Please refer to the latest communication from the University of Calgary sent by Peter McCrory, Oval Director:
COVID-19 Campus Visitor Update – September 21
Last Friday, September 17, it was announced that all visitors to campus, which includes the Olympic Oval, age 12 and over are expected to be fully vaccinated and be prepared to show proof of vaccination.
After further consideration we have updated our visitor guidelines on campus. Effective immediately, all visitors to campus age 12 and over are expected to show:
- Proof of fully vaccinated status. A person is considered fully vaccinated 14 days following the second dose of a Health Canada approved two-dose vaccine, or 14 days following a Health Canada-approved single-dose vaccine or;
- Proof of negative COVID-19 test: Tests must be paid for by the user, and must be Health Canada approved rapid antigen, rapid PCR or lab-based PCR test completed within the previous 72 hours from attending campus. Tests from AHS or Alberta Precision Laboratories will not be accepted.
Visitors include any individual visiting the University of Calgary campus (indoor or outdoor), or attending a university-hosted event off-campus, who IS NOT a UCalgary student, staff or faculty member.
This includes (but not limited to):
- Event attendance
- Participating in Active Living programs or using Active Living or Olympic Oval facilities (member or drop-in)
- International athletes
- Spectators of a sports event or game
- Research study participants (details to follow)
- Customers of the Bookstore or Mac Hall amenities
- Members of the public who enter campus property
- Members of the media
This visitor information webpage has details on COVID-19 public health measures for all visitors to campus.
We (CSSA) apologize for the constant changes, however this situation is complex and subject to rapid changes from AHS and the University of Calgary. CSSA is committed to abiding by the facility rules in place at the Olympic Oval on behalf of the University, and will continue to update you on the most up to date COVID-19 regulations that impact our members.
Calling All Meet Recorders:
Sharon Zorman will be hosting a clinic on October 4th from 7:00 pm until 9:30 pm.
Topics include:
1. Interface (through a screen share)
2. Order of operations
3. Inputting skaters (process for changing seed times, etc.)
4. Setting up the meet
5. Running the meet.
The intent of this course is to do a bit of a “run through the system and make sure everyone feels familiar.” Please let Andrew Cross (officials@aassa.ca) know if you will be attending this clinic or if you have any questions. A Zoom link will be shared with registered participants.
Jack Walters Coach of the Year Award:
Congratulations to Debby Fisher who is the 2021 recipient of the coach of the year award. Comments from Debby:
“It is so nice to be recognized for your efforts, put forth to enhance the skating and training environment of developing athletes, especially during such a difficult year. I was determined to give the skaters a great program, by finding creative ways to overcome the many obstacles and restrictions created by the pandemic, and also the closure of the Calgary Olympic Oval, due to mechanical failure. As the Technical Director of the CSSA, I was able to accomplish my goal, with the complete support of the President, Board Members, Parents, Skaters and an amazing coaching staff, that went above and beyond to make the season a success. “
Debby’s Top Five Recommendations for Developing Skaters:
- Develop Technique first, both physically and mentally, and the speed and subsequent results will follow.
- Understand that it is the journey that is the most important, not necessarily the end result.
- Always set realistic goals, and work step by step, putting your best effort forward to reach each milestone.
- If you have skaters in your Club equal or stronger than yourself then, you are blessed. Develop positive rivalries with your teammates that will help you all become the best you can be.
- Develop a great triangular relationship between yourself, your coach and your parents. You will go far when everyone is working to help you achieve your goals, and make you the best skater, athlete and person you can develop into.
National Coaches Week:
Taking place from September 18-26, this week is a time to recognize and acknowledge the valuable contributions that coaches make to the quality of life in communities across Canada. Each year, thousands of people across Canada take part in National Coaches Week to say “Thanks Coach” for their time, effort and generosity.
Looking for Treasurer, VC Marketing, Social Media Assistant:
Our Treasurer is looking to step down after a few years overseeing the books with the help of the Office Manager and we would like someone else that he can train to take over his position. Also, we are looking for someone to take on the role of VC Marketing as well as another person to help with Social Media. If you can help out, please email president@calgaryspeedskating.ca. This could help fulfill the volunteer commitment.
CSSA Coaching Staff for the 2021-22 Season:
Welcome to our terrific coaching staff for the 2021-22 Season!
Technical Director: Debby Fisher
Assistant Technical Director: Marika Nadal
Introduction to Speed Skating/Youth 1 – Celina Chabot, Alexa Annecca, Rachel Freitag (assisting), Sandeep Varnasooriya (assisting), Nicole Jones (assisting)
Youth 2 – Molly Johnson, Jack Deibert, Logan Toblan (assisting), Elliott Kellough (assisting)
Youth 3 – Janie Green, Caitlin Pelkie, Ben Ward (assisting)
Teen 1 – Kiersten Hagen, Nico Laborde, Laura Hall (assisting), Greg Kendrick (assisting), Zoe Lueders (assisting)
Teen 2 – Sam Pollock, Anna Bourgeois, Janie Green (assisting), David Seal (assisting),
Teen 3 ST – Ryan Hickman, Marika Nadal, Aaron Cooney (assisting)
Teen 3 LT – Zach Lacroix, Rachel Freitag (assisting), Logan Toblan (assisting)
Adult Program ST – Guy Bushell, Scott van der Linden
Adult Program LT – Anna Bourgeois, Hanno Dahmen, Connor Woods (assisting)
Seton: Crispin Parkinson
CSSA Photo Day:
We have arranged Tuesday, October 19, 2021 to be a tentative CSSA photo day. More details to come.
Speed Skating Alberta (SSA) Mini Camp #4:
October 22 – 24, 2021 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) at Grande Prairie and Peace River. This camp has been organized in conjunction with a one day competition on October 23rd hosted in Grande Prairie. We will also be supporting the Peace River SSC with the hosting of a Try Speed Skating event, dryland training and on ice training.
Main Coach:
Liam McFarlane, Edmonton SSC
Support Coaches:
Ryan Schoolemmer, Owen Cook, John MacClennan, Chris Stone, Jenna Calver, Lorelei St Rose
SAVE THE DATE – Preliminary Competition Schedule
October 23 Grande Prairie – short-track
October 30-31 Lethbridge – short-track
November 6 Red Deer – short-track
November 12-14 Edmonton Fall Classic – short-track
December 4 Canmore/Banff – short-track
December 4 Lloydminster – short-track
January 15-16 ABLT – Calgary Oval – long-track
January 22-23 Red Deer (outdoor) – long-track
February 12 Rocky Mountain House – short-track
March 5-6 RU Fast – Calgary Oval – short-track
Youth Championships
February 19-20 Halifax, NS – long-track
March 26-27 Selkirk, Manitoba – short-track
Masters International Short-Track (MIST) Games
March 26-27 Calgary Olympic Oval – short-track
See Speed Skating Alberta competition calendar link: 6130eedbc8cf88dd08a79ef4_Events Calendar – Sept 2021 to March 2022 – Final.pdf (webflow.com)
Try Speed Skating sessions:
Encourage your friends to try it out! Sessions will be held on the following Sunday afternoons from 1:45 – 2:45 PM at the Oval: October 17 & November 21. Cost will be NIL – as we have received grants to cover the costs. To register, please click on the RAMP link below. Select 2021-22 Fall/Winter Program, then click on Try Speed Skating: https://calgaryspeedskating.ca/registration/