SJSSC History

Our club was first established in the early ‘30s.The club’s activities were interrupted by WWII, but the program wasre-established in the ‘60s.  We’ve been going strong ever since, with some athletes reaching the top echelons of the sport and hundreds learning and enjoying the sport for their entire lives.  SJSSC is a member of The Manitoba Speed Skating Association (MSSA) which provides quality leadership, support, and programs for athletes, officials, coaches and volunteers throughout the province.

Classes

SJSSC runs its hour-long classes, in either ST or LT, on Monday & Thursday evenings.   Short track runs from October to March at the AllardArena, 80 Allard Avenue in sunny St. James. Groups are assigned by the coaches by experience.

Susan Auch SpeedSkating Oval

In conjunction with other Manitoba speed skating clubs our skaters practice and train at the Susan Auch Speed Skating Oval at Cindy Klassen Recreation Complex, 999 Sargent Avenue during long track season. Long Track season takes place from approximately December 15 to March 15 depending on the weather. It is the traditional form of speed skating and requires a 400-meter oval such as the outdoor track located at the Cindy Klassen Recreation Complex (previously the Sargent Park Pool and Complex).

Races

SJSSC athletes, coaches, volunteers and parents enjoy wonderful times at the many local meets.  Participants of all ages match their skills in friendly competition.  As skaters get faster, they often travel to meets in Regina, Saskatoon, Minnesota and, of course, Calgary!

SJSSC Club Social Events

We enjoy organizing fun times for the kids such as jellybean counting contests, hot chocolate and cookie nights. Shortly after the last skating practice in March, our speed skaters and their families get together for a barbecue and potluck. Silent Auction, pins and club awards are presented.

Volunteering Opportunities

It’s always fun! It’s a great way to get acquainted with both skaters and parents/supporters as a meet coordinator, announcer, recorder, runner, referee, track steward, starter, clerk, lap counter, timer, line judge, or kitchen/food preparation.

All children on the ice must have aparent or guardian in attendance at the classes and meets.  As well, basic safety equipment is mandatory for everyone.   Part of SJSSC’s camaraderie comes from combining efforts to put up padded mats around the boards for ST classes.  And finally, our coaches keep a close eye on the skaters during classes as they perform drills and laps in well-organized groups.

To keep speed skating affordable, fundraising at the club level offsets costs with the following:

• Bingo volunteer at Club Regent Casino & McPhillips Street Station – 2 bingos per skater
• Grey Cup Pool tickets
• Skate-a-thon
• Black Pearl Coffee
• Silent Auction at club Award / Year End B-B-Q

Speed Skating Equipment

All Short Track skaters must wear mandatory safety gear consisting of:

• A well-fitted helmet
• Cut resistant gloves or mitts
• Shin pads
• Knee pads
• Elbow pads (for younger kids)
• Bib-style neck guards
• Long-sleeved clothing to protect skin from the ice
• Tights or pants that fit snugly around the ankle to prevent interference when skating

 Version 7 of Brochure GR