The 2024-25 season marked the Matsqui Blades speed skating association's 50th year of competition and club officials recently reflected on this past season and the past half-century of legacy they have left on the Abbotsford sports scene.
Founded by Clara Overend in 1974 and initially known as the Abbotsford Blades, the club has a history of developing skaters from all over the Fraser Valley. Notable former Blades alumni includes: two-time Olympic medallist Alanna Kraus and National team member Bryce Holbech.
Kraus began with the Blades at the age of four and joined the Canadian national team in Calgary in 2000. She ended up winning five medals at the world championships in 3000 metres relay and 1500m and took home silver in the 3000m relay at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics and bronze at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. She entered the Abbotsford Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
Holbech, a Yale Secondary grad, won medals in short track at the North American and World Championships in the 90s but an injury later that decade ended his competitive career. He then served as sport manager of short track at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and as a strength and conditioning coach with US Speed Skating. Holbech was also inducted into the Abbotsford Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
The renowned pair are a small sample size of some of the success enjoyed by the club in its 50 years.
"Over the past five decades, the club has built a strong reputation for developing athletes, fostering a love for speed skating, and contributing to the local community," stated Janna Nemeth of the Blades. "As the club celebrates this remarkable anniversary, it’s not only reflecting on its rich history but also embracing new beginnings that promise even more success in the future."
The Blades recently announced Keven Fitzpatrick as the club's new head coach. He won Speed Skating BC's Coach of the Year - Competitive award in 2024 and has been involved with the sport for years as both an athlete and now a coach.
The 2024-2025 season saw Blades athletes compete at 13 different events across both long track and short track disciplines including: B.C. Long Track Championships, B.C. Short Track Championships, Canadian Neo-Junior Long Track Championships and Short Track Western Elite Circuit. Blades skaters competed at local, provincial, and national levels with many earning medals. The association is part of Speed Skating BC and is one of 28 clubs which consist of approximately 1400 skaters, volunteers, coaches, officials and administrators.
New initiatives for the Blade in 2025-26 include a revamped website and the club has also announced that they are offering two free sessions to anyone interested in trying out speed skating.
"It’s a fantastic opportunity for individuals and families to experience the sport, meet the coaches, and learn more about the programs available," Nemeth stated. "We encourage anyone who’s curious about speed skating to come out and give it a try. It’s a fun and challenging sport that offers something for everyone, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.”
The free sessions and all training for the Blades occurs at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre. Regular practice runs twice a week and the season typically runs from September to March.
For more information about the club, to register for programs, or to take advantage of the free sessions, visit the new website at matsquiblades.com.
