Lynn, Jean-Francois, Jo-Ann, John, Jules, Karla, Larry, Leela, Lyle, Marco, Mitch, per Grunnar, Randy, Reg, Rejean, Richard, Ron, Ross, Tim, and I’d like to specially thank my coaches Dave, Doug, Brad, Mark, and Bill back in Regina for teaching me how to skate, and Corr Zwaal from The Netherlands for teaching me how to race, and……..hold it, hold it, hold it – my wife Sharon and our two kids….damn it stop the music.

As I sit here in the airport waiting for my plane reminiscing about the week I’m happy to be going home but at the same time I’m sad knowing that it is all over. Looking back I realize that like so many others I spent the better part of a year preparing for my “first time”. I remember some of those summer days when I felt too tired to work out but then I’d say, “What do you think Victor van den Hoff is doing right now?” So I’d slap on the in-lines and do a few km.

Was it all worth it? I think the goofy contented smile on my face says it all. Pity there’ll never be another “first time”. Wait a minute, I could always try another new sport……..

REFLECTIONS ON THE CALGARY GAMES

Anika Bédard sent her following impressions of the 16th Masters International Speed Skating Games - the original of which is posted in French on her own website along with photos.

As I was sitting on the plane to go home to Québec City, I had many hours to reflect on the Calgary Games. Some very good memories, personal accomplishments and also some disappointments. I concluded that, most importantly, I had FUN and that the Calgary oval held its reputation as the fastest ice on earth!!!

328 skaters, 13 different counties with incredibly 100 skaters from Canada, 4 very long days of competitions during which so many international and national records and personal bests were broken. Ross did a good job at sorting out previous and new records (see his previous report). I have participated in a few games and these games were the biggest in many ways and the most competitive.

I am sure that you all went home with your own memories, easy to share with fellow skaters but sometimes difficult to share with someone who does not get it why we work out so hard at this sport! So I am sharing them with you. Here are some things I heard, saw or were reported to me:

- feeling joy and pride after a incredible 500m, feeling young again

- "sh… I forgot to change corridor (lanes)"…

- winking and waving to the crowd from a young 75 year old skater during the 1500m

- "the most important thing is, whatever happens, DON’T PANIC!"

- swallow down vomit during the 1500m … and still finish with a good time…

- see old friends and meet new ones…

- trying to learn the difficult western line dance - a difficult task for some agile skaters

- suitcases that never arrived and had to buy new skates…

- realize that you can skate for ever - or almost- when you see Joe MacDOnald at 85 still competing, cheered by the crowd: "Here cooomes JOOOE Mac DOOOOONALD!!!"…

- crashing just in front of the finish line and jumping on her bum trying to get her skate over the line…

- stolen skates

- seeing an Autobahn of skaters- at rush hour - on the oval…

- "let’s try one last start" and cutting himself on the ankle…

- having a cold on the most important competition of the year…

- learn that some skaters will never compete again…

- being with the cutest pink skaters in the world… (I have to say here that this comment does not come from me! I would like to add that the guys in the bright orange suits don’t look too bad also!)

- long talks with former Olympians

See you next year!

- Anika

WORLD MASTERS - FINAL DAY

Record-breaking performances continued throughout the 4th and final day of the 16th Masters International Speed Skating Games at Calgary's Olympic Oval.

New IMSSC world records may have been set in the following events:

1000m -

Ladies 30-34: Although two NOR skaters, including Renate Jeppson, were faster than the current time of 1:25.33, Nina Bjornbeth came out on top at 1:23.33.

Ladies 40-44: Three NED competitors surpassed the existing standard of 1:26.93 including Lijnie Boele and Janine Sloostra with Anja Bollaart setting the new time of 1:21.38.

Ladies 45-49: Although Ans Oudejans (NED) also beat the current time of 1:31.50, the fastest race belonged to Marja Smies (NED) at 1:29.93.

1500m -

Men 60-64: The existing record of 2:10.82 was exceeded by 3 skaters including Knut Nesse (NOR) and Jan van der Meulen (NED) with Kees Verdouw (NED) establishing a new time of 2:04.95.

Men 65-69: Four competitors including Ron Johnston (CAN), Gus Swagemakers (NED) and Peter Reimann (SWI) outskated the standing record of 2:17.59 with Frans Rietveld (NED) clocking 2:14.10 for the win.

3000m -

Ladies 30-35: The current mark of 4:59.39 fell to 6 skaters including Renate Jeppson (NOR), Svetlana Konstantinova (UKR), Claire Scanlon (NED), Nina Bjornbeth (NOR) and Maria Ufkes (NED) but Genevieve Provencher (CAN) prevailed in a time of 4:23.08.

Ladies 35-39: Five competitors bettered the current record of 4:55.45 including Grit Mertens (GER), Irma Woud (NED), Monique Vergeer (NED) and Regula Bergin (SWI) with Nicole Slot (CAN) fastest at 4:34.88.

Ladies 40-45: The existing standard of 4:43.85 was improved by 3 NED skaters including Anja Bollaart and Lijnie Boele with Janine Sloostra posting a new mark of 4:38.24.

Ladies 45-49: Ans Oudejans (NED) - 4:43.47

Ladies 50-54: Three competitors including Ute Zillman (GER) and Noor van der Ster (NED exceeded the current record of 4:56.41 with Galina Petrova (RUS) setting the new standard of 4:38.47.

Ladies 55-59: Ria Slikker (NED) - 4:56.48

Ladies 60-64: Thea Kroontje (NED) re-wrote her own record with a time of 4:48.14.

Ladies 65-69: Mary Lou Dinicola (USA) outskated the current time of 5:53.27, but Liasma Kauniste (LAT) was fastest in 5:27.38.

Men 70-74: Although Ludwig Meijering (NED) was faster than the old mark of 5:02.04, Arne Kjell (NOR) clocked a new time of 4:54.57.

Men 75-79: Three skaters exceed the existing time of 6:05.88 including Gerritt Bos (CAN) and Eugene Kurmey (CAN) with the fastest performance of 5:06 99 clocked by Jaap Bitter (NED).

Men 85-89: Joe McDonald (USA) re-wrote his own record with a new time of 7:38.04.

5000m -

Men 60-64: Although two NED competitors surpassed the current record of 7:51.17 including Kees Verdouw, the best time of 7:32.47 belonged to Jan van der Meulen.

Men 65-69: Four skaters broke the existing record of 8:19.72 including Guus Swagemakers (NED), Peter Reimann (SWI) and Toon Kooymans (NED) with Frans Rietveld (NED) clocking a new standard of 8:07.19.

Canadian records were also broken as follows:

1500m -

Ladies 75-79: Agatha van de Starre may have established a national record of 3:50.26.

3000m -

Ladies 40-49: Five skaters exceed the current standard of 5:56.85 including Sandy Falco, Suzanne Dionne, Anika Bedard and Jo-Ann Johnson with Diane Silzer setting a new time of 4:58.35.

5000m -

Men 60-69: Ron Johnston may have established a national record time of 8:23.74.

All times and records noted here are unofficial until confirmed by IMSSC and Speed Skating Canada.

See complete Results

Congratulations to all competitors including the many who achieved new personal best times. Next year's Masters International Speed Skating Games will be held in Erfurt Germany.

WORLD MASTERS - DAY 3

International and Canadian record books continued to be potentially re-written on Day 3 of the 16th Masters International Speed Skating Games at Calgary's Olympic Oval.

World records were set as follows:

1000m -

Ladies 50-54: Four skaters including Jo-Ann Johnson (CAN), Ute Zillman (GER) and Galina Petrova (RUS) bettered the current record of 1:33.50 with Noor van der Ster (NED) establishing a new standard of 1:28.19.

Ladies 55-59: Although Ria Slikker (NED) bettered the existing mark of 1:36.11, the record now belongs to Anjo Mensinga (NED) with a time of 1:33.19.

Ladies 60-64: Thea Kroontje (NED) - 1:33.01

Ladies 65-69: Two skaters beat the current time of 1:47.30 including Liasma Kauniste (LAT) with Mary Lou Dinicola (USA) clocking the fastest time of 1:43.83.

Men 70-74: The current standard of 1:34.13 was outskated by 2 competitors including Ramir Kuramshin (RUS) with Arne Kjell Foldvik (NOR) setting the new record of 1:31.78.

Men 75-79: Four skaters lowered the existing record of 1:52.06 including Gerrit Bos (CAN), Anton Zegers (CAN) and Martin Fagna (NOR) with Japp Bitter (NED) shattering the standard in a time of 1:35.18.

Men 85-89: Joe McDonald (USA) - 2:16.17

1500m -

Ladies 30-35: The existing mark of 2:15.27 fell to 4 competitors including Renate Jeppson (NOR), Svetlana Konstantinova (UKR) and Nina Bjornbeth (NOR) with Clair Scanlon (NED) setting a new time of 2:07.97.

Ladies 35-39: Four skaters improved the current standard of 2:15.53 including Regula Burgin (SWI), Irma Woud (NED) and Monique Vergeer (NED) with a new record of 2:11.37 established by Nicole Slot (CAN).

Ladies 40-44: The current record of 2:18.47 was bettered by 3 NED competitors including Lijnie Boele and Janine Sloostra with Anja Bollaart setting the new time of 2:06.76.

Ladies 45-49: Four more NED skaters were faster than the existing mark of 2:20.02 including Lettie Zwanenburg, Joke Koersen and Ans Oudejans with Marja Smies coming out on top at 2:14.91.

3000m -

Men 60-64: The existing record of 4:32.10 fell to 4 competitors including Knut Nesse (NOR), Wim Brand (NED) and Kees Verdouw (NED) with the new time of 4:21.10 belonging to Jan van der Meulen (NED).

Men 65-69: Although Guus Swagemakers (NED) bettered the current standard of 4:45.32, Peter Reimann (SWI) holds the new record of 4:41.80.

5000m -

Men 30-34: Two skaters improved the existing time of 7:19.72 including Thomas Roste (NED) with Jeff Bakal (CAN) establishing a new standard of 7:09.04.

Men 35-39: Danny Frederick (USA) - 7:00.84

Men 40-44: The old record of 7:18.35 was broken by 8 competitors including Atle Vaarvik (NOR), Danny Witkamp (NED), Benoit Lamarche (CAN), Hubert Kreutz (AUS), Jan Duif (NED), Jim Cornell (USA) and Jurgen Meijer (NED) with Rene van Hofslot (NED) establishing a new time of 7:01.08.

Men 45-49: J. Arthur Olafsen (NOR) - 7:12.95

Men 50-54: Five skaters bettered the current time of 7:31.77 including Rolf Amundsen (NOR), Victor van den Hoff (NED), Jacob Heslinga (NED) and Ragnvald Naess (NOR) with a new standard of 7:23.14 set by Geir Hestad (NOR).

Men 55-59: The old record of 7:35.62 fell to six competitors including Ron Postma (NED), Egil Bokn (NOR), Jan Zijp (NED), Ivar Amundsen (NOR) and Karl Eliassen (NOR) with Harrie Doesburg (NED) setting the new standard of 7.19.94.

Canadian records were also broken or potentially established as follows:

1000m -

Ladies 40-49: Jo-Ann Johnson - 1:31.29

Ladies 50-59: All five competitors in this age class improved the current time of 2:04.94 including Brenda Rootham, Margaret Elm, Sheila McGinn and Ann Hanham with Lyse Fournier setting the new record of 1:45.32.

1500m -

Ladies 40-49: Diane Silzer - 2:21.27.

5000m -

Men 30-39: Although there appears to be no established SSC record, Jeff Bakal skated the fastest Canadian time of 7:09.04.

Men 40-49: Benoit Lamarche may have established a record time of 7:11.38.

Men 50-59: Bob Laurence may have set a national record of 7:33.92.

All records and times written here are unofficial until confirmation by the IMSSC and Speed Skating Canada.

See complete Results here.

WORLD MASTERS - DAY 2

World, Canadian and personal records continued to fall on Day 2 of competition in the 16th Masters Internaitonal Speed Skating Games at Calgary's Olympic Oval.

New world records were set as follows:

500m -

Ladies 30-34: Nina Bjornbeth (NOR) - 42.17

Ladies 35-39: Monique Vergeer (NED) - 43.07

Ladies 40-44: Three NED skaters improved the former record of 45.25 including Janine Slootstra and Lijne Boele with Anje Bollaart setting the new time of 41.61.

Ladies 50-54: The existing standard of 46.93 was lowered by 4 competitors including Ute Zillman (GER), Jo-Ann Johnson (CAN) and Galina Petrova (RUS) with a new record of 44.82 by Noor van der Ster (NED).

Ladies 55-59: Ria Slikker (NED) - 47.00

Ladies 60-64: Thea Kroontje (NED) - 47.51

Men 60-65: Jan van der Meulen (NED) - 42.48

Men 65-69: Four competitors were faster than the old time of 45.59 including Stephen Gunther (USA), Gaston Roy (CAN) and Frans Rietveld (NED) with Ron Johnston (CAN) establishing the new standard of 44.81.

Men 70-74: Although Arne Foldvik (NOR) lowered the existing record of 47.19, the new time of 47.03 now belongs to Ramir Kuramshin (RUS).

Men 75-79: Two skaters were faster than the old standard of 53.17 including Martin Fagna (NOR) with a new record of 47.37 by Jaap Bitter (NED).

1500 m -

Ladies 50-54: The existing record of 2:21.69 was improved by 3 competitors including Ute Zillman (GER) and Galina Petrova (RUS) with Noor van der Ster (NED) establishing a new time of 2:14.96.

Ladies 55-59: Ria Slikker (NED) - 2:24.60

Ladies 60-64: Thea Kroontje (NED) - 2:20.69

Ladies 65-69: Liasma Kauniste (LAT) beat the current mark of 2:46.01, but Mary Lou Dinicola (USA) was fastest in 2:40.77.

Men 30-34: Two skaters were faster than the old time of 2:00.85 including Thomas Roste (NOR) with Jeff Bakal (CAN) setting the new record of 1:54.52.

Men 35-39: Although Drew Schemmer (CAN) outskated the current record of 1:58.96, Danny Frederick (USA) took the honours in a time of 1:52.81.

Men 40-44: Ten competitors surpassed the existing standard of 1:59.97 including Hubert Kreutz (AUT), Danny Witcamp (NED), Jan van der Stouwe (NED), Ivar Njos (NOR), Jurgen Meijer (NED), Jim Cornell (USA), Rene van Hofslot (NED), Brian Boudreau (USA) and Jan Duif (NED) with Benoit Lamarche (CAN) establishing a new time of 1:53.85.

Men 45-49: Two skaters were faster than the old time of 1:59.58 including Patrick Kelly (CAN) with J. Arthur Olafsen (NOR) setting the new record of 1:56.92.

Men 50-54: Victor van den Hoff (NED) - 1:57.64

Men 55-59: The existing standard of 2:06.80 was improved by 7 competitors including Rolf Pedersen (NOR), Karl Eliassen (NOR), Ivar Amundsen (NOR), Sallo Spetter (NED), Ron Postma (NED) and Erik Vea (NOR) with a new time of 2:01.70 set by Harrie Doesburg (NED).

Men 70-74: Although Ramir Kuramshin (RUS) bettered the current record of 2:25.21, the new time of 2:22.41 belongs to Arne Foldvik (NOR).

Men 75-79: Two competitors were faster than the old standard of 2:50.92 including Martin Fagna (NOR) with Jaap Bitter (NED) setting a new record of 2:26.93.

New Canadian records were also set as follows:

500m -

Ladies 40-49: The old time of 50.57 was surpassed by five skaters including Karla Cybulsky, Anika Bedard, Sandy Falco and Diane Silzer with Jo-Ann Johnson setting the new record of 46.71.

Ladies 50-59: Three competitors improved the current mark of 1:00.40 including Sheila McGinn, and Ann Hanham with Lyse Fournier establishing the new time of 52.08.

Men 70-79: Maurice Gagne - 49.33

1500m -

Ladies 40-49: Jo-Ann Johnson - 2:23.83

Ladies 50-59: Five Canadian skaters were faster than the existing 1990 time of 3:56.52 including Brenda Rootham, Margaret Elm, Ann Hanham and Sheila McGinn with Lyse Fournier establishing the new time of 2:40.65.

Men 30-39: Although Drew Schemmer improved his own national record of 1:57.97, Jeff Bakal set a new standard of 1:54.52.

Men 40-49: Two skaters lowered the current mark of 2:00.16 including Patrick Kelly with a new record of 1:53.85 by Benoit Lamarche.

Men 50-59: Nine competitors surpassed the old time of 2:12.86 including Brian Johnston, Paul Shoebridge, Lynn Sugden, Cliff Morrison, Mickey Kupchyk, Lyle Dickieson, Bob Irvine and Bob Laurence with Bill Hoyne setting a new record of 2:03.70.

All records noted are unofficial and subject to confirmation by the IMSSC and SSC.

WORLD MASTERS - DAY 1

The promise of fast ice at Calgary's Olympic Oval held true for competitors on Day 1 of the 16th International Masters Speed Skating Games. As men in 5-year age groups from 30 to 59 years raced 500m and 3000m, multiple records were broken and personal bests were set for many of the 328 participants from 13 different countries who registered for the meet.

In the 500m event, new world records were set as follows:

Men 35-39: Andrew Love (USA) - 37.40

Men 40-44: Benoit Lamarche (CAN) - 37.72

Men 45-49: Patrick Kelly (CAN) - 37.71

Men 50-54: Bruce Connor (USA) - 39.05

Men 55-59: The existing standard of 42.51 was broken by 7 skaters including Rolf Pedersen (NOR), Sallo Spetter (NED), Harrie Doesburg (NOR), Ivar Amundsen (NOR), Brynjulf Maakestad (NOR) and Ron Postma (NED) with a new record of 41.81 set by Erik Vea (NOR).

In the 3000m event, new world records were set as follows:

Men 30-34: The existing time of 4:13.17 was broken by 2 skaters including Thomas Roste (NOR) with a new record of 4:06.76 established by Jeff Bakal (CAN).

Men 35-39: The old time of 4:13.22 was bettered by 3 skaters including Drew Schemmer (CAN) and Frans Verhoeve (NED) with Danny Frederick (USA) coming out on top at 4:06.46.

Men 40-44: Eight competitors surpassed the existing record of 4:12.58 including Danny Witkamp (NED), Jim Cornell (USA), Jurgen Meijer (NED), Benoit Lamarche (CAN), Hubert Kreutz (AUT), Rene van Hofslot (NED) and Brian Boudreau (USA) with a new standard of 4:03.19 set by Jan Duif (NED).

Men 45-49: John Olafsen (NOR) - 4:09.63

Men 50-54: The existing time of 4:20.07 was broken by 2 skaters including Geir Herstad (NOR) with a new record of 4:13.65 established by Victor van den Hoff (NED).

Men 55-59: The old record of 4:24.83 was lowered by 6 skaters including Karl Eliassen (NOR), Ivar Amundsen (NOR), Sallo Spetter (NED), Ron Postma (NED) and Harrie Doesburg (NED) with a new time of 4:17.94 set by Erik Vea (NOR).

New Canadian records were also set in both distances as follows:

500m -

Men 40-49: The existing standard of 40.10 was obliterated by both Benoit Lamarche and Patrick Kelly with Patrick coming out on top by 1/100th in a time of 37.71.

Men 50-59: Eight skaters improved the old mark of 43:35 including Brian Johnston, Cliff Morrison, Brett Arnason, Lynn Sugden, Reg van Drecht, Bill Hoyne and Bob Irvine with Bob Laurence setting a new standard of 41:32.

3000m -

Men 30-39: The existing time of 4:15.36 was broken by 2 skaters including Drew Schemmer with a new record of 4:06.76 established by Jeff Bakal.

Men 40-49: Benoit Lamarche - 4:06.87

Men 50-59: Eleven skaters surpassed the existing time of 4:48.63 including Mickey Kupchyk, Brian Sulzer, Lynn Sugden, Brett Arnason, Andre Gagnon, Paul Shoebridge, Brian Johnston, Lyle Dickieson and Bob Irvine with Bob Laurence establishing a new record of 4:23.56.

It should be noted that all these records are unofficial until confirmed by the International Masters Speed Skating Committee and Speed Skating Canada.

Competition continues with Day 2 events including 500m (Men 60-89 and Women 30-79) and 1500m (Men 30-89 and Women 30-69).

CANADIAN MASTERS OLYMPIC STYLE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2007 CANCELLED

Brett Arnason, Canadian representative to the IMSSC, received the following message from Speed Skating Canada on Februray 15, 2007:

Dear Brett,

As Chair of the CDC, I want you to know that we were making every effort to incorporate our Canadian Master Championship into the World event. Notification of the change went out in November to all of the Branches. We knew by then that the World Masters was going to be a hit with the Canadian Master skating population and that Canada Cup #3 had to be moved to a week day competition thus potentially reducing participation levels at the CC#3. Last year, there were approximately 15 skaters at the Masters. This year, there are over 90 Canadian masters at the World Masters in Calgary.

The CDC agreed to sponsor the medals since the Oval was not prepared to do it in light of their other costs. They were prepared to acknowledge the winners at the end of each day. Unfortunately, it seems that we were to provide all of the fanfare. As a committee who is very much involved in the CWG (three of the five involved in various capacities) and unable to attend the event, we did not have a “soldier on the ground in Calgary”. That is why I had Dawn contact you at Gregg’s suggestion. Now that we have heard your recommendation, I ask you to reflect on the future of the Canadian Master’s Championship.

I am sure that the competition in Calgary will have many lasting memories for you and your skating friends. It might also inspire more masters to continue on the competitive circuit. As you know, we have incorporated the Canadian Masters into the Canada Cup #3. It did not seem to work for the organizers to have it with the Canadian Age Class Mass Start. Like you, I am well aware of the early starts in the dark and late finishes when all officials probably preferred getting ready for the banquet or relaxing at home. Is this the right fit for the competition? A stand alone event has been discussed but finding hosts may be a challenge. The CDC often encounters difficulties finding hosts for the existing list of SSC Championships and selection trials so an addition to the list may create more difficulties. Is there the potential for the master community to approach their branches for a combined Provincial and Canadian Master Championship if the CC#3 combined event is not the right fit?

Please put some thought into this and let the CDC know what you feel would be best for the 2008 Canadian Master Championship. As it stands right now, the 2008 CMC will be held in conjunction with the CC#3 in early March. I will be at the Oval Finale from Mar 12-14th if you care to meet in person to discuss your findings.

Good luck to you and your friends at the World Masters. It has been a great motivator for many athletes. There may have been more skaters coming out of the word work had the CWG not been held at the same time!

Again, please keep in touch with our committee. We usually meet on the first Tuesday of the month so our next meeting will be March 6th if you wish to file a report prior to that time. If not, we can address your comments in early April.

Nancy Goplen

Chair, SSC Competition Development Committee

CANADIAN MASTERS MEETING IN CALGARY

Details of the meeting referred to in CANADIAN MASTERS COMPETITIONS – HAVE YOUR SAY! are now complete.

We hope to see as many Canadian master speed skaters as possible on Saturday February 24, 2007 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am in the University of Calgary's Kinesiology Department - Room KNB 132. This room is located in the building just on the other side of the lobby opposite the entrance to the Olympic Oval.

CANADIAN MASTERS COMPETITIONS - HAVE YOUR SAY!

Recent news regarding the the Canadian Masters Olympic Style Championship has prompted several masters skaters to consider proposing changes to SSC regarding masters competitions as outlined in this draft letter

The authors would like to have input from other masters skaters in Canada and would appreciate your comments, suggestions and questions.

Brett Arnason, from Winnipeg and Canada's representative to the International Masters Speed Skating Committee, has arranged for Canadian masters to meet and discuss these and other issues during the upcoming International Masters Speed Skating Games at Calgary's Olympic Oval. The meeting will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday February 24, 2007 at a room TBD in the University's Kinesiology Department.

The agenda could possibly include the formation of a Canadian Masters Speed Skating Association and the election of a spokesperson for that group.

We look forward to seeing as many Canadian masters there as possible.

CALGARY MASTERS GAMES COACHING

Brett Arnason of Winnipeg sent the following message:

I have made arrangements with a National Team prospect training in Calgary to do some coaching for me and a couple of other guys.

He will have a stop watch and a lap board. If you could post this on your blog and let people know that he could easily work with quite a few more skaters I would appreciate it.

His name is Matt McLean. My suggestion is that whoever wants to work with him is that we each chip in a few dollars per race so he can cover the costs of the work he will miss.

Anyone interested just let me know and I will arrange for him to meet with the skaters at the warm up ice.

My email is brett@arnasons.ca

Brett Arnason
Arnason Industries Ltd.
Ph. 204-633-2567
fax: 204-694-5622

NORTH AMERICAN MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIP IN LAKE PLACID

Willem Langenberg, of Edmonton, filed the following report:

Hereby a report on the masters at the North American Marathon Championships in Lake Placid on February 3-4.

Besides the master action in Winnipeg (Results), there was a lot of master skating action at the North American Marathon Championships in Lake Placid. There were some very fast young guys from the States (e.g. Chris Callis, who was 19th in the World Allround in 2003) up front, but for the rest it was all master skating.

Alberta masters Brian Johnston had a 2nd and 4th place in M50-59 and Willem Langenberg had two third places in M60-69 (see Results).

They went on to the Winterlude Festival and tested the ice of Rideau Canal in Ottawa (see Photo - copyright Edmonton Sun).

The Marathon Skating International (MSI) action will now move out West. For the Silver Skate Festival marathons, North American Champion 50K Champion, Jim Cornell and last year's female overall MSI Champion Suzanne Dionne (3rd place Sylvan Lake 200K 2005) are confirmed. They will get competition from Jamie Ivey (and possibly Marcin Goszcynski of the Dutch Viks Marathon Team) and Sarah Gregg and many others. In the Kortebaan sprinting, Jamie Gregg will get competition from the United States (Andrew Love).

After the Masters Worlds, the action goes to Sylvan Lake Marathon. We hope to see many masters at these events.

NORTH AMERICAN LONG TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP

Mickey Kupchyk of Regina sent the following report:

This weekend the North American Long Track Championship was held in Winterpeg. Okay, we concede - Winnipeg is the coldest place on the planet. We awoke to -29C Saturday morning with a breeze that brought the wind-chill to -38C. Sunday morning was even colder at -39C with the wind-chill coming in at a balmy -51C. It was so cold – “how cold was it?” – my eye lids froze open after only 3 laps of the warm-up. I’m not joking, I had to go back inside just to close my eyes.

Wayne Fleming (the head referee) had to cancel the second day because it was truly unsafe to skate. It was a tough decision but definitely the right one. The next time they hold a world conference on global warming, it has to be in Winnipeg.

Cold weather aside, we had a great time. The meet was very well organized. The awards banquet Saturday night was excellent. 15 Master skaters from Canada and the USA signed up for the event.

Without a doubt the Women’s Master Divisions were the most hotly contested. In the 1000m race “the Doc” Jo-Ann Johnson broke the Master Women 2 North American Record with a time of 1:43.99 while Leela Braun broke the Master Women 1 record with a time of 1:44.23. In the same race Karla Cybulsky just missed the old MW2 record by .14. Now that’s what I call racing!! I wonder if Cindy Klassen will be as fast as these other Winnipeg natives when she joins the Master’s rank?

Jo-Ann Johnson also broke the 500m Master Women 2 North American Record with a time of 50.49. Is it just me or do you think that maybe she might be spending more time at skating practice then her medical practice? It’s just a thought.

Jan Zurcher traveled all the way from Roseville, Washington to compete. It’s a pity that she didn’t arrive .56 seconds sooner at the 500m finish line – it would have been a new MW3 record. If the temperature would have been a little warmer or the ice even fractionally faster she would have crushed the record. Great effort Jan!

Oh yah, I almost forgot there were some guys skating there as well.

Jean-Francois Godbout kept Randy Plett honest in both finals of the Men’s Master 2 Division. Meanwhile Brett Arnason lost out on a photo finish to yours truly in the Master 3 500m final. See Brett, you should have gone with the 17 inch blades instead of the 16’s.

Brett Arnason dragging Mickey Kupchyk around the track in the 800m final with David Lawler is in the background

Mickey passing Brett on the final corner of the 800m race.

The weather might be cold in Winnipeg but you can always count on a warm handshake or hug from the local skaters there. I’ll be going back.

Photos by Dr. Jo-Ann Johnson's brother.

See also Results

CANADIAN MASTERS OLYMPIC STYLE CHAMPIONSHIP?

MSS News received the following message from Speed Skating Canada today:

Last October the Competition Development Committee (CDC) met to discuss varies competition related topics, of which the Canadian Masters Championship was one. At this time, they were also advised that the Canada Cup #3 dates were changed and would be run mid-week. In reviewing the history of the Canadian Masters Championships, and considering that last year only 15 individuals participated, CDC was concerned that the number would be reduced because of the mid-week competition. The decision was then made to approach the Olympic Oval in Calgary and see if they would use the 16th Masters International Championships as the Canadian Masters Championships. There are well over 300 Master speed skaters registered this year, which will make for a wonderful event. The Olympic Oval agreed to this request. On November 08th , 2006, a memo was sent to all branches advising them of the change of date and venue. They were also advised that since the 1000m for men aged 30 - 65 is not an International All Round event, it would not be included in the competition.

If Master speed skaters wish, they can participate at Canada Cup #3, but as a senior skater...and should a skater break a Masters world record during this event, the skater will be recognized accordingly.

I apologize that the SSC website was not changed to reflect the change in host and date...but it has now been updated to reflect this.

Should you have further questions please contact me directly.

Thank you...

Dawn L. Currie

Sport Development Director

Speed Skating Canada/Patinage de vitesse Canada

45 Christopher Cres.Moncton, NB

E16 0A4

506.855.5567 NEW

www.speedskating.ca

PROVINCIAL SINGLE DISTANCE MEET / GAETAN BOUCHER OVAL

This account was sent to us by Yves Garneau, Québec:

"An additional experience"

On February 2, the news informed us that the groundhog that came out of his hole did not see his shadow and that spring will be at our door step in 6 weeks.

Already…

This news reminded the masters skaters that the World masters will be soon a reality and that many of us will be leaving Québec City to be on the starting line on February 22 to 25, 2007 in Calgary.

This past weekend was another great opportunity for the skaters to gain more experience by participating in the provincial meet at the Gaetan Boucher oval.

Every one had their own objectives.

With steady winds at 30 km/h and sometimes up to 50 km/h, the masters skaters showed the best of themselves. They even showed that nothing is impossible when one makes the effort. In all, a good weekend to work on the "mental" aspect for Calgary. They understood that there is no limit to what they can hope for and succeed at it.

The following masters took part in this event: Anika Bédard, Lyse Fournier, Geneviève Provencher, Thierry Arbour, Yves Durand, Pierre Gagné, André Gagnon, Yves Garneau, Benoît Lamarche and Gaston Roy.

Congratulations to all skaters and many thanks to the organizers, volunteers and coaches that help us achieve our goals.

Yves Garneau

See complete Results

TRAINING SCHEDULE / CALGARY 2007

The Calgary Oval website has just published a Training Schedule for the Calgary Games.

See Schedule

PIERRE GAGNÉ CHALLENGE

Last Saturday, Pierre Gagné from Québec City did his yearly challenge with the help of André Gagnon and other skaters. This year, the event took place on a short track ice surface in a shopping centre in Québec City. André send us this note:

No wind, a perfect ice and a big crowd cheering Pierre Gagné, 74 years old, for his 500 laps-91km. It only took 4 hours to skate the distance- under his predicted time.Pierre started doing these challenges many years ago to help raise money for the Sourdine Foundation that helps children with hearing problems. I decided to skate with him for an hour, but with my pride helping, I finally did the last 375 laps with him.

Congratulations Pierre!

André Gagnon

CHARLES JEWTRAW ALL-ROUND

Masters skaters were well represented amongst competitors in this short all-round meet organized and sponsored by Dimon Sports in Lake Placid during January 27 - 28, 2007. Although blessed by no wind; non-stop light snow and cold temperatures made ice grooming difficult with conditions somewhat better for Sunday's 1000m and 3000m than Saturday's 500m and 1500m races.

Nevertheless, excellent efforts were put in and a good time was had by all competitors including 5 Canadians - Patrick Kelly (Lake Placid), Bob Laurence (Cambridge), Larry Magloire (Brampton), Tavi Moga (Montreal) and Ross Hanham (Burlington).

Although a meet protocol is not yet available, overall results were dominated by Patrick and Jim Cornell (Rochester).

Many thanks to John Dimon and his team for organizing another excellent event - this one named for the legendary Charles Jewtraw who grew up in the Lake Placid area and, by winning the 500m in Chamonix in 1924, became the first gold medalist at the first Winter Olympics.

RED DEER OPEN LONG TRACK MASS START OUTDOORS

The following report was gratefully received from Willem Langenberg from Edmonton Alberta:

I am a Master skater from Edmonton, training for the Big Event in Calgary. This is some news for your Masters website:

There were 18 masters at the Red Deer Open LT Mass Start Outdoor meet January 20-21, which is an indication of the excitement that is building here. All masters (men and women) were put together in one group and in heats based on 500m seed times, which produced some interesting racing. Bob Irvine was the fastest in this group, but had some good competition from Rejean Lavoie, Jules Chabot, Richard Hijnen, Lyle Dickeson and Brian Johnston (all training for Calgary).

The highlight of the meet was an open 3000m with 40 participants (busy at the start line). Young Justin Maunder nipped Bob Irvine on the line. An example of how masters can stimulate young skaters.

3000m start photo courtesy of Ken Coutu

Keep up the good work with your website.

See you in Calgary,

Willem Langenberg
Edmonton Master's coach

EVENT SCHEDULE / CALGARY2007

The Calgary Oval website has just published an Event Schedule for the Calgary Games.

See Schedule

SASKATCHEWAN CUP III

Mickey Kupchyk of Regina sent the following report:

The last Saskatchewan Long Track meet of the year, the Sask Cup III, was held in Regina this weekend.

I'd personally like to thank the four Masters skaters from Manitoba that braved driving in near blizzard conditions from Winnipeg to Regina on Friday then travelled back in the same conditions Sunday. Without them, there wouldn't have been a separate Masters Division.

So what did we give them for all their troubles, perfect prairie winter weather. NOT!

Saturday morning started out at -20C with a 20 KM wind. Within 20 minutes of flooding the ice, the frost came out making the ice slightly faster then the carpet in my family room. Perfect conditions to set records. Sunday the temperature soared to -8C and the ice conditions improved but we had a 50 gusting to 60 KM headwind blowing straight into our faces on the home straight. The wind chill was estimated at -28C, absolutely balmy conditions.

Janice Kenworthy and Cheryl Conklin both from Winnipeg skated their hearts out all weekend in the Master Women's Division. They both dug down deep to complete the 3000m. Skating into that 50 KM headwind seven and a half times can only be classified as cruel and unusual punishment.

In the Masters Division, I got to skate with Randy Plett and Bernie Enns both from Winnipeg. Bernie is only in his second year of skating. He did an admirable job all weekend coming very close to his PB's. It's one of the only times I felt sorry for 6 foot 6 person, the wind was a killer for a man his size.

I can only stand in awe of Randy. The power this guy generates is unbelievable. In pretty much every race he left 10-15m behind within 50m of the start. He skated some awesome times given the conditions.

As for myself most of my times were well off my PB's except for the 1500m. In that one race I was able to stay close to Randy at the start (I think he was feeling sorry for me) which helped me to a new Saskatchewan record of 2:22.94.

Once again, thank you to the Manitoba skaters and I'm looking forward to seeing you in Winnipeg this weekend for the North American Long Track meet.

MANITOBA MASS START CHAMPIONSHIPS

Brett Arnason of Winnipeg sent the following report:

The Manitoba Mass Start Championships provided an exciting weekend of racing for Masters in Manitoba. Karla Cybulsky set two new Master's 2 Provincial records. The new 500m record is 50.76 eclipsing the old record of 52.58 and the new 1500m record of 2:46.77 replaces the old record of 2:50.66.

Brett Arnason set new Masters 3 provincial records in the 500m and the 1000m.

1ST ANNUAL MASTERS ICE RACING CHALLENGE

Ian Mellors, meet coordinator and President of the Banff/Canmore Speed Skating Club sent the following report about this event held December 29 to 30, 2006 in Canmore Alberta:

The first annual Masters Ice Racing Challenge provided a weekend of fast and exciting racing. Nine skaters lined up for the event, including Master 2 skater Alex Seal of Salmon Arm, B.C., and Master 4 skater Gary Link of Vernon, B.C. The racing started with the 1000m taking place Friday night. The 1000m A Final foreshadowed the racing for the weekend, as Tim Cooney, Master 2, edged Ian Mellors, Master 1, by .12 sec, in a time of 1:42.56. By the end of the weekend, three of the four 4 finals would see a combined margin of victory of .44 seconds. Only in the 500m final was there a clear margin of victory, as Tim stormed his way to a time of 47.96 sec and a new Master 2 Canadian Record. Master 3 skater Alan McNutt of Rocky Mountain House, Ab, complete with his own cheering section, made his competitive debut in the 1000m.

After the racing Friday night, some of the skaters and officials headed out to Bandoleers Restaurant to celebrate the event. While all enjoyed fine food and good music, everyone headed home early in preparation for Saturday's racing.

Saturday's racing was combined with the Canmore Ice Racing Challenge, the annual short track ability meet hosted by the Banff/Canmore Speed Skating Club. The Masters though enjoyed skating on the fresh ice immediately after the floods, ensuring that the skating remained fast and safe.

As racing resumed Saturday, the Masters said good by to Joey O’Brien, Master 3, Canmore, AB., who was feeling somewhat under the weather, but did manage to take 5 seconds off of his 1000m time Friday night, enroute to a 4th in the A final. Ian Sutherland, Master 2, from Lethbridge, AB., arrived for racing on Saturday, and like Alan, Ian was making his competitive debut. Ian battled hard with fellow Lethbridge skater Tom Copps, Master 3, edging Tom in the 777m and 500m finals, with Tom prevailing in the 1500m final.

Alex and Gary continued their battle for third all day Saturday. Gary avenged his 5th place in the 1000m to take 3rd in both the 777m and 500m, setting up a battle for the Bronze in the 1500m final. Ian and Tim continued their season long battle with Ian edging Tim in the 777m final, before Tim rocketed to the 500m win.

As the skaters lined up for the 1500m final, the Gold and Bronze medals were still up for grabs. When the gun went off, someone forgot to tell Alex that this was a strategic endurance event. Alex took off at a furious pace, dragging Ian and Tim around behind him. With 6 laps to go Ian made his move on Alex in an attempt to get the jump on Tim. Tim was not to be caught napping, and although Ian pulled a small gap, Tim was able to close in, before taking the lead with 3 laps to go. Tim held off Ian’s desperate last lap attacks to take the win, the Gold medal and establish a new Master 2 Canadian 1500m record at 2:35.50. Alex maintained his hot pace to solo home in 2:42.01 to take 3rd place and the Bronze medal.

#2 Alex Seal (Salmon Arm, B.C.), leads # 72 Ian Mellors (Canmore, Ab), and #96 Tim Cooney (Lethbridge, Ab), during the 1500m A Final.

Before the end of the weekend, Tim would also be recognized as the Canmore Ice Racing Challenge Overall Meet Champion, for being the fastest skater at the competition.

As the Masters cleaned up to head home, everyone was in great spirits; both Alex and Gary promised to return for next year’s event.

For both the skaters and organizers the event was great success. I would personally like to thank those whose support and encouragement made the event go from an idea to reality, Paul Shoebridge, Ross Hanham, Guy Bushell, Norine Hori and the executive of the Banff/Canmore SSC. We are looking forward to a bigger and better event next year.

Ian Mellors
Meet Coordinator
President – Banff/Canmore SSC

MILWAUKEE MASTERS MEET - ENTRY FORM

Meet information and entry form were received by snail-mail today.

Scanned copies can be found at
Info-Page 1
Info-Page 2
Entry Form-Pg 1
Entry Form-Pg 2

COMPETITOR’S LIST / CALGARY2007

The Calgary Oval website has just released the names of all skaters per category and country registered for the Calgary Games.

See List

SYLVAN LAKE MARATHON

Trevor Nelson, of Prince George BC, recently sent the following message:

Hi Ross,

Thanks for all the Masters info you pass along.

I'm wondering how many masters are going to attend the Sylvan Lake Marathon after the World Masters in Calgary? The distances are 50 km and 100 km and the event is Sat. March 3rd this year. A few of us in Prince George are putting in the miles in preparation for the marathon. This is always a great event.

Do you think all Masters know that it takes place the week after the big event in Calgary?

Cheers,

Trevor Nelson

Prince George BC

Thanks to Trevor for this information.

Complete details can be seen here

PATRICK KELLY IN DAVOS

Canadian master skater and Olympian, Patrick Kelly participated in the 8th Masters International Speed Skating Davos Meeting in Switzerland during January 13 to 14, 2007.

Competing with 19 men and 2 women from 7 nations, Patrick dominated the results placing:

- 1st overall in the 500m at 39.87 sec

- 1st overall in the 1500m at 2:06.90

- 1st overall in the 1000m at 1:19.10

- 2nd overall in the 3000m at 4:51.01

See details at
Day 1 Results
Day 2 Results

CHRONICLES OF THE TRAVELING SKATES - 1

During the Christmas holidays, I’ve decided to travel and visit the area of Lake Placid/New-York and its well known oval. I have discovered that it is not only a very nice place but also very friendly. Small town, but big with the Olympic spirit of the Olympic Games held in 1932 and 1980 (remember Eric Heiden with his 5 medals).

The oval is located right downtown, along the main street where every one can see it. In the distance, you can see the white snowy peaks of the Adirondacks. The temperature was also fantastic, blue sky and a hot -1C.

I met by chance a few masters skaters that I knew from Quebec and Ontario. Some skaters were taking part in a training camp, some just came down to practice and prepare for the Games in Calgary (these Games are a hot topic these days) and finally some just came down for the pleasure of trying out a new ice. When I was putting my skates in the small changing room, squashed together like sardines, I realized it was the best place to meet the local skaters. After a warm bladeshake, we exchanged on our skating experiences and on the Calgary Games (again!).

On the ice, we could easily find someone to do laps with or discuss some technical points of the complex art of speed skating. Here is a picture of some of the skaters I met there.

From left to right: Anika Bedard, Ross Hanham and his son Tom, Alain Meilleur, Jean-Luc Malo, Julie Robert, ? and Youri Juteau. Lake Placid, December 2006

Best regards,
S. Kates

13 CANADIAN MASTERS INDOOR MASS START RECORDS BROKEN!

Mickey Kupchyk, of Regina, sent the following account of this event:

Twenty three Masters competed this weekend at the Alberta Indoor Long Track Championship in Calgary, and what a weekend it was. 13 Canadian Master Indoor Mass Start records were broken.

Where does one begin? Why not with the “Doc”, Jo-Ann Johnson. I met Jo-Ann this past summer at the Masters camp in Calgary. She told me that before she turned fifty she intended to try 50 new things in her life. Well, does breaking 4 Canadian records in one weekend count as 1 or 4 things? That’s right, Jo-Ann broke the Master Female 2 records in the 500m, 1000m, 1500m, and 3000m with times of 47.42, 1:35.13, 2:26.60 and 5:17.98 respectively. By the way, she lead from start to finish in all four races. Well done Jo-Ann!

For some people breaking records is old hat. Not to be outdone, Ron Johnston broke all 4 Master Male 4 records. In both the 500m and 1500m races Ron finished less then half a second behind me. I’m 16 years younger then him, when’s this guy going to start acting his age and take up lawn bowling? Ron posted times of 43.89, 1:28.92, 2:14.21 and 4:49.04 in the 500m, 1000m, 1500m, and 3000m respectively. Congratulations Ron!

Two Calgary skaters in the Master Male 1 category had great weekends. Rejean Lavoie broke the 1000m record with a time of 1:23.09 while Marco Lebrasseur broke the 3000m record with a time of 4:32.60. Great job gentlemen!

Bob Irvine, the lean mean fighting machine from Calgary, pushed his own Master 3 500m record deeper with a time of 42.38. Way to go Bob!

That leaves two more records to account for. I wonder who broke those? Give up? Why it’s that short linebacker from the frozen tundra of Saskatchewan – Mickey Kupchyk. I managed a 1:24.02 in the Master 3 1000m and 4:30.86 in the 3000m. Thank you to all the guys in the Division 1 Masters who pushed me to my limit.

Tim Clooney of Lethbridge won the gold medal in Division 1 Male Masters. Laurits Skjolingstad of Calgary won the gold medal in Division 2 Male Masters. Jo-Ann Johnson won gold and Holly Gerke won silver in the Female Masters Division.

After seeing the improvement in all of us Master skaters, there’s only one thing left to say: “Look out World, the Canadian Masters are coming”!

Mickey Kupchyk

LOGAN LAKE LONG TRACK

Mike Hagen of the Burnaby Speed Skating Club competed in this event on January 6, 2007 and sent the following report:

The first long track competition ever held in southern British Columbia happened at Logan Lake on January 6, 2007. While four outdoor ovals are normally constructed each winter in northern BC (at Fort St John, Fort St James, Dawson Creek, and Prince George), this was a great opportunity for southern BC skaters to experience long track without traveling a huge distance. Logan Lake is 50 km southwest of Kamloops; only 300 km northeast of Vancouver. The host club, River City Racers of Kamloops, did a great job initiating, organizing, and running the event.

62 skaters were greeted by fresh snow and sunshine, with temperatures of -10 rising to -3 by afternoon. Winds were light, and clouds gathered later in the day. The 300 m oval was constructed on natural lake ice. The Logan Lake ATV club helped prepare and maintain the surface and assure the success of the event. The ice was good, albeit a bit bumpy compared to artificial ice, which is to be expected, and the few cracks were of no consequence.

15 masters were among the racers, 9 men and 6 women. Some fast times were registered, though this was an unsanctioned meet and no records were set. M4 Gary Link of Vernon was under club mate Peter Blokker's BC mass start records in the 500 (48.74), 1000 (1:35.64), and 1500 (2:35.96) while finishing among the top three men overall. M5 Blokker was faster than his BC records in the 1000 (1:57.51) and 1500 (3:07.71).

Masters had a great time kibitzing and talking about the upcoming Calgary Games. It is hoped that the Logan Lake event can become a fixture on the BC speed skating calendar.

See Master Results

SASK CUP I - LONG TRACK SASKATOON

Mickey Kupchyk of Regina recently competed in this event during January 6 to 7, 2007 and sent the following report:

Long track season in Saskatchewan officially launched this past weekend in Saskatoon with the Sask Cup I mass start event.

Saturday morning was perfect. Temperature was -5 C with absolutely no wind. The event organizers had brought in a zamboni 3 days before the meet to prepare the ice - and what a job! The Calgary Oval has nothing on Saskatoon, OK I take that back, Calgary has a roof.

Everyone was knocking off PB's Saturday morning.

As lunch time rolled around the weather took a turn for the worse. A light skiff of snow turned into near blizzard conditions by early afternoon. (Remember that roof thing in Calgary) The hardy Saskatchewan skaters just sucked it up, put on an extra layer of clothes and continued to skate hard.

There were only three Masters skaters at this meet: Terry Livingston and Bruce Hope (both Masters 2) and me. Terry did personal bests in all four of his distances. Big kudos have to go out to Bruce. In his very first meet he managed to break the one minute mark in the 500m with a time of 54 seconds. I'm sure he'll be in to the 40's before the end of the season.

As far as myself it was a great weekend on a couple of accounts. First off, my son Evan who is eleven broke the minute mark in the 500m for the first time (cookies for all the Regina speed skating club Tuesday night). Secondly, I managed to break all four of the Provincial records as well as unofficially breaking the Masters 3 Canadian 1000m record with a time of 1:30.70 (unofficial because they had me skating in Group 1 with the kids. Just for the record, I lead from start to finish, no drafting).

Skating with the kids was a riot, problem is they learn too fast. After I blew them off the ice in the first 1000m race they realized that maybe it'd be a geat idea to draft behind the big old guy. So for the rest of the weekend race after race I dragged a train of kids around the ice until the final corner when they'd all pull out and pass me, little buggers. Actually it was great, seeing the smiles on their faces and their parents faces after they knocked down huge PB's was priceless.

Next meet is the Provincials in Moose Jaw this weekend followed by the Western Regionals in Regina January 27 and 28. I hear there's some great seat sales, so don't be shy about coming to Regina, we'd love to have you!

MASTERS SKATERS AT CANADA CUP #1

Brett Arnason of Winnipeg sent the following report regarding this competition held last weekend January 5 to 7, 2007:

This event had a record number of Masters skating.

Thanks to the excitement of the Master's Games coming to Calgary and the ability of your newsletter to reach so many of the participants we had at least 15 Masters skating in this event.

I am best acquainted with the Master's 3 group. Lynn Sugden and Bob Irvine provided us with an entertaining weekend. It was a see-saw friendly rivalry that lasted all weekend long. Final time for the 500 m for Lynn was 42.0 followed by Bob with 42.47. Cliff Morrison posted a time of 43.26 and Brett Arnason skated 43.65. For the 1000 m on the first round Lynn was 1:23.98 and Bob was 1:23.85. Lynn responded in the 1500 with a time of 2:08.56 to Bob's time of 2:10.89. The battle continued in the 5000 with Bob and Lynn in separate pairs but in the same quartet. Lynn and Bob both posted personal bests but Bob prevailed with a time of 7:54.25 compared to Lynn at 7:57.98. This is an entertaining friendly rivalry that is pushing these guys to new levels. Nice skating guys!

Brad Hudey is a Master's 2 who skated a 40.04 in his 500 and had to withdraw due to an injury.

Ron Johnson is a Master's 4 who posted a 500 m time of 44.58 to show he is ready for the Games.

Sean Mauw skated a 41.79 in the 500, crashed in the 1500, 1:21.94 in the 1000.

Darren Lind also skated well posting a very nice time of 7:39.99 in the 5000.

Master's 5 skater Roy Whitney showed he will be a force in his division.

Sorry if I missed anyone in the review but I am just getting to know everyone.

All participants had a good time.

I know there were some ladies present but I do not know their names or their divisions. Perhaps when they read this they could send an update.

See complete Results

COMPÉTITION PROVINCIALE TOUTES DISTANCES STYLE OLYMPIQUE

Alain Meilleur, of Montreal, competed in this event in Ste-Foy, QC during December 16 to 17, 2006 and provided his impressions of the competition:

A really good week-end.

My best results so far (December 2006). For the first time in Québec City, weather conditions were with us at the Gaétan Boucher Oval helping skaters to reach performance worthy of the name. Good results, for sure. I improved my best times on all distances. Even Robert Tremblay, one coach of the national team, helped me in my 5000m with surprising and helpful advice not to forget.

In short, a good competition with a lot of masters including Benoît Lamarche, a former olympian with outstanding performances. What drives me, is the fact that all these old skaters will be part of the IMSSC in Calgary. This competition will permit for the first time in Canada, so I guess, to bring together more than 100 Canadian master speed skaters on the same oval. This will be a special occasion to skate and share our experiences during this championship. It will be important to emphasize the importance of this meeting.

For our foreign readers, it probably seems quite strange but in a large country like Canada, we only have two artificial olympic ovals, this situation is somewhat delirious but it is our reality. I cannot wait to meet these other crazy Canadian skaters, I know about 25 of them, and all other proud skaters from all around the world. On these words, we have a rendezvous in Calgary at the end of February 2007.

If only I could have my own ice oval in my room ... maybe my girlfriend would understand how wonderful is the passion of skating.

Alain Meilleur,
January 2007

See complete Results

MILWAUKEE MASTERS INTERNATIONAL OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Meet organizers have recently sent MSS News an update regarding this great masters competition scheduled for the Pettit National Ice Centre in Milwaukee Wisconsin during February 17 - 18, 2007.

This is an excellent masters speed skating event which, in 2006, attracted 70 competitors from the USA and Canada. See past posts in Masters Speed Skating News and Zen and the Art of Speed Skating for reports and personal accounts of last year's edition.

Scheduled the weekend before the International Masters Meet in Calgary, this Milwaukee event provides the opportunity for back-to-back participation in the 2 biggest masters long track speed skating events in North America in 2007.

WHERE IS YOUR HOME OVAL?

At our first international masters speed skating games in Ste-Foy in 2001, our new-found Dutch friends asked us, "Where is your home oval?". As residents of long-track deprived southwestern Ontario - we had to admit, to their surprise, that we had no oval - only the never-ending corners of short-track.

We're very envious of our long-track colleagues in Calgary, Ste-Foy, Milwaukee, Salt Lake City and areas of Europe who get out to their local oval 2 to 4 times per week. Our actual long track practice sessions are limited, by time and money, to usually no more than 4 to 6 trips per year. From where we are, driving times to the closest ovals are Lake Placid (7 hours), Ste-Foy (9 hours) and Milwaukee (10 to 11 hours depending on Chicago traffic conditions). A trip to Calgary involves a week away from work.

But if this sounds like whining, we're not totally deprived and often tell our skating friends that our home oval is the world famous Tri-Oval in Brampton Ontario. Located in Gage Park just behind City Hall near Hurontario (Hwy 10), this venue is really not an oval at all - but rather a recreational skating path. The name derives from the path's approximate 250 m configuration which is roughly made up of 3 corners and 3 straightaways - one of which is bent enough to necessitate a mid-stride cross-over. For skaters of our modest caliber, the track is navigable on long track skates at moderately high speed - although Turn 3 often takes one to the brink of sparking across the adjacent brick paving and local legend says at least one skater has crashed into the concrete fountain beside Turn 1.













Gage Park is open to the public all the time and so we go at 7 am on weekends to avoid the crowds. As the first flood is not until 8 am, our standard warm-up includes laps in both directions pushing our own snow shovels to remove the debris left behind by hundreds of skaters who partied well past midnight on the previous evening. Although this generally consists of snow and coffee cup lids, our shovels have been known to collect broken glass and discarded double-A batteries - known enemies of the lovingly hand-sharpened blade. The local squirrels who inhabit the branches overhanging the track also contribute leafs, branches and acorns to this high-performance ice surface. Our favourite, however, is the nightly visits by security guards who actually drive their patrol car on the ice leaving behind behind tire tracks of salt and sand. To them, we are indebted for our well-practiced sharpening skills. Standard post-practice protocol includes washing the salt from your blades and guards.

I'm reminded of this, as Gage Park opened for the season this week and we were there this morning at 6:45 am suiting up in our portable 4-wheeled change rooms in the nearby parking lot. Conditions with a wind-chill of only -11C were not too bad with a full set of underwear covered by a hooded skin-suit, toque, jersey, double-mittens and skater covers with toe warmers. Track-side water bottles need to be turned upside down to keep the freezing water flowing out the spout. Friends Larry (Masters 40-44 pictured below in Turn 3) and Julius (master in another 12 years) joined in this morning's workout which still made us sweat despite the chilly temperature.













One additional bit of trivia about the Gage Park Tri-Oval is that it was used as a set to mimic Madison Wisconsin in the 1996 film - A Brother’s Promise – The Dan Jansen Story

I know we're not the only covered oval-deprived skate fanatics out there and often wonder what it's like outdoors in New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, northern Alberta, British Columbia and parts of the USA where conditions are likely to make Gage Park seem like a tropical paradise. MSS News would like to hear about your Home Oval. Click on comments (below), select "Other" as your identity, enter your name and tell your story. All clean, politically-correct, censor board-approved submissions will be posted. Or even better, e-mail us your story and a photo for posting on this site.

When you read these stories, you know you have to love this sport to do it!

MASTERS ICE RACING CHALLENGE

Ian Mellors, of the Banff-Canmore Speed Skating Club, has just provided MSS News with Information and a Registration Form which can be seen at Info/Entry

Ian advises that the event already has at least 10 outside-Alberta skaters registered and he expects at least another 10 from within the province, hopefully more. Ian reports that he's "been receiving good feedback from the Masters at the local meets" and that "everyone is quite excited".

If you're a masters short-tracker, this is your chance to be a part of history in the first-ever "Unofficial Canadian Masters Short Track Championships" to be held December 29 to 30, 2006 in the Canmore Recreation Centre in Canmore Alberta.