top of page

Our program

The Matsqui Blades Speed Skating Association is a registered non-profit organization. We rely on our dedicated volunteers to help run our program. There are many positions that are required to help our club run smoothly. We welcome any and all assistance. 

​

Our practices welcome all who wish to try our sport of speed skating. 

practices

Beginner Group 1

For young and old skaters who are new to the sport. This group is the entry point for skaters starting out. Skaters in this group learn the fundamentals of speed skating are typically new to competition.

All skaters must wear protective gear to be able to participate. 

Practice time

  • Mondays 4:30PM - 5:30PM

  • Wednesdays 4:30PM - 5:30PM

IMGL5951.jpg
IMGL5792.jpg

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED Group 2

For our Youth, Junior, Senior and Masters skaters who have speed, skill, and experience. Skaters in this group continue to develop their skills in technique and racing tactics. All skaters must wear protective gear to be able to participate. 

Practice time

  • Mondays 5:30PM - 6:45PM

  • Wednesdays 4:00PM - 5:00PM

competition

Competitions take place through the regular speed skating season of September to March. Each range from regional to national, ability to age class. While most competitions in the Lower Mainland are ability based, some require age and time requirements. All competition is voluntary. 

Although the Matsqui Blades primarily practices short track speed skating, there are opportunities to try and compete in long track speed skating. Long track practices and meets take place outdoors at various locations in BC, as well as indoor 400m ovals in Fort St John, BC and Calgary, AB. If you are interested in long track speed skating please speak with the coaching team. 

equipment

All skaters MUST wear at least the minimum protective equipment in order to participate on Matsqui Blades practices. 

​

  • CLOTHING – Comfortable, athletic attire that you can move with ease. No skin must be showing. Jeans are not acceptable. A skin suit is not required at the introductory level.
     

  • HEAD PROTECTION – Ski/Snowboard, hockey helmets are all acceptable. Bike helmets are not acceptable as the vents would allow a skate blade to go through. Specialized helmets can be purchased. 
     

  • EYE PROTECTION – Shatter resistant clear glasses, hockey helmet cage. 
     

  • NECK PROTECTION – A bib-style neck guard, kevlar or dyneema. Neck guard must cover the entire neck (no gaps).
     

  • HAND PROTECTION – Cut proof gloves or mittens. Hockey gloves are acceptable.
     

  • KNEE PROTECTION – Knee pads (such as volleyball style pads) are preferred. Plastic roller sports pads or hockey knee/shin pads are acceptable, but may limit movement.
     

  • SHIN PROTECTION – Hard shin guards such as hard soccer shin guards are best. Hockey knee/shin pads are acceptable.
     

  • ANKLE PROTECTION – Cut resistant ankle socks (kevlar or dyneema) must be worn. They must cover ankle and top of the boot. 

​

If you have any questions regarding the equipment please ask one of our team. 

bottom of page