About MSSA and Speed Skating

The MSSA is dedicated to the development, growth and effective administration of the sport of speed skating in Manitoba through the provision of leadership, support and promotion of its members and clubs.

MSSA will provide superior quality support to its athletes, coaches and officials while providing opportunities for fun, fitness, personal excellence and high peformance within a safe and secure atmosphere.

Short Track Speed Skating

Short Track Speed Skating is the newest, hottest and one of the most innovative and exciting sports since it was introduced at the 1988 Calgary Olympics. The skating takes place on a 111 metre oval track where corners are tight and speeds are fast. Skaters race in both sprints and long distances in groups of four or five. Team relays are also a fascinating component in short track speed skating.

Long Track Speed Skating

Long Track Speed Skating takes place on a 400 metre oval track and includes both Mass Start and Olympic Style racing. Skaters participate in a Mass Start format where there are several skaters racing at the same time. The Olympic Style, for experienced skaters, has only two competitors racing on the track. Olympic Style speed skating has been an Olympic Sport since 1924. In Manitoba, the Susan Auch Oval and the Brandon Oval house our Long Track programs.

Speed Skating Statistics

The Manitoba Speed Skating Association is proud of our skating accomplishments. Most recently, Cindy Klassen won 5 medals, Shannon Rempel 1 medal and Clara Hughes 2 medals at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympic Games. Fellow Manitobans Brittany Schussler, Mike Ireland and Sean Ireland successfully partipated in these Games.

Development Meets & Other Competitions

There are numerous opportunities for participants to compete for fun or in more competitive environments. Racing is encouraged for athletes of all ages and abilities. MSSA offers Developmental Meets throughout the year in both long and short track speed skating which are geared toward having fun! In these meets, the athletes are grouped according to their ability. Other provinces and states also offer such competitions which some skaters use as an incentive for improvement and travel.

During the Long Track Season, MSSA encourages its members to participate in the Olympic Style Race Series which is a great opportunity for all skaters to race Olympic Style. These races are on Wednesday evenings at the Susan Auch Speed Skating Oval and no advance registration is necessary.