Upcoming Key dates
June 30: Group recommendations for 2024-25 to be sent to skaters
Early July: Registration will open for the Fall/Winter programs
July 9: Skate rental Pick-Up from 4 – 6 PM for those registered in the summer program
July 22: Ice opens at the Olympic Oval
July 27: Try Speed Skating at the Oval from noon- 1 PM (TBC)
August 10-11: Mountain Classic short track competition for 14+, time standards required
August 17: Try Speed Skating at the Oval from 1-2 PM
August 23: Last day of Spring/Summer program
August 23-24: Summer Classic long track competition for 13+
August 24: Single distance #1 short track competition for 14+, time standards required
August 25: Deadline to register for CSSA programs for September 3 start
August 27: Skate rental/parking pass pick-up/marketplace in North Storage area
September 3: Start of the fall/winter programs
Mid-September: Presentation to new families and returning families on the upcoming season and program expectations
Early October: Presentation on how competitions work
Summer Program Registration: is still on-going. You can still register for July and August programs.https://icereg.ca/#!/events/cssa-2024-spring-summer-programs
Oval ice opening: Message from Oval Operations: “Due to the State of Local Emergency currently in effect (a critical water main break impacting water availability throughout the city), the Olympic Oval and the University of Calgary are working alongside the City of Calgary to delay ice-in to align with the water restrictions. The Oval is confident this will not have a significant impact on training or the 2024/2025 season. Our teams are still preparing for ice-in, and once we have a green light to proceed, the Olympic Oval will install the ice. At this time, the date for all ice surfaces to be operational is Monday, July 22, 2024.” CSSA is looking at booking some ice sessions at WinSport and other alternate arrangements.
Marika Nadal now a Learning Facilitator: Marika has completed the NCCP’s Learning Facilitator training. NCCP Learning Facilitators have the appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitudes to facilitate learning sessions that produce skilled and knowledgeable coaches. She will be able to provide coaching workshops throughout the season. Congratulations Marika!
Coaching Education: Our Head Coach, Marika is working with Speed Skating Alberta and coaching courses for teens/youth coaches and parents will be offered at a reasonable cost. A session is being planned in July and another in the Fall.
Group Sizes: Based on the rates CSSA pays for ice time, each group should be 20-25 skaters. We will do our best at limiting groups to a maximum of 25.
Team Building & Communication: For 2024-25, we will be introducing team names for each group, which is also what the International Skating Union is looking at doing for each country’s team. In addition, we will be assigning a Team Manager to each group. The Team Manager will update the Band app (communication tool for each group, including parents) as well as help organize team building activities, such as out of town dinners, potlucks, holiday events, etc. Training will be provided on the Band app. Anyone taking on the Team Manager role will have their volunteer hours fulfilled for the full year. We started using the Band app as a communication tool last year and we will encourage more families to join.
Survey Results and Feedback: Thank you to all the families that provided some feedback! Our coaches had an approval rating of 4.4 out of 5, a very strong showing and 89% of skaters said they would be returning to our programs for the next season. We would also like the opportunity to address some of the comments we received:
Parking: CSSA is fortunate enough to be able to obtain parking passes from the University as not all clubs have that privilege. Parking is included in some U of C sports programs but these are organized by the University, not a 3rd party like the speed skating clubs. We realize the parking is not cheap but we charge the cost of the passes we pay (there’s no mark-up). There is the option of underground parking in University District for free for 3 hours but it is a little farther to walk.