October 2nd, 2023, Charlottetown – On the eve of a new season, P.E.I.’s speed skaters are brimming with optimism. After last year’s successful season that included the Canada Winter Games, Speed Skating PEI says its skaters are excited to be hitting the ice again and welcoming new team-mates.
P.E.I.’s Darrah Ward (left) leads a trio of Maritime competitors through the corner at the Atlantic Cup Speed Skating Championships in Charlottetown. Darrell Theriault photo.
Speed Skating PEI sees interest in the sport growing following the recent successes of its athletes. “We are getting inquiries from many prospective skaters and families, some with children who want to learn to skate, as well as those already skating, but who want to try a new sport, or to improve their skating skills for hockey, ringette or figure skating,” said Eric Reynard, President of Speed Skating PEI. “They’re wondering what this sport is all about and are happy to find that we have a very successful speed skating club here on P.E.I.”
Reynard says that there is plenty to be optimistic about. “After seeing the strong showings of our top skaters last season, many of our younger skaters are inspired about what they can achieve. We’ve got a great roster of coaches and athletes and there’s no doubt they’ll keep the ball rolling.”
Some of the Island’s top speed skaters have turned in stellar performances on the long track oval in Calgary already this season. P.E.I.’s Jenna Larter, who trains in Calgary, has made the transition to the long track discipline and will compete in this fall’s Canadian Long Track Championships as one of the top five 500-metre skaters in the country this season. Andrew Binns, from Stratford, also earned a coveted Canadian Championships berth after moving to Calgary over the summer to pursue long track.
While the competitions hold plenty of significance for some older athletes, Reynard says that speed skating is about much more than the competitive opportunities throughout the region and at the national level. “The keys for all our skaters are fun and personal development. Learning to skate and learning speed skating is about building confidence and improving skills, not just winning the race.”
Speed Skate PEI is now accepting registrations for its programs, including Learn to Skate and Learn to Speed Skate, online at www.speedskatingpei.ca.
