FORT ST. JOHN, BRITISH COLUMBIA – A pair of new national champions were crowned following the 2024 Canadian Neo-Junior Long Track Championships in Fort St. John, which was being hosted for only the second time in Speed Skating Canada’s history.
The newly added competition features skaters aged 14 to 15 competing in both Olympic style individual racing, as well as Mass Start, Team Pursuit and Mixed Relay events, fostering social interactions and allowing skaters to gain racing experience and challenge to make the podium.
On the women’s side, Alberta’s Maxine Volstad was the top finisher with 174.428 points, placing her ahead of New Brunswick’s Molly Flynn (176.127) and fellow Albertan, Myla Ireland (180.002). Volstad won gold in the 1000m, 1500m and 3000m, as well as silver in the 500m, en route to the victory. Flynn, meanwhile, earned five medals (2 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze), while Ireland was on the podium three times (1 silver, 2 bronze).
Quebec’s Philippe Tanguay (159.68) captured the men’s title, earning gold in the 500m, 1000m and Mass Start, as well as silver in the 1500m and 3000m, to earn the top spot with 159.68 sammelagt points. Alberta’s Nathon Kettyle Kozuback, winner of both the 1500m and 3000m, finished second overall with 161.10 points, ahead of fellow Albertan Angus Hicks (164.95), who captured three bronze medals.
The long track season continues in early January with the Long Track Canada Cup in Calgary (January 2-5, 2025), where athletes will compete for national ranking points and for the chance to earn a spot on the Canadian team that will compete at ISU World Cup Speed Skating on home ice in Calgary from January 24-26.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the mind-blowing speed in person and cheer on Canada’s very best as they compete against skaters from over 30 countries for medals and world records on ‘The Fastest Ice in the World’! Reserve your seats now, with general admission tickets available for as low as $10 and premium tickets starting at $30.
CONTACT
Alain Brouillette
Speed Skating Canada
communications@speedskating.ca
613-601-2630