Saskatchewan Speed Skating

For many years now we have had a great relationship with Lucas Makowsky, a gold medal winning speed skater from Regina. Lucas has spoken to our group on many occasions and has been a great encourager of our kids. He is a great role model and continues to look for ways to motivate. Recently, he has donated a number of his racing suits for silent auction in Saskatchewan. Funds from the auction will go towards Saskatchewan speed skating. Our skaters are very excited about the possibility of wearing an Olympians racing suit! Thank you Lucas Makowsky for your continued support.

A very sad day for Sask Speed Skating. Our condolences to Michelline (so). Johnny came to our banquet every year and generously donated money to young skaters. You will be missed, Hello SLSSC Members (from our club President, Chris Veeman) We learned the sad news today that Johnny Sands, one of the Club’s first members (he joined in 1946 and the Club was formed in 1942), and one its most accomplished, passed away from pancreatic cancer December 31, 2020. His bio from the S...askatchewan Sports Hall of Fame tells of some of his skating accomplishments (although it does not mention some of his barrel jumping exploits). Johnny Sands, a four-time Canadian senior speed skating champion, scaled Olympic heights twice, racing for Canada in the 1956 Games in Lake Misurina, Italy, and the 1960 games at Squaw Valley, California. Sands grew up in the Mayfair district, was skating with the Saskatoon Lions Club at the age of 12 in 1946 and dominated his age classes for 11 years. He won his first Canadian title as a 13-year-old at 440 yards at Sudbury, Ont. in 1947 and within seven years, was skating with the best in the senior division. He shared the Canadian men's overall title with Frank Stack in 1953, won it on his own in 1955, 1957 and 1958. Johnny qualified for the Canadian Olympic team in 1956, falling in the 500 metre sprint and finishing 45th in 2:20.17 in the 1,500 metres. At the 1960 Olympics in Squaw Valley, he was 27th in the 500 metres in 42.8 seconds and 43rd in the 1,500 metres at 2:28.04. In 1962, he held the unofficial North American record for 220 yards with a clocking of 17.9 seconds at Saranac Lake, New York. Johnny also won national recognition in junior football, starring as a halfback with the Saskatoon Hilltops. In 1951 and 1952, the Hilltops lost in the western final but in 1953, they became the first Hilltop team to win a Canadian championship, beating Windsor AKO in Saskatoon. Johnny sponsored one of the Club’s annual awards and he returned to Saskatoon to present it every few years (he had relocated to Toronto after his skating career). He recently returned to visit with Club members at the 75th Anniversary Galan celebration where he was one of the honoured guest speakers. In his speech, Johnny credited speed skating with helping him to quit smoking at the age of 12 which may have helped him to live to the age of 86. Johnny was a real character in our Club and he will be missed. Thanks! Chris President SLSSC

A little New Year technique survey for skaters..... I’ll share results in a week. https://docs.google.com//1FAIpQLScQ57UZ4C9edwEDF/viewform

Found an old poster.....

C'mon man! Take note Saskatchewan ovals! Let's go!

Something to look forward to!

Congrats Catriona! Skating career began at Lions Arena in Saskatoon with Henrietta Goplen.

I am happy to report that the following people have completed their in class training for fundamentals coach certification. Final certification involves one online course and an on ice evaluation. Super proud of our group of coaches. Joshua Comfort Liam Dallaire Shannon Dallaire ... Bon Lowe Avery Seman Morgan Capili Molly Morris Rob Millar Colleen Patterson Brendan Garritty Tyan Cherepusak Vanessa Coutu Jesse Cline Congratulations all!

Following a review of the recent changes to the Provincial restrictions for sport and recreation facilities, the Olympic Oval will be re-opening on Monday 16 No...vember, for individual training sessions only. Users permitted to use the facility have already been notified. Any user that has been granted permission to use the facility will have to comply with all Alberta Health Services and University of Calgary guidelines. Should you have any questions, please contact the Olympic Oval Guest Relations Department [email protected] See more

As of Friday, November 13, all sport cohort activity at the Olympic Oval will be paused with immediate effect. The facility will be closed and no access will be permitted in accordance with new AHS guidelines. All user groups will be contacted directly. More details to follow.

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