MONTREAL, QUEBEC – The countdown is on for the Canadian short track speed skating team, which is just a month away from kicking off its international season with three consecutive weekends of action exciting on the ice of the greater Montreal region.

Montreal’s Maurice-Richard Arena, a long-time training center for the Canadian national program, will host back-to-back ISU Short Track World Cup competitions, October 20-22 and October 27-29. Racing will then travel to Place Bell in Laval, home of the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League, for the ISU Four Continents Speed ​​Skating Championships, which will take place from November 3 to 5.

Canada has a long tradition of hosting world-class short track events and as a result, the International Skating Union was tasked with hosting three events in a row, an unprecedented challenge which has never been noted before. track speed skating.

Montreal is no stranger to international short track competitions, having hosted the ISU World Short Track Championships five times (1987, 2002, 2014, 2018 and 2022) and serving as a constant stop on the circuit. the World Cup since its creation 25 years ago. .

The same cannot be said of Laval, which will host an international level competition for the very first time by welcoming the best emerging skaters from the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania for the prestigious ISU Four Continents Speed ​​Skating Championships. This will be the second time that this event has been organized in Canada, with Montreal hosting the inaugural edition in November 2020.

More than 200 volunteers will dedicate their time – approximately 6,000 hours to be exact – to the organization of these competitions, which are expected to welcome approximately 250 athletes, coaches and support staff from more than 20 countries to the Montreal region for three weeks. Local organizing committees will draw on years of hospitality expertise to provide a memorable experience for participants and spectators.

Tickets are now on sale for back-to-back ISU Short Track World Cup events in Montreal and the ISU Four Continents Short Track Championships in Laval. Experience the thrill of short track speed skating by purchasing a day ticket for as little as $9.95 or a weekend pass for just $15.95.

• ISU Short Track World Cup
• Location: Maurice-Richard Arena, Montreal
• 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 begins 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 who will represent Canada on the international circuit this fall. All media and photographers interested in covering the Canadian Short Track Championships are asked to register using this Media accreditation form Before Thursday September 27.

“Canada has a long tradition of hosting international short track events and it is an honor to be entrusted by the International Skating Union with the unprecedented challenge of hosting three consecutive world-class competitions in the same metropolitan area. We look forward to collaborating with Speed ​​Skating Quebec and our organizing partners to welcome the best speed skaters in the world to Montreal and Laval next month. We are excited to have the opportunity to showcase our sport and our athletes over three consecutive weekends.

Joe Morissette, General Manager, Speed ​​Skating Canada

“Over the years, Montreal has established itself as the undisputed world capital of short track speed skating. The ISU places its trust in us for the success of our events, year after year. Organizing three events in three weeks represents 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 elite of short track speed skating, both in Montreal and Laval.

Stéphane Bronsard, events director, Speed ​​Skating Quebec

“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 I’m here to set an example for them and I will always try to give my all. Hosting home events is also an incredible opportunity for us to showcase our sport. It’s one thing to see it on television, but it’s in real life that we can truly see the complexity and speed of our sport. A World Cup in Montreal is always one of my favorite competitions and this year we are there twice!

Maxime Laoun