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)

SSC COMPETITION & EVENT SYSTEM REVIEW - FOLLOW UP

In response to the July 19 post on this blog - Douglas Duncan wrote -

I would like to take this opportunity to re-assure you that the Active for Life stage of development and Masters skating will be an important part of our review as it is our view that the sport of speed skating must not only provide competitive opportunities for Youth and High Performance Athletes, but a positive sporting environment for all participant which promotes the lifelong enjoyment of skating and a healthy lifestyle, of which competitive events are an important part.

I would also like to indicate that I am very pleased to learn that Masters speed skating community is taking an interest in our Competition and Events System Review and encourage it to communicate any questions, comments or concerns with regards to this process in the future as updates are posted, although I would encourage this to be done with one voice speaking for the needs of all members of the Masters speed skating community. It is SSC’s intent to be fully open and transparent throughout the Review process and any questions or concerns communicated to me will be either answered or brought to the LTAD Implementation Working Group or Competition and Events Review Team when I am not in a position to answer.

These are encouraging words from Speed Skating Canada's project manager for the Competition & Event System Review Team.

Masters skaters, wishing to provide input, are encouraged to send it to Brett Arnason who will liaise with Douglas on this review. Brett can be reached at brett@arnasons.ca.

SPEED SKATING CANADA - COMPETITION & EVENT SYSTEM REVIEW

Those of you who subscribe to Speed Skating Canada's (SSC) news by e-mail or monitor its website may be aware of the launch of the Competition & Event System Review. What's interesting about this is the stated intent to "enhance the speed skating experience for participants of all ages" and to ensure alignment of the system "with the principles espoused in Speed Skating Canada's Long Term Athlete Development Model".

What's curious is that Sport Canada's LTAD program includes a 7th final stage called "Active for Life", whereas SSC's version ends at Stage 5 - "Training to Win". While not specific to any age, the Active for Life stage is intended to encourage "a smooth transition from an athlete's competitive career to lifelong physical activity and participation in sport".

Whatever your conclusions, here's an opportunity for masters to express their opinions as the Review Team works to deliver its report to the LTAD Implementation Working Group by January 2009.

3RD MASTERS ICE RACING CHALLENGE

Ian Mellors, meet coordinator, sent the following message -

The Masters Ice Racing Challenge is back, and bigger than ever, December 12 - December 14, 2008. In addition to the racing and awards banquet we have added a skating clinic on the Sunday morning.

See the attached information sheet for details.

Please pass this announcement along to any Masters skaters you may know.

CALGARY MASTERS RECOGNIZED

Congratulations to the following masters who were recognized amongst the Club's 2007-08 Skater Award Winners by the Calgary Speed Skating Association in its May 2008 newsletter -

Master 1 - Richard Hijnen

Master 2 - Ron Jackson

Master 3 - Jo-Ann Johnson

Master 4 - Ron Johnston

Master 5 - Roy Whitney

Master of the Year - Bob Irvine

Many thanks to the Calgary Speed Skating Association for these well-deserved acknowledgements.

ONTARIO SUMMER SPEED SKATING CAMP - MASTERS NEEDED

A reminder that this summer's Ontario Speed Skating camp in Orleans Ontario includes a masters group with three half-days in the mornings during Tuesday August 19 to Thursday August 21. The daily program features both an ice session and dryland sessions.

All levels of masters are welcome. With the registration fee deadline of July 30 approaching quickly, masters are encouraged to sign-up soon, as the feasibility of this camp depends on sufficient numbers.

Last year's camp in Cambridge was a tremendous success attracting 18 skaters from 11 different clubs in the province.

CHAMONIX SHORT TRACK

An entry form and event information is now available for the first international opportunity for masters short track competition of the 2008-09 season. The 27th edition of the Trophee Leon Quaglia, being held in Chamonix FRA, is actually a training camp during July 26 - August 2 ending with 2 days of competition.

The masters categories are for women 35 + and men 40+ as of July 1, 2008. Entries are due by July 6.

MONT STE MARIE MASTERS DRYLAND CAMP

The Ontario Speed Skating Association has just published an entry form and information for the Mont Ste Marie Masters Dry Land Camp. The event, scheduled for August 8-10, will take place in a rustic rural setting near Mont Ste Marie, Quebec just north of Ottawa.

Sheila McGinn's account of last year's camp conveys both the value and fun of this well-organized and challenging event led by former National Team skater, Mike Rivet, and his partner Carleen.

Interested masters should confirm their interest by July 15 as available space is expected to fill up quickly.

MASTERS RECORDS UPDATE

Speed Skating Canada recently updated its records. Congratulations to the following masters who raised the bar during the 2007-08 competition season:

CANADIAN LONG TRACK - OLYMPIC STYLE

Men - Masters 3 (50-59)

Bob Irvine, AB: 1000m - 1:22.70

CANADIAN MASS START LONG TRACK - OUTDOOR OVALS

Men - Masters 3 (50-59)

Bob Irvine, AB: 1500m - 2:11.91, 3000m - 4:41.26

Men - Masters 2 (40-49)

Randy Plett, MB: 500m - 49.20

Garth Patterson, SK: 3000m - 4:41.58

Men - Masters 1 (30-39)

Richard Hijnen, AB: 3000m - 4:42.37

CANADIAN MASS START LONG TRACK - COVERED OVALS

Women - Masters 3 (50-59)

Jo-Ann Johnson, AB: 500m - 47.14, 1000m - 1:34.37, 1500m - 2:26.65, 3000m - 5:01.54

Women - Masters 2 (40-49)

Connie Pope, AB: 3000m - 5:01.54

Men - Masters 3 (50-59)

Bob Irvine, AB: 500m - 40.96, 1000m - 1:23.16

Men - Masters 2 (40-49)

Randy Plett, MB: 1500m - 2:05.08

Men - Masters 1 (30-39)

Rejean Lavoie, AB: 3000m - 4:25.80

CANADIAN SHORT TRACK

Men - Masters 3 (50-59)

Barry Sugden, YT: 777m - 1:20.50

THANKS TO CONTRIBUTORS

For us, in oval-starved southern Ontario, speed skating requires a lot of travel. I don't get out as much as I'd like, but managed trips last season to Milwaukee (twice), Ste-Foy, Calgary (twice) and Heerenveen. There's a whole lot of other masters speed skating going on out there that I don't get to personally experience which makes it tough to report the news.

As such; I'm grateful to, and would like to acknowledge, the many other folks who contributed articles, photos and e-mails to this blog during the 2007-08 season -

Anika Bedard (Quebec City) who translates many of these posts into French.
La Page des Patineurs de Vitesse Maitres

As well, Anika contributed posts of her own
Maurice Gagne Inducted into Quebec Sport Hall of Fame

Sheila McGinn (Ottawa)
Ellis Edge Masters Camp - Days 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Mont Ste. Marie Masters Camp
Getting Started in Masters Speed Skating

Ian Mellors (Banff/Canmore)
Masters Ice Racing Challenge

Alicia Weiss (Ottawa)
Bytown Masters Long Track Meet
Ottawa Long Track News
Ontario Provincial Long Track Championships (also thanks to Larry Magloire - Brampton)
Lakefield Masters Challenge
Ontario Masters Short Track Championship

Brett Arnason (Winnipeg)
Alberta Indoor Long Track Championship
11th Masters International Open American Championship

John Sommerville (Brockville)
Brockville Eastern Regional Ability Meet

Mike McDonald (Manitoba)
Manitoba Mass Start Long Track Championship
Manitoba Short Track Championships

Jake Maarse (Ottawa)
Bytown Marathons Re-Scheduled

Willem Langenberg (Edmonton)
North American Marathon Championships

The Travelling Skates (you know who you are)
Schaatsen in Geleen
Eisschnellaufen in Erfurt Deutschland

Ed Burns (Vestal NY)
US National Marathons

Anna Delaney (Kingston)
Bytown Marathons

Paul Shoebridge (Cambridge)
17th Masters International Speed Skating Games

Rejean Lavoie (Calgary)
Masters in/en Germany/Allemange

Also a tip of the hat to others around the world promoting masters speed skating through their own blogs and websites -

Andrew Love (Salt Lake City)
Zen and the Art of Speed Skating

Stefano Dotti (Italy)
ISU Masters Short Track News
Italy Masters Speed Skating News

Dr. Volker Serini (Krefeld GER)
ISU Masters Speed Skating News

Olu Sijuwade (Milwaukee)
US Masters Speed Skating

Frank Anderson (Perth Australia)
World Masters Short Track

Many thanks to countless others skating, coaching, organizing, timing, starting, recording, judging, handing out arm bands, building/maintaining ovals - and anyone I may have missed.

2007-08 was an incredible season. With so many folks contributing, 2008-09 holds much promise for this great sport.

MASTERS INTERNATIONAL SHORT TRACK SPRINT COMPETITION - SYDNEY AUSTRALIA

Masters short track skaters from all nations are invited to participate in a possible Masters International Short Track Sprint Competition to be held during the week of September 29 to October 3, 2008 at the Sydney Ice Arena in Baulkham Hills, New South Wales. The viability of the event is contingent on the number of participants who have shown interest by June 15, 2008.

For more information - see World Masters Short Track, and to express your interest - e-mail Frank Anderson at thenewbordersecurity@aapt.net.au.

THE FUTURE OF LONG TRACK SKATING?

Having started speed skating later in life, I've only heard stories of outdoor skating tracks in southern Ontario at places like Toronto, Niagara Falls, London and Kitchener-Waterloo. For me, skating began on a rink that my father built in the back yard of our house every winter through the late 50's and early 60's.

When we began skating with our children in the mid-90's, most natural ice venues had vanished from the area except for the track that the dedicated volunteers of the Kitchener Sertoma Club used to build on the old running track around the tennis courts at Conestoga College. At that time, this ice would last maybe 3 to 4 weeks at best during January. It would nevertheless provide a limited opportunity for some pre-competition training prior to the provincial championships which alternated annually between Sault Ste. Marie and Ottawa. The site is now a parking lot.

In those days, there was sufficient interest in long track in southern Ontario to fill at least one bus with skaters to make the long trek to what seemed like the sub-arctic conditions of Sault Ste. Marie. In some years, the Cambridge Club alone would fill one bus with Brampton and London sharing another.

Now barely 10 years later, it seems the weather has warmed enough that natural ice in January is no longer a sure thing there or in Ottawa. Within the past few years, there have been several cancellations and postponements of competitions due to warm weather and un-skateable ice conditions. Ducks swimming on the open water of the Rideau Canal in January is now quite common. Understandably, the number of long track skaters seems to be sadly diminishing.

In more recent times, there have been ongoing efforts to develop a refrigerated track at Lakefield north of Peterborough. As funding and contributions slowly trickle in, some equipment (including an ice re-surfacer) has been purchased and the track has been rough-graded. Having progressed this far, organizers bravely staged the first-ever competition on this site in the form of a Masters Challenge last February - only to be stymied once more by - you guessed it - the weather.

Masters skaters thrilled to be in Lakefield for the first-ever competition on the Ontario Speed Skating OvalMoments later, the meet is tragically cancelled!

This is increasingly bad news for speed skating in Ontario which historically has produced some of Canada's top long track competitors including, most recently, Kevin (Overland) Crockett, Cindy Overland, Kristina Groves and Christine Nesbitt.

The issue of a lack of long track venues seems to be foremost in the psyche of the national speed skating community - evident in the voter-selected 2008 winner of Canada's Best Speed Skating Story. Most folks seemed to identify with young Alastair Starke's video about creating an oval on the frozen slough behind his family's farm in Lloydminster Alberta. Lucky for Alastair, global warming did not destroy his field of dreams as seems to be the case in southern Ontario.

What is the future of long track skating? Indoor ovals are expensive to build and operate and are, therefore, few and far between. The long-distance travel by car and plane, to get to these ovals unfortunately contributes further to the environmental problem that is making natural ice a thing of the past. Food for thought as we head into the long hot summer and wait once more for winter to return.

ONTARIO SPEED SKATING SUMMER CAMP

Registration is now open for OSSA's Summer Camp which includes a masters category for three 1/2 days during August 19 to 21. Details for the camp, to be held in Gloucester Ontario, can be found here.

IMSSG NEWS

Some items of interest to Canadians were posted on May 3, 2008 on the IMSSG website -

The quota for Canadian competitors for the 18th Masters International Games in Bjugn Norway during February 27 to March 1 2009 has been set at 12. As in the past, Canadian entries will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. Interested skaters should watch the IMSSG website for entry forms starting in October 2008.

The 2011 Masters International Games are scheduled for Calgary's Olympic Oval.

ELLIS EDGE MASTERS CAMP

Registration is now open for the Ellis Edge Masters Camp scheduled for August 25 to 28, 2008 in Ottawa Ontario.

For Sheila McGinn's account of last year's camp in Saint John, New Brunswick - see Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4.

2008-09 PRELIMINARY INTERNATIONAL LONG TRACK SCHEDULE

The International Masters Speed Skating Group (IMSSG) has posted a preliminary Competition Calendar for the upcoming 2008-09 season.

Although specific information is not yet available, the schedule includes a possible 4th event in North America at the Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City.

PIERRE GAGNE SKATES FOR SOURDINE FOUNDATION

See this post contributed to Peter Doucet's Speed Skate World by Alex Perrie.