SUMMER CAMPS

Two speed skating camps are open to masters this summer -

For long trackers, the Calgary Olympic Oval Masters Camp is combined with the Summer Speed Camp during July 13-18. Registration, which opened March 1, is available for 42 skaters.

Olympic Oval Masters Campers - 2007
Photo by Arno Hoogeveld

Short trackers may register for the Ellis Edge Masters Camp to be held in Ottawa during August 6-9. Registration, which opens May 18, is limited to 25 skaters.

Ellis-Edge Masters Camp - 2007
Photo courtesy of Sheila McGinn

EAST COAST MASTERS

Masters speed skating is thriving in the Atlantic provinces of Canada with results visible in several major short track meets this past season including the Eastern Canadian Championships held January 24-25, 2009 in Fredericton New Brunswick.

Eastern Canadian masters competitors led by Reg Van Drecht
Photo courtesy of Ann Evans

For more information on speed skating in Atlantic Canada, visit the websites of:
Speed Skate New Brunswick
Speed Skate Prince Edward Island
Speed Skate Nova Scotia

MASTERS AT OVAL FINALE

The lure of the fast ice attracted many of the world's top skaters to Calgary's Olympic Oval for the 2009 edition of the Oval Finale during March 18-22. Although the prize money offered for record-breaking performances for world-class and Canadian national athletes may have been out of reach, masters competitors from Canada, Norway and Sweden made a strong showing amongst the 300 athletes from 20 countries who participated.

The results of this event, which concluded the 2008-09 season at the Oval, included 694 personal best times and 35 national records. Amongst these, several Canadian masters records appeared to have been broken as follows:

Nicole Slot (40-49)
- 500m (44.58)
- 1000m (1:26.72)
- 1500m (2:10.70)
- 3000m (4:32.90)

Bob Irvine (50-59)
- 500m (40.52)

Ronald Johnston (70+)
- 500m (45.18)
- 1000m (1:30.48)
- 1500m (2:17.68)

Congratulations to all masters competitors who may have set personal best times including those who skated in distances and classifications for which records are not maintained such as Roy Whitney (80+) and Brian Johnston (50-59) - 10000m (16:32.15).

Complete results may be seen here.

CANADIAN MASTERS SPEED SKATERS FACEBOOK GROUP

Alicia Weiss (Ottawa), Sheila McGinn (Halifax), Clark Hately (Kingston) and Leela Braun (Winnipeg) have set up a Facebook Group called Canadian Masters Speed Skaters. Open up your Facebook account and join in the fun!

MARATHON SKATING HEAVEN

Given suitable ice conditions not seen for many years, Canadian masters skaters Willem Langenberg, Brian Johnston (both Edmonton) and Suzanne Dionne (Ottawa) travelled to the Netherlands in early January to skate in various natural ice marathons. The following are excerpts from two e-mails from Willem with the very appropriate subject line - "Skating Heaven":

January 11, 2009:

Brian Johnston, Suzanne Dionne and I spent 4 days in marathon skating heaven in Holland, where all the canals froze over and about 500,000 speedskaters were out on the canals and ponds during this weekend. We did two days of about 120 km and today we were among 30,000 skaters around Giethoorn and did about 70 km (slow going with many skaters).

The first day (last Thursday) we skated the 5 km course about an hour after the pros finished their race

Think about this: This lake (Oostvaarderplasen) is very similar to Big Lake near Edmonton. The lake in Holland is only good for skating once in 12 years and everybody goes crazy. Big Lake near Edmonton has been consistently frozen with good (often black ice) every November for the last 25 years. If we put our minds to it, we should be able to organize a similar event every November on Big Lake. We just have to get the North American (and a few European) skaters to come to this event.

January 15, 2009:

After Brian, Suzanne and I skated 325 km in 3 organized tours (organized heaven with possibly 50,000 skaters participating: Oostervaarder Plassen Tocht, Veluwe Meer Tocht en 5 Dorpen Tocht), we skated around Ankeveen on Monday and saw the Ankeveen Classic Races (Summary of the men's race; summary of women's race). It was a wet heaven. It was very interesting to see the AMB chip timing in use (every skater had 2 chips; one on each ankle), with the addition of video photo finish.

We also took the opportunity to meet with the Marathon Chairman of the Dutch Skating Union, Egbert Lambers and Marathon Coordinator Teun Breedijk. We discussed the MSI racing circuit and the (failed) Alberta attempt to get a marathon/mass start demonstration race at the Vancouver Olympics.

The Dutch skating Union (KNSB) is of the opinion that the European circuit (Sweden, Finland, Austria, etc) needs to be developed first in order to get a marathon/mass start event as part of the official World Cup program (a pre-requisite for a possible Olympic event). We pointed out that these races are mainly supported by Dutch skaters (and not very international), while the MSI circuit has largely North American participation and shows an international component. We planted another seed for the idea to make one of the MSI events a Marathon Grand Prix (World Cup) event, which was Evert van Benthem's goal for the Sylvan Lake marathons.

We will stay in contact with the KNSB and keep you posted of any progress.

3RD MASTERS INTERNATIONAL RUSSIAN ALL-ROUND CHAMPIONSHIP

Ben Ruckert (NED) travelled to Kolomna Russia during March 14-15, 2009 to compete in the 3rd Masters International Russian Allround Championships and sent the following photos and comments to Brett Arnason in Winnipeg:This Ice-hall is really a beauty. During the first training on Friday, we did not know what was happening - 6 to 7 laps at 35 secs with 6 to 7 strokes on the straights, and not getting tired at all, that was amazing.North American masters interested in next year's version of this event should monitor the IMSSG's 2009-10 competition calendar which will likely be published in October.

ONTARIO MASTERS SHORT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP

Nine master women and nineteen master men competed in this meet in conjunction with OSSA's regional ability championships in Newmarket during March 21-22, 2009. Organized in 2 ability-based mixed age and gender groups, masters competitors skated a heat and final in 500m, 777m and 1000m plus a 1500m final.

With many thanks to Don Ego (master skater emeritus and president of the Newmarket Jets Speed Skating Club), competitors were given preferential treatment including first ice following re-surfacings and extra unofficial drop-out races consisting of 2000m for women and 3000m for men.

Constant Montpellier (Brampton) appears to have set all new Ontario records for men 40-49 with the following times:
- 500m (48.25)
- 777m (1:16.92)
- 1000m (1:40.31)
- 1500m (2:35.41)

Constant's 1000m and 1500m times also look like new Canadian records.

Photo courtesy of Constant Montpellier's Facebook page.

Sheila McGinn broke her own record in the women 50-59 1500m with a time of 3:36.93.

Photo courtesy of Shelia McGinn's Facebook page

Many of the province's clubs were represented including Brampton, Gloucester, Hamilton, Kawartha, Kitchener-Waterloo, Markham, Niagara, Oakville, Ottawa, Quinte, St. Lawrence and Toronto. Competitors took a break from racing on Sunday to meet and discuss ideas and concerns related to masters competitions in Ontario.

Results were not published or rewarded by age and gender, but can be seen here. Many thanks to the meet's volunteer officials and organizers for an excellent event.

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!

CANADIAN AGE CLASS LONG TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

Rule changes made at Speed Skating Canada's AGM last June in Quebec City included masters being accepted among age classes invited to compete in the Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships. This season's edition of the event is scheduled for Regina SK during February 14-15.

Meet information and entry forms are now available at Speed Skating Canada's national competition calendar. Entry forms will not be accepted individually and, so, interested masters should contact their provincial/territorial association to determine their eligibility.

Entry forms are due February 6.

FLEVONICE FREE-SKATE ICE MARATHON

Canadian masters, Willem Langenberg and Brian Johnston of Edmonton, are headed to the Netherlands for the Free-Skate Ice Marathon at Flevonice, celebrating 100 years of Eleven Cities tours and races, and sent the following invitation:

Marathon skaters: Hereby the announcement for one of the centennial Eleven City Tour on Ice celebrations. Martien Pater of Free-skate is inviting North American marathon skaters to participate. Brian and I are booked to arrive in Amsterdam with NW Airlines from Minneapolis on Jan. 8th at 11 AM. We could meet other people and travel to the nearby hotel together.
Let us know,

- Willem Langenberg

Participate to the Free-skate Ice Marathon in the Netherlands! On Friday 9 January 2009, it's possible to participate to the Free-skate Ice Marathon in the Netherlands on Flevonice. The Free-skate Ice Marathon is an artificial ice skating circuit of 5 kilometres through the nature of the Dutch polder of Flevoland. The marathon is organised in the period that, 100 years ago, the famous Dutch Eleven City Tour on Ice was organised for the first time. It is possible to skate 50 kilometres, 100 kilometres, 150 kilometres or 200 kilometres. You can send an email to info@flevonice.nl to sign up, then you receive application form. The costs of the ice-skating tour are € 27,50 (for adults) per person and € 20,00 (for children till 14 years old) per person. For any question, do not hesitate, and call us at +31575 551110 or email us to info@free-skate.nl
Met vriendelijke groeten,
- Martien Pater

MASTERS ICE RACING CHALLENGE - REPORT

Thank you to Ian Mellors, meet coordinator of the Masters Ice Racing Challenge held in Banff/Canmore Alberta last weekend, for the following report -

The weather outside was cold (reaching a low of -35C) but the racing and the times were HOT at the 3rd Annual Masters Ice Racing Challenge.

Despite a winter storm that lowered temperatures to an unseasonably low numbers and dumping snow all over southern Alberta, eight Masters made their way to Canmore, setting the stage for arguably the fastest and most competitive Masters competition ever.

The racers skated 7 times over the weekend, running semi and finals in the 1000m, 777m, and 500m distances and a 1500m Super Final.

Racing started Friday night, and to set the weekend up for fast close racing, four skaters broke the Masters 2 (40-49) 1000m Canadian Record, with 3 skaters going under 1:40. Randy Plett (River Heights Speed Skating - Winnipeg) won the race in an Unofficial Canadian Record of 1:39.34, winning over Guy Bushell (Banff/Canmore SSC, by a slim .26 seconds), rounding out the first three in a time of 1:39.8 was Ian Mellors (Banff/Canmore SSC).

Saturday's racing continued fast and close. In the 777m A final, 4 skaters broke 1:20, Guy Bushell in a time of 1:17.20 won over Randy Plett by just .17 seconds. Tim Cooney (Lethbridge SSC) came across third in a time of 1:17.76, and Duane Swann (Prince George Blizzard SSC) was fourth in 1:18.83.

The 500m A final was the closest of the weekend, Guy Bushell won his second Final in a time of 49.39 sec, winning by just .05 seconds over Tim Cooney, with Randy Plett in third.

Randy Plett took control of the 1500m A final after 3 laps and fought off Guy Bushell for the win, Duane Swan finished a solid weekend with 3rd place. WIth two wins and two seconds, Guy Bushell took the overall title.

The Masters Ice Racing Challenge welcomed its first female competitor, Michelle Pepin (Burnaby SSC). Michelle skated hard against the men in the first two distances, then rode a hot start and enthusiastic cheering by the females in the crowd (including spouses of the male racers) in the 500m B final to take victory and 5th overall in the distance. Michelle finished the weekend with 3 Unofficial Canadian Records, 53.51 - 500m, 1:23.1 - 777m and 1:50.88 - 1000m. Michelle is looking forward to seeing more women attending next year.

Al Overend (Calgary SSA), Masters 3, fought his way through the snow, unfortunately missing Friday's racing, but came through with several strong performances Saturday, and a best finish of 2nd in the 500m B final in a time of 53.64.

Werner Meyer (Calgary SSA) Masters 4, thrilled the crowd, with his steady performances, never quit attitude and huge smiles.

The Masters celebrated their achievements Saturday night with a banquet, and finished off the weekend with an excellent skating clinic Sunday morning lead by Overall Winner Guy Bushell.

See the full results.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in 2009.

LAKE PLACID MARATHONS POSTPONED

The following message was received from Gaetan Rochette of Marathon Skating International -

Here is a message from Linda Sausa organizer of Lake Placid Marathon:

I am so sorry to announce that we must postpone the Lake Placid Marathon to January 17th and 18th, due to mechanical failure of a oval cooling system transformer. They hope to have the transformer repaired or replaced by the weekend of December 20th, but with so many variables in place were not sure of ice or the quality thereof.

I had really hoped that it would be repaired in time, to avoid any inconvenience to anyone, but that may not be the case.

I look forward to seeing you in January, please e-mail me with any questions. linda_s@adelphia.net

EDMONTON MARATHONS

Thanks to Willem Langenberg and Brian Johnston for the following message -

Marathon skaters:

Entry forms for the Edmonton marathons during February 21 -22, 2009 are now available on-line.

On this site you will also find information on the 19th annual Edmonton Winter Triathlon. We were informed about the passing away of one of the founders of this event, Owen Spence, in Kamloops. A special award in his memory will be presented during the upcoming Triathlon.

We hope to see you all in the New Year.

2ND MASTERS INTERNATIONAL CANADIAN OPEN - MEET ANNOUNCEMENT & ENTRY FORM CORRECTION

The fax number and mailing address in the meet announcement and entry form posted on December 4, 2008 were incorrect.

Please replace the form with this one.

LAKE PLACID MASTERS TRAINING INVITATION

Alain Meilleur sent the following invitation:

During the Christmas Holidays, I noticed that many Canadians masters skaters take the opportunity year after year to speed skate at lake Placid. If you are planning on going there this year again, instead on skating by yourself, why not join us and train with a group in planned training sessions and work on you skating skills? We will divide skaters in different training groups of 2 or 3 skaters and each group will warm-up, work on their technical skills and train together. You can join us for one or all sessions. Training schedules will be posted at the oval.

These training sessions will be held at the Lake Placid oval on December 27 at 16:00 and December 28 and 29 at 10:00 and 16:00.

Opening times at the oval are 10:00 to 12:00 and 16:00-18:00 everyday and the cost is 7$ per session.

For accommodation, there are many hotels and B&Bs as well as the «Lysek's Hillcrest Inn», which is a dormitory that also offers breakfast and dinner at 18:30 at a reasonable price (Ph: 518-523-1700). You can also reach me at meilleua@total.net for more information.

QUEBEC MARATHONS

The first event of Marathon International's 2008-09 competition season was held during November 29-30 at the 400 m Anneau de Glace Gaetan Boucher in Ste-Foy, Quebec. Conditions were excellent with temperatures just below freezing and light winds.

Results for the 40 skaters in the 25 km (62.5 laps) and 24 skaters in the 40 km (103 laps) were recorded using electronic timing chips. Congratulations, printed protocols and opportunities to win merchandise prizes were provided to all competitors, with medals awarded to the top 3 competitors in each 10 year age class for both women and men.Many thanks to the event organizers for a smoothly-run and fun competition.

Competitor photos by Pierre Gagne. Organizer photos by Ross Hanham.

2nd MASTERS INTERNATIONAL CANADIAN OPEN

Meet information and entry form for this February 21-22, 2009 event are now available from Speed Skating Canada.

This may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for masters to compete in a long track meet in Vancouver Canada and in the new Richmond Olympic Oval as the venue is planned to be converted to other uses after the 2010 Winter Games.
Registration is restricted to a maximum of 75 Canadian entries and 75 international entries up to December 21, 2008 after which these quotas will not longer apply. The final registration deadline is January 31, 2009.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR 2008 MASTERS ICE RACING CHALLENGE

Ian Mellors, meet coordinator, sent the following message:

If you are intending on attending the Masters Ice Racing Challenge in Canmore, Alberta, December 12/13, please let me know the following info by Friday December 4th:

Name
SSC# (or ISU country Membership #)
500m seed time
1000m seed time

Also indicate if you are interested in attending the Banquet on Saturday Night - $30/ticket and if you are going to participate in the Sunday Speed Skating Clinic.

For more details see the club website, Press Release tab, MIRC Meet Announcement.

Come and be a part of the most comprehensive Masters Short Track speed skating weekend anywhere.

QUEBEC MARATHON - UPDATE

The following message was just received from event organizer - Gaetan Rochette:

Hello to All,

Here’s hoping that everyone is excited about the prospect of the FIRST marathon in the MSI Series 2008-2009 which takes place this weekend in Ste-Foy, just next to Quebec City.

Please note that due to insufficient reservations, we have to cancel the post-race dinner. But not all is lost: there are plenty of first-rate restos in Quebec City where you can all get together.

Please Note This:

Hydro Quebec is performing some “necessary” work on Saturday morning in the neighbourhood around the skating rink. They are not able to tell us when or if the electricity at the rink may be cut. So, to be on the safe side, we will start the 25 K on Saturday at 14:00 to take advantage of the daylight. And, the timing system will run on a portable generator. Please take note of this important change in the starting time.

We are sorry for this last minute change, but Hydro Quebec just advised us.

In spite of this minor inconvenience, our event is up and ready to go.

QUEBEC MARATHONS

Thank you to Anika Bedard for the following reminder -

The fourth edition of the Marathon de Québec will be taking place on November 29-30, 2008 at the Gaetan-Boucher oval in Quebec City. This marathon is the first of the Marathon Skating International MSI Point Series. Interested skaters can find the information and registration forms on line. Registration closes 30 minutes prior to the event, but organisers are asking to send the registration forms as soon as possible.

Pictures and account of the 2007 edition.

PROVINCIAL LONG TRACK SPRINT MEET – QUEBEC

Thanks again to Anika Bedard for the following information -

Interested skaters can find the invitation and registration on line for this first meet held at the Gaetan-Boucher oval on November 22-23, 2008. Deadline for registration is November 12, 2008.

LONG TRACK PROVINCIAL CAMP IN QUEBEC CITY

Many thanks to Anika Bédard for the following information -

Every year, the Centre Gaétan-Boucher organises a provincial long track speed skating camp. This year, it will be held on November 7-8-9, 2008 at the Gaétan-Boucher oval in Québec City and is open to all skaters from the category Benjamin + and older.

This camp includes time on ice as well as off ice exercises and seminars. The camp will end Sunday with races. Clap skates are not mandatory and skaters can participate with their short track skates. Skaters interested can find more information (in French) and register on the FPVQ website (Quebec Provincial Skating Association). Registration deadline is November 1st, 2008.

MASTERS CANADIAN OPEN - RFP

MSS News recently noted an invitation from Speed Skating Canada for proposals to host the Masters Canadian Open Olympic Style Championship in the 2009-2010 competition season.

The 2008-09 edition of this event is scheduled for February 21-22, 2009 to be combined with the 2nd Masters International Canadian Open in the new Olympic Oval in Richmond, BC.

During February 9-10, 2008; this competition was run in conjunction with the first-ever Masters International Canadian Open which attracted 55 competitors to Calgary's Olympic Oval including 11 skaters from Norway, Romania, Russia and USA.

Although the event was not held during 2006-07, the 16th Masters International Speed Skating Games drew 328 participants from 13 different countries including over 90 Canadians to Calgary's Olympic Oval in February 2007.

Prior to this, the Masters Canadian Open was held in Ste-Foy, Quebec in March of 2006.

NORTH AMERICAN SHORT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

Entry forms and meet information are now available for this competition to be held December 5 to 7, 2008 in McFarland Wisconsin USA. The entry form indicates that masters skaters will be classified in 10 year age groups ranging from 30-39 up to 70+.

As the form also indicates that an Association/Province Approval Signature is required, interested competitors should contact their governing sport body to determine their eligibility. Entry deadline is November 25, 2008.

3rd MASTERS ICE RACING CHALLENGE

Ian Mellors, President of the Banff/Canmore Speed Skating Club, sent the following message to MSS News -

I would like to welcome everyone back for the start of a new season of speed skating.

Please see the attached meet announcement and use the following link, http://www.banffcanmorespeedskating.ca/press.asp, for the meet announcement, registration form and summary sheet for our annual short track meet in Canmore, December 12 - 14th.

We are pleased to be able to offer both our one day ability meet, the Canmore Ice Racing Challenge (CIRC), and the Masters Ice Racing Challenge Weekend.

The Masters skaters will race Friday December 12th, the 1000m Semi’s and Finals. The Masters will then complete their final three distances on Saturday December 13th, running in conjunction with the ability meet. There is a banquet Saturday night for the Masters, plus any officials or volunteers who would like to attend. On Sunday December 14th, there is a half day skating clinic for Masters’ skaters, the clinic will include two on ice sessions, plus a classroom session.

For youth skaters, the Canmore Ice Racing Challenge will take place on Saturday December 13th. This will be run as a regular one day meet, skaters will compete over 3 distances. Because skaters will not have the opportunity to skate all four of their age class distances, we are happy to be able to offer 666m and 777m exhibition races Friday evening, see schedule for details. These races are available to Midget and older skaters, who would like to earn times in all four of their distances. The exhibition races do not count towards points for Saturday’s ability meet.

If you have any questions please call me at 403-609-7031, or by email at president@banffcanmorespeedskating.ca.

Please confirm if you plan on attending, if you will be attending the banquet Saturday night, how many tickets you would need and if you plan on attending the skating clinic on Sunday.

Please pass along the meet annoucement to any Masters skaters you may know, and if you could ask your provincial associations to also advertise the meet, that would be appreciated.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the races.

2nd MASTERS INTERNATIONAL AMERICAN SPRINT

Information and entry forms are now available for this event, which will be the first of 3 major masters international long track competitions in North American venues during the 2008-09 season.

This 2nd Masters International American Sprint is scheduled for Milwaukee's Pettit Centre during January 10-11, 2009.

Accounts of last year's event can be seen here and here.

INTERNATIONAL MASTERS COMPETITION ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE

Information and entry forms are now available for most European events on the International Masters Speed Skating Committee 2008-09 competition calendar.

As the number of entries is limited by quotas assigned to each nation, interested competitors should take note of submission deadlines and are encouraged to sign-up as soon as possible.

Good luck to all skaters!

RICHMOND OLYMPIC OVAL TEST SKATED

A tip of the hat to USA master skater Tim "Skeeler" Demarjian who provided the following links when commenting on Zen and the Art of Speed Skating -

Canadian Press - National Team hits ice for first time at Richmond Oval

CTV News - Olympic Venue in Richmond Open for Skating

Metro News - Oval Just Incredible

Master skaters should mark their calendars for the 2nd Masters International Canadian Open scheduled for the Richmond Oval on February 21-22, 2009. As the facility will be converted to other uses after the 2010 Olympic Games, this IMSSC event may be the best opportunity for masters to compete in this building.

SPEED SKATING CANADA RULE CHANGES

According to the delegate package for last June's Annual General Meeting in Quebec City, there were several proposed rule changes affecting masters skaters. Although minutes of the meeting don't appear to be available so far, indirect information and a review of Speed Skating Canada's Red Book suggest the following outcomes -

Rule K3-100: changed masters age classes to 5 year groups, although the effective date is still June 30 prior to the competition. While this provides some increased consistency with international standards, the IMSSC rule is still the age reached during the competition year which means age classes will be one year out of synch when skaters move from age class to the next.

Rule K3-101: changed Canadian Masters Olympic Style Championship to be on its own, not combined with Canada Cup #3 or any other championship. (Proposed by the Federation de Patinage de Vitesse du Quebec to be consistent with what's taking place. The Canadian Masters Championship has not been combined with Canada Cup #3 for the past 2 years.)

Rule K6-101: changed to include masters in the Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships skating 500m, 1000m, 1500m and 3000m. (Proposed by the Manitoba Speed Skating Association for a variety of reasons including consistency with "sport for life" initiatives.) This appears to have passed, but the Red Book also makes mention of Masters Olympic Style events under the same rule heading.

Rule K22-100: proposed that the 4th distance for masters skating in long track mass start competitions be one of 500m, 1000m, 1500m or 3000m. (Proposed by the Manitoba Speed Skating Association for a variety of reasons including the opportunity to challenge the existing masters record for 3000m.) The updated Red Book indicates the 4th distance to still be one of 500m, 1000m or 1500m but has added an optional open 3000m event for masters which may be run at the completion of the competition.

CALGARY OLYMPIC OVAL MASTERS CAMP 2008

Many thanks, once again, to Anna Delaney of the Kingston Striders Speed Skating Club for this account of her experience at the camp last month.

In the wee morning hours of Monday July 21st, 20 masters speed skaters checked in for their summer speed skating camp at the Olympic Oval in Calgary....5 days of concentrated learning. We had come from Italy, Great Britain, the East Coast, British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta to benefit from the knowledge and skills of coaches Kevin Crockett, Tawnya Yard, Abby Ennis, and Debbie Fisher. Throughout the 5 days, we acquired improved techniques in straightaway striding, cornering with accelerations, starts, a solid foundation in structuring intervals, warm-ups and cool-downs, and the finer aspects of sharpening, rockering and setting our blades.

Photo courtesy of Paolo Scotti

Our seminars also dealt with some basics in the physiology of exercise, specifically speed skating, along with principles of rejuvenation. Those of us who stayed in the University of Calgary residences had the advantage of being able to walk to the oval in 5 minutes or less, making it easier to be on time for the 2 ice sessions a day.

We were also fortunate to watch visiting National teams from other countries and a professional team from the Netherlands.

Photo courtesy of Anna Delaney

Our gratitude goes out to our coaches and coordinator, Graeme Koelwyn. This camp was one of the most positive experiences in speed skating ever!!!

OSSA SUMMER CAMP 2008

Many thanks to Anna Delaney of the Kingston Striders Speed Skating Club for her following report:

Nine eager Masters skaters took part in the OSSA Summer Camp held at the Bob McQuarrie Recreation Complex in Orleans, ON. The masters’ segment was scheduled over three days, the 19th 20th and 21st. However, due to a lack of water in the building on Wednesday, that day had to be rescheduled for Friday the 22^nd.

Our coach, Todd Landon, put us through our paces stressing proper technique and drills in striding and cornering. Spinning sessions highlighted an awareness of structured cross-training and its benefits. We learned some very useful and different stretching regimens and experienced the benefits of doing yoga. A video session helped us to analyze our techniques. During another session, the concept of rockering , bending, and off-setting were explained. Todd also gauged all our blades, giving us feedback about our own skates.

Thanks and kudos to Kathy Elliot and everyone else involved with the planning and daily support. Well done!

What an amazing way to take a break from summer’s heat! A ‘must do’ event for 2009.

Back Row, from L to R: Tom Mulcahy, (Clarington Speed Skating Club), Pat Blacker-Thomson (Peterborough), Alicia Weiss (Ottawa Pacers), Charles Gower (Niagara), Dave Dryden (Oakville),

Front Row, from L to R: Todd Landon (Coach), Anna Delaney (Kingston Striders), Will Wallace (Toronto), Steve Arnold (Kingston Striders)

Missing from Photo: John Ambrose (St. Lawrence , Brockville)