NEWS: Successful Canadian Open Masters Championship in Fort St. John, B.C.
Date posted: 02/06/2012

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Thirty five (35) skaters participated in Canadian Open Masters Championships at the 400-metre indoor oval in the Pomeroy Sport Centre in Fort St. John, B.C. this past weekend. The Fort St. John Elks Speed Skating Club hosted the championship on behalf of B.C. Speed Skating and Speed Skating Canada.

Skaters vied for titles in the masters category for the all-round title, while five competed in the exhibition 20 to 29-plus years of age class. The category champions were as follows:
Women, 30-34: Michelle Pepin, Burnaby, B.C.
Women: 35-39: Sue Steckle, Sherwood Park, Alta.
Women, 40-44: Leela Braun, Winnipeg
Women, 50-54: Sandy Ramer, Brantford, Ont.
Women, 60-64: Ann Douglas, Fort Fraser, B.C.
Men, 35-39: Andy Wong, Vancouver
Men, 40-44: Rejean Lavoie, Edmonton
Men, 45-49: Rick Lee, Fort St. John, B.C.
Men, 50-54: John Pillar, Ottawa
Men, 55-59: Lyle Dickieson, Prince George, B.C.
Men, 60-64: Brett Arnason, Winnipeg
Men, 70-74: Werner Meyer, Calgary
Men, 75-79: Peter Blokker, Vernon, B.C.
Men, 80-84: Roy Whitney, Calgary

In addition to the championships, there were also 100-metre sprints, qualifiers and finals, as well as team pursuits and marathon races as exhibition events.

The Pomeroy Sport Centre will also be the venue for the upcoming Canadian Age Class Long Track Championships on Feb. 11 and 12.

See Speed Skating Canada’s results and rankings page for complete results.

Photo 1: On the podium for the 50-54 category with Barb Polehoykie, Sandy Ramer (winner) and Hilda Bilodeau. Photo 2: Werner Meyer (front), 70-74 winner, and Roy Whitney, 80-84 winner.