PATRICK KELLY PROPOSES TO LEASE LAKE PLACID OVAL

Former Olympic speed skater, Patrick Kelly, has offered to lease the Lake Placid oval from the Olympic Region Development Authority (ORDA). Details, published in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise, may be seen here.

Photo from Adirondack Daily Enterprise

Expressions of support for Patrick's proposal from speed skating organizations, and individuals, similar to this letter to the editor, would be appreciated and could be sent to:

NYS Olympic Regional Development Authority
Olympic Center
2634 Main St.
Lake Placid, NY 12946
Tel: 518-523-1655 / Fax: 518-523-9275
Olympic Center Box Office: 518-523-3330
e-mail: info@orda.org

ATTENTION: Ted Blazer, President & CEO

blazer@orda.org

MILWAUKEE MASTERS CAMP

Many thanks to Olusegun Sijuwade for the following heads-up -

Hello all;

I hope your summer training is going well.

I writing to (you about) our summer training camp in Milwaukee WI with 2002 Olympic Bronze Medalist Kip Carpenter and his SWIFT speed skating team. This camp, from June 25-27, is a fantastic and rare opportunity for world class instruction, technique building, and performance upgrades.

I hope you all can make it.

Be fast and be well.

Interested skaters should note that the Swift Speed Skating Team website indicates a June 11, 2010 deadline to register.

CANADIAN MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIP 2011 - HALIFAX

Speed Skating Canada has recently confirmed that the Canadian Masters Championship will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia on January 15 - 16, 2011.

This incredibly unique speed skating opportunity is possible due to the construction of a temporary refrigerated 400m outdoor oval being built for the 2011 Canada Winter Games to be run in Halifax during February 11 - 27. The oval will be built on Halifax's historic Common which has hosted many other major events including a royal visit (1983), Pope John Paul II (1984), the Rolling Stones (2006) and Paul McCartney (2009).
The Masters Championship will be a test event for Canada Winter Games officials and volunteers and will, therefore, adhere to the format and schedule to be used for the CWG including 500m, 1500,m 3000m and 5000m for men; and 500m, 1000m, 1500m and 3000m for women plus 100m and team pursuits. The event will also likely be combined with racing for regional CWG competitors. Depending on participation, the number of skaters may be limited in the 100m, 5000m and team pursuits.
Past Masters Championships participants have been blessed with unique competition opportunities including 2009 in the Richmond Olympic Oval. Halifax 2011 represents yet another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to skate outdoors in this historic maritime city.

CANADIAN RECORDS

At the request of Speed Skating Canada, Brett Arnason and Ian Mellors have volunteered to update Canadian Records for masters speed skaters. Brett will be handling long track times and Ian will take care of the short track records.

Current records can be seen on Speed Skating Canada’s website.

Masters, wishing to submit their times for consideration, should do so in accordance with Speed Skating Canada’s Red Book (Procedures & Regulations) – Section U by requesting that meet coordinators submit record applications to the National Office following Canadian, SSC sanctioned meets.

In submitting times achieved at International Masters Speed Skating Committee (IMSSC) meets, skaters should recognize the difference between age class definitions under IMMSC regulations (age reached during the competition year: July 1 - June 30) and Speed Skating Canada regulations (age on June 30 prior to the competition). To assist in this regard, birth dates should also be provided.

Skaters are asked to not submit their times directly to Speed Skating Canada’s office. Informal submissions may be made to Brett regarding long track (brett@arnasons.ca) and Ian for short track (ianmellors@yahoo.com).

SUMMER CAMPS

Even though the speed skating season is mostly over, information is now available for masters camps this coming summer.

Calgary's Olympic Oval will host a long track camp for masters during July 26 - 31, 2010. This is a great opportunity to check out the world's fastest ice prior to the 20th Masters International Allround Games scheduled for this venue in February 2011. Detailed information can be found here.

Calgary Oval Masters Camp - 2005

For short trackers, Ellis Edge is running a masters camp in Ottawa during August 5 - 8, 2010. Additional information can be seen here. Registration opens May 18.

Cambridge Masters Camp - 2007

These are both great opportunities to enjoy skating and the friendship of the masters community during the off-season.

CALGARY OVAL FINALE

Masters were definitely in the mix, posting many personal records and season best times, at this year's Finale in Calgary's Olympic Oval during March 16 - 21, 2010.

Brian Boudreau (USA Masters 40) clocked a 500 m time of 38.01 ranking him 9th in this distance out of 60 allround short skaters of all ages. Other 500 m times included Bob Irvine (CAN Masters 55) in a season best of 40.84, Don Bumstead (CAN Masters 50) in 42.22, Rejean Lavoie (CAN Masters 40) in a season best of 42.39, Brian Johnston (CAN Masters 55) in 43.63, Werner Meyer (CAN Masters 70) in a season best of 59.21 and Roy Whitney (CAN Masters 70) in 1:05.67.

Brian Boudreau burned up the track with a personal best 3000 m time of 4:01.48 ranking him 12th in this distance out of 53 allround short skaters of all ages, followed by Bob Irvine in a season best of 4:27.37, Rejean Lavoie in a season best of 4:37.19, Don Bumstead with a personal record of 4:40.08, Brian Johnston in a season best of 4:49.81, Werner Meyer in a season best of 6:23.50 and Roy Whitney in a season best of 6:58.75.

1500 m results were equally impressive including Bob Irvine with a personal best of 2:02.84, Rejean Lavoie in a season best of 2:08.17, Don Bumstead also in 2:08.17, Brian Johnston in a season best of 2:14.69, Werner Meyer in a season best of 3:04.88 and Roy Whitney in 3:21.90.

Brian Boudreau was back for the 5000 m with a personal record time of 6:53.65 ranking him 7th in this distance out of 44 skaters, followed by Bob Irvine with a personal record of 7:49.10, Rejean Lavoie with a personal record of 7:56.83, Don Bumstead with a personal record of 8:06.20, Brian Johnston with a season best of 8:10.68, Werner Meyer in a season best of 11:03.55 and Roy Whitney also in a season best of 11:31.11.

Complete results can be seen here.

Congratulations to all skaters for a great finish to another speed skating season. The possibility of similar numerous personal records and season best times will be possible for as many as 300 masters skaters when the Masters International All Round Games returns to Calgary for its 20th edition in February 2011.

ONTARIO MASTERS SHORT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

Combined with the Ontario Regional Age Class Short Track Championships during March 20 - 21, 2010; this masters competiton attracted 9 women and 21 men from clubs across the province including Clarington, Durham, Gloucester, Hamilton, Kawartha, Kingston, Kitchener-Waterloo, Newmarket, Niagara, Oakville, Ottawa, Quinte (Belleville), St. Lawrence (Brockville) and Toronto.

Women, of all ages, skated in a separate group while men were sub-divided into 2 groups combining competitors under and over 45 years. All participants raced distances for which provincial records are maintained including heats and finals in 500 m, 777 m and 1000 m plus a 1500 m final.

Sunday's racing concluded with a super drop-out final of 2000 m for women and 3000 m for men. Competitors, if lapped twice, were eliminated from the race. The first 2 laps of the men's race were led out by Newmarket Jet's (host club) President and master skater emeritus Don Ego.

Complete results were provided both by group and by 5 year age classifications. Ontario provincial medals were awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each age division for women and men. Handcrafted wood plaques, made by a local artist, were given to Becky Seames and Paul Pickard (both from Quinte) for their victories in the super final races.

Many thanks to the Newmarket Jets, Ontario Speed Skating and the dozens of volunteers from all clubs who organized and conducted this excellent event.

MILWAUKEE INTERNATIONAL MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Masters International Championships held in Milwaukee's Pettit National Ice Centre during February 27 - 28, 2010 capped an incredible series of masters long track competition in North America during 2009-10 including the 3rd Masters International Canadian Open, the 1st Masters International American Allround & Sprints, and the 2nd Masters International Sprint Games.

In this final competition of the season, three Canadians were among four women and twenty-one men who participated. Larry Magloire, Richard Wismer and Dave Clements comprised the entire Men 45 classification respectively finishing 1, 2, 3 based on points awarded for placement in each of 8 races.

All skaters raced 500m and 1000m olympic (metric) style plus 300m, 500m, 800m, 1000m, 1500m and 3000m mass start (pack style) making for an action-packed, no-sitting-around race weekend. In fact - the Mens 50 group, with 8 competitors, definitely got their money's worth also racing heats and finals in the mass start events.

Olympic style results can be seen here.

Overall rankings for all events can be seen here.

Many thanks to all Pettit Center volunteers for their support of 2 masters competitions within the past 2 months, and to Olu Sijuwade for his coordination of both.

CANADIANS IN ITALY

Three Canadians were among 193 masters skaters competing in the 19th Masters International All Round Games held in Baselga de Pine, Italy during February 26 to 28, 2010. Participants included 40 women and 153 men from 17 different countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Norway, Latvia, Romania, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United States.

Photo courtesy of Marty Haire

Heavy snow made conditions difficult and times slow on Day 1 but warmer sunnier weather on Days 2 and 3 led to more enjoyable and faster skating.

Photo courtesy of Marty Haire

Skating in the Men 40 classification, Rejean Lavoie (Edmonton) finished 10th overall including a 9th place showing in the 3000 m.

Randy Plett (Winnipeg), continuing on his amazing comeback from last Spring's cycling accident, ended up just off the podium standing 4th in the highly competitive Men 45 group. In his Facebook page, Randy commented "finishing 4th overall in the 45 age group was a huge accomplishment following my surgery post crash last summer. I feel grateful to be skating again and competing at this level".

Randy Plett chasing Boris Orlov (RUS)
Photo courtesy of Andrew Love

And Brett Arnason (also Winnipeg), after winning his age class one week earlier in Berlin and placing 2nd in the 500 m through Day 1's driving snow, was unfortunately DQ'd in the 1500 m for not changing lanes thereby ending his podium chances. Undaunted by this, Brett commented he still considers 2009-10 the best skating year of his life.

Complete results can be seen here.

Andrew Love's reports from Days 1 & 2 and Day 3 are also definitely worth reading.

CANADIANS IN BERLIN

Many thanks to Randy Plett for the following report and photos -

Two Canadians were among 18 women and 64 men competing in the 14th Masters International Masters Cup in Berlin Germany.

Brett Arnason, from Winnipeg, was the top overall skater for the Men 60 age class placing 1st in the 500m (43.52), 2nd in the 1500m (2:16.84), 3rd in the 3000m (4:56.80) and 4th in the 5000m (8:43.54) distances.

Randy Plett, also from Winnipeg, was on track for a high overall standing in the Men 45 group after placing 2nd in the 500m (41.32), 2nd in the 1500m (2:03.25) and 6th in the 3000m (4:25.71) distances. Unfortunately, Randy was DQ'd in the 5000m after missing a lane change with only 2 laps remaining and on track for a PB.

Congratulations Brett and Randy!

Complete results can be seen here.

MASTERS SPEED SKATING STORY

A video by Dave Clements, of the Quinte Blades Speed Skating Club, is one of 8 finalists in the ongoing Canada's Best Speed Skating Story contest. Dave's story provides a unique insight into what motivates masters to keep skating despite the aches and pains that might otherwise relegate us to the couch.

The entries of finalists can be viewed here. The first stage of voting concludes tomorrow on February 21, 2010.

Not only a master speed skater, Dave is also a hard-working volunteer as President of the Quinte Blades Club. Good luck Dave and the Quinte Blades!

MASTERS INTERNATIONAL AMERICAN OPEN

Seven Canadians, including 5 men and 2 women, were among 54 skaters from 10 nations who took part in the 1st Masters International American Open held during January 30-31, 2010 in the Utah Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City. The olympic-style long track event offered a choice of short all-round (500m, 1000m, 1500m, 3000m) and sprint (2x500m, 2x1000m) competitions.

This venue, a legacy of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, is arguably one of the 2 fastest ovals in the world resulting in 29 new IMSSC records and over 60 personal best times being set at this event. Brett Arnason (Winnipeg) was temporarily the holder of the Men's (60) 1000m record with a time of 1:25.01 only to see it broken again minutes later by American John Diemont with a time of 1:22.34. Remarkably, John lowered the record again the following day to 1:21.96.
The most inspirational performances of the weekend were delivered by Randy Plett (also of Winnipeg) who, only 8 months after serious injury in a cycling race, set numerous personal bests and high overall placements in the men's short all-round competition - 6th in 500m (40.96), 3rd in 1000m (1:19.34 - PR), 3rd in 1500m (2:02.82) and 6th in 3000m (4:23.39 - PR).
Other Canadian competitors included Ann Hanham (Burlington), Julie Houle (Saint John - PR's in 500m and 1000m), Daren Lind (Edmonton), Don Bumstead (Calgary) and Ross Hanham (Burlington).

Complete results can be seen here.
Many thanks to event organizers Andrew Love and Brian Boudreau as well as all of the many officials and volunteers for the event which included with a track-side lunch and awards ceremony which recognized all IMSSC records and personal bests.

Many thanks also to Eric and Kimberly Kraan who graciously hosted a post-event party and buffet at their beautiful home in the neighbouring mountain foothills.

Watch for the 2nd edition of this event which is hoped to be held 1 week before the Masters International Speed Skating Games planned for Calgary's Olympic Oval in 2011.

MASTERS INTERNATIONAL SPRINT GAMES

Many thanks to Anika Bedard for the following report:

Last weekend many skaters came to the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee for the last of the three international meets of the season held in North America. A total of 18 women and 66 men from Canada, Finland, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Russia and USA competed in this sprint event.

Photo by Rene Therrien

Both racing days started very early at 8 o’clock with the U.S. anthem played by Olu-Olusegun Sijuwade, talented saxophonist and skater.

Photo by Steve Penland

Photo by Rene Therrien

With tail wind from the ventilation in the oval and an excellent ice, fast times were recorded throughout the weekend and many PBs and masters world records were broken.

Canadian skaters: Don Bumstead, Brett Arnason, Constant Montpellier

and Anika Bedard.
Photos by Steve Penland

Saturday evening, skaters and friends were invited to a friendly potluck dinner at Olu’s house. The evening was filled with skate talk, world cup videos and good food! To conclude the event, a banquet and victory ceremony was held Sunday evening in the beautiful ballroom in the Hilton Hotel where a fine dinner was served accompanied by beautiful music played by Olu.

Photo by Rene Therrien

Many thanks to the organizing committee and race officials for this well organised event that we all enjoyed!

To view the complete results.

To see more Steve Penland pictures.

MICO 2010

The 3rd Masters International Canadian Open was run under perfect outdoor weather conditions in Quebec City during January 23 to 24, 2010. The 25 men and 16 women from both Canada and the USA were blessed with sunny skies, little wind and temperatures just below freezing. Canadian skaters came from Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The short all-round competition included olympic-style 500m, 1000m, 1500m and 3000m events as well as fun unofficial pursuit races of 6 laps for men and 4 laps for women. Medals were awarded in 5 year age categories for women 20-24 up to 55-59 years and for men 30-34 up to 65-69 years. Complete results can be seen here.

Many skaters and guests gathered for dinner, drinks and conversation at the nearby Restaurant Le Mundial on Saturday evening.

Additional photos can be seen here. Many thanks to Maryse Poudrier and her team of volunteers for an excellent and fun event.

LAKE MOREY MARATHON

Gaetan Rochette of Marathon Skating International sent the following message:

I would like to let you know about the Skate Vermont at Lake Morey Resort (LMR). See the press release attached.

This will be a fun weekend including two marathons which will be included in the MSI Series.

Lake Morey Resort is a Hotel located on the shore of Lake Morey Vermont. The Resort is preparing a groomed track of 1000m long for the marathons and a 5-mile ice path all around the lake for public skating.

As you may know, marathons have been organized several times some years ago and LMR would like to put it back on the schedule.

Here are some interesting facts :

No need of SSC or USSC affiliation since LMR is providing insurance. It is a good opportunity to try an ice skating marathon.

Skaters will benifit of special room rate till the race day.

And, there are activities for spouses and families such as a culinary competition on the ice, a snow sculpture contest and a torch-lit parade.

We would appreciate if you can get the word out to your mailing list.

Gaetan can be contacted at grochette@gmail.com.

MASTERS INTERNATIONAL CANADIAN OPEN - DINNER INVITATION

Thank you to Anika Bedard for extending the following invitation -

You are cordially invited to a dinner during the Masters’ International Canadian Open Speed Skating Meet on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 18:30 at the restaurant Le Mundial located at 965 Route de L'Église, Québec.

Please confirm by e-mail your attendance and the number of people accompanying you to anikabedard@hotmail.com before January 20.

For directions from the Gaétan-Boucher Oval.

OLYMPIC TORCH

As it has, and will, in more than 1,000 communities across Canada - the Olympic torch, on its 106 day journey from Greece to Vancouver, passed within 1500 m of my home last Saturday evening.

Ann and I stood with our friend and skate coach Mike Murray and his family and watched it come through the darkness up the hill that I've cycled and ran for the past 25 years. And be passed to another bearer in the park where we used to play with our own children.

Earlier that day, I had skated in Gage Park in Brampton where the ice was in unusually good condition - again with thanks to the torch which had lapped it twice the previous evening in the custody of sledge hockey player Ryan Bennett.

Photo courtesy of the Brampton Guardian

It's truly amazing and inspirational how one can be touched in small ways by something so huge.

QUINTE MASTERS CAPACITY CHALLENGE

Many thanks to Kathy Hunt for the following report and photos -

Who would think skating 6 races in just 4 hours could be fun? All the masters who attended the recent Quinte Blades Master’s meet in Belleville will tell you that it was great!

We raced between 6 and 10 p.m. on Saturday, December 12^th, 2009. The Group “A” Master’s skated two each of 1000 meters, 500 meters and 1500 meters, and the Group B Master’s skated two each of 666 meters, 500 meters and 777 meters. The racing schedule sounds intense, but we were pleasantly surprised by our successes. The short period between races gave us enough time to rest but still keep warmed up.

The two master’s groups alternated in the racing schedule with the Special O’s throughout the friendly evening of racing. The atmosphere was cosy as we stepped out on to the huge, glass-smooth ice surface to hear ourselves informally announced by first name and club only. Afterwards we checked our results on the unique hand-written score board. Who knew it could still be done without computers?

Sandy shows us the travelling scoreboard.

And after all that racing we still had energy to celebrate. We gathered at Crabby Joe’s to indulge in the half-price appetizers and a few pints, of course! The special results board followed us there, and we enjoyed the camaraderie of studying it together.

Note: quarters, results, draft, smiles. The food didn’t last long once it arrived!

(in photo: Kathy, Alicia, Shannon, B, Colleen, Vytas, John P, Sandy, Dave)

After some congratulatory clinking of glasses Dave awarded us our “medals” – a 2010 Speed Skating quarter for all participants, and the “Slow Poke” prizes for those who finished at the bottom of their groups. Who knew slower could be better? And yes, a few of us did a “low walk” photo to add to Ross’s Master’s Blog collection.

Low walking at Crabby Joe's - Kathy, Alicia, Dave, Becky, Sandy

All the master’s would like to thank Laura Woodall, Dave Clements and the entire Quinte Blades club for running such a unique and enjoyable meet. It was a first of its kind, a fabulous idea and a resounding success! We all hope there will be more to follow.

Double “thumbs up” for the Quinte Blades!

Complete results can be seen here.

MASTERS COMPETITORS NEEDED

Registration deadlines for 3 major international masters meets in North America are fast approaching.

As of December 8, twenty-two skaters have registered for the 3rd Masters International Canadian Open to be held in Quebec City during January 23-24, 2010. Registration closes December 23.

Masters Meet in Quebec City - 2006

One week later, the 1st Masters International American Allround & Sprint will be held in Salt Lake City's Olympic Oval. So far, thirty-four competitors from 10 countries have signed-up including five Canadians. Registration closes January 9, 2010.

And on February 6-7, 2010; Milwaukee's Pettit International Ice Centre will host the 2nd Masters International Sprint Games. The registration cut-off has recently been extended to January 9, 2010 to try to increase the number of skaters currently estimated at 79. Of the 10 nations represented to-date, there are four Canadian competitors.

Masters Meet in Milwaukee - 2006
Photo courtesy of Andrew Love

These 3 meets represent a unique opportunity for masters speed skaters in North America - especially the Milwaukee sprint games which will not likely return to this continent for several years to come. There is plenty of capacity for additional skaters in all these competitions and it's hoped more will decide to join in the fun in the final weeks before registration closes.

QUEBEC MARATHONS

Masters skaters were prevalent in both events of Marathon Skating International's 2009-10 race series which opened this past weekend with the successful running of the Quebec Marathons at the Anneau Gaetan-Boucher in Quebec City.

Photo by Thais Martel from Quebec Hedbo

Fifty-two competitors completed the 25 km event on Saturday evening under excellent conditions with -1C temperature and no wind. Top skaters for men were Jim Cornell (40-49), Juri Juteau (30-39) and Sergio Almeralla (30-39), with Martine Charbonneau (30-39), Madison Roy (0-19) and Anika Bedard (40-49) finishing as the fastest women.

Sunday morning's 40 km race was slightly colder and windier with 29 skaters finishing. Winners in the men's category were Sergio Almeralla, Jim Cornell and Juri Juteau while the top women were Suzanne Dionne (40-49), Catherine Kwiecien (40-49) and Marie-Pierre Parent (20-29).

Complete results can be seen here.

Many thanks for an excellent event to organizers including Gaetan Rochette, Pierre Gagne and Maurice Gagne.