Tickets now available for back-to-back World Cups, Four Continents Championships
MONTREAL, QUEBEC – The countdown is on for Canada’s short track speed skating team, who are only a month away from kicking off their international season with three consecutive weekends of exciting action on home ice in the Greater Montreal area.
The Maurice-Richard Arena in Montreal, longtime training centre for the Canadian national program, will host two consecutive ISU World Cup Short Track competitions, from October 20-22 and October 27-29. Racing will then shift to Place Bell in Laval, home of the American Hockey League’s Laval Rocket, for the ISU Four Continents Speed Skating Championships, which run from November 3-5.
Canada has a long-standing tradition of hosting world-class short track events and, as a result, has been entrusted by the International Skating Union to deliver three events in-a-row, an unprecedented challenge that has never been done before in short track speed skating.
Montreal is no stranger to international short track competitions, having hosted the ISU World Short Trach Championships on five occasions (1987, 2002, 2014, 2018 and 2022) and serving as a consistent stop on the World Cup circuit since it was established 25 years ago.
The same cannot be said for Laval, who will host an international-level competition for the very first time when they welcome the top up-and-coming skaters from the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania for the prestigious ISU Four Continents Speed Skating Championships. It will mark the second time that this event will be hosted in Canada, with Montreal serving as host for the inaugural edition in November 2020.
Over 200 volunteers will dedicate their time – an estimated 6,000 hours to be exact – to help organize these competitions, which are slated to welcome roughly 250 athletes, coaches and support staff from over 20 countries into the Montreal area over the course of three weeks. The local organizing committees will draw on years of hosting expertise to deliver a memorable experience for both participants and spectators.
Tickets are now on sale for the back-to-back ISU World Cup Short Track events in Montreal and the ISU Four Continents Short Track Championships in Laval. Experience the thrill of short track speed skating by purchasing a single-day ticket for as low as $9.95 or a weekend pass for only $15.95.
- ISU World Cup Short Track
- Location: Maurice-Richard Arena, Montréal
- Dates: October 20-22 and October 27-29
- ISU Four Continents Short Track Championships
- Location: Place Bell, Laval
- Dates: November 3-5
The national short track season kicks off with the Canadian Short Track Championships presented by Intact Insurance from September 29 to October 1 in Montreal. This competition will help select the skaters that will represent Canada on the international circuit this fall. Any media and photographers interested in covering the Canadian Short Track Championships are asked to sign-up using this Media Accreditation Form before Thursday, September 27.
Quotes
Joe Morissette, Chief Executive Officer, Speed Skating Canada“Canada has a long-standing tradition of hosting international short track events and it’s an honour to be entrusted by the International Skating Union to take on the unprecedented challenge of delivering three consecutive world-class competitions in the same metropolitan area. We look forward to collaborating with Patinage de vitesse Quebec and our hosting partners to welcome the world’s top speed skaters to Montreal and Laval next month. We are excited for the opportunity to showcase our sport and our athletes over the course of three consecutive weekends.”
Stéphane Bronsard, Director of Events, Patinage de vitesse Quebec“Over the years, Montreal has established itself as the undisputed world capital of short track speed skating. The ISU places its trust in us due to the success of our events, year after year. Organizing three events within the span of three weeks presents a considerable logistical challenge, but we are fortunate to have a team of experienced partners and volunteers to help us overcome any obstacles that may arise. It is with immense pride that we open our doors to the world’s elite short track speed skaters, both in Montreal and in Laval.”
Maxime Laoun“It’s always more exciting to skate in Montreal in front of my friends and family. Seeing the young fans with big smiles on their faces gives me a boost of energy. I know that I am here to set an example for them, and I will always try to give it my all. Hosting events on home ice is also an incredible opportunity for us to introduce our sport. It’s one thing to see it on TV, but in real life is where we can really see all the complexities and the speed of our sport. A World Cup in Montreal is always one of my favorite competitions and this year we’re there twice!”