By Gordie
Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex
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| Skaters get set for a mass start at the John Sands Classic on Jan. 15. |
Over the past 30 days at the Complex there have been a lot of highlights coming from the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval and the Indoor Training Centre. Skiers have also been having a great time on the trails that have been created on the Glenn Reeve Fields. Our continuing photo roundups continue to show the memories that can be made at the Complex in the winter months.
One of the
biggest highlights over the past 30 days was the fact the Saskatoon Lions Speed
Skating Club was able to hold the John Sands Classic Long Track Meet for the
first time since January of 2019. The Lions weren’t able to hold this meet in
January of 2020 due to weather conditions being too frigid, and the meet was
cancelled in January of 2021 and 2022 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19)
pandemic.
The John
Sands Classic was held this past January 14 and 15 in weather conditions that
were perfect for and outdoor speed skating meet. The weather conditions created
frost on the trees that developed wonderful scenic conditions for the races.
Our lead
photo from January 15 shows a mass start for one of the younger age group races
on the second day of the John Sands Classic held at the Oval. The frosted trees
in the background conveyed the artistic feel that the day was perfect.
At the
Indoor Training Centre, athletes continued to train for sports that are played
in the spring, summer and fall, while other athletes took part in winter league
action in their respective sports.
These photos
capture some of the memories that are made on our grounds. In this photo
roundup, all of these pictures were taken by our Communications Coordinator in
Darren Steinke.
Without
further ado, here is a selection of 13 shots we hope you enjoy.
Night time speed
A member of the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club builds up speed cutting the perfect corner during a practice at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval on January 12. The practice session was an upbeat one with the start of the John Sands Classic Long Track Meet just a couple of days away.
Race time at John Sands Classic
On January 14, skaters took part in race action at the John Sands Classic Long Track Meet for the first time since January of 2019. The skaters charge out of the corner to the front straightaway during a mass start race.
Clockwork focus in the timing
booth
The crew in the timing booth at the K+S Potash Canada Multi-Sports Centre oversee the race action on the first day of the John Sands Classic Long Track Meet held on January 14 at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval. The efforts of the timing booth crew ensured both days of the meet ran very efficiently.
Striding at perfect pace
Fergus English focuses on maintaining a consistent stride during a 5,000-metre race on the second day of the John Sands Classic Long Trace Meet held on January 15 at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval. English skillfully handed the test of endurance.
The dog days of sled training
Members of University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football Team take part in a sled training session on January 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Huskies put in their work under the watchful eye of Ignite Athletics co-owner and strength and conditioning coach Joel Lipinski, who is one of the best at getting athletes to the next level.
A slick toss
A competitor makes a slick toss during Saskatoon Ultimate Disc-sport Society (SUDS) league action on January 27 at the Indoor Training Centre. SUDS provides a great outlet for athletes of all levels and abilities to have a tonne of fun and show off their skills.
Hilltops start journey for 2023
The storied Saskatoon Hilltops began their on-field preparations for the upcoming 2023 CJFL season with a training session on January 29 at the Indoor Training Centre. This Hilltops session contained a mix of returning veterans and new recruits.
Footwork focus at Valkyries camp
A player focuses on her footwork during a winter camp session held by the Saskatoon Valkyries of WWCFL on January 29 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Valkyries hold the annual winter camp for players 14 years of age and older. The camp helps new players learn the game and veteran players sharpen their skills.
Long ball drive
A hitter hammers a baseball with power during a Going Yard Training Centre hitting session on January 31, 2023 at the Indoor Training Centre. The athletes at this hitting session all showed off sweet strokes.
Sweet snag
An infielder hauls in a tough catch at shortstop during a Saskatoon Lasers softball training session on February 2 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Lasers were working on defensive skills in both the infield and outfield.
All in the setup
An outfielder sets in perfect position to execute a catch and throw at a Saskatoon Phantoms training session on February 2 at the Indoor Training Centre. Many Phantoms groups were working on all sorts of defensive skills at this session.
Skaters arrive in numbers
A sizable group of people turn out on February 5 for a Sunday fun day public skating session at the Clarence Downey Speed Skating Oval. Like past years, people continue to turn out to the Oval in big numbers for public skating.
Loppetapalooza a hit
Loppetapalooza was hit on our ski trails on February 5. The Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club put on Loppetapalooza, and the event brought families out in droves. Lots of joy was had by all.
