
Skate-Tec Western Elite Circuit 3
The Olympic Oval invites you to the Skate-Tec Western Elite Circuit 1 at the Olympic Oval at the University of Calgary, February 21-22, 2026.
Competition Details
The Skate-Tec Western Elite Circuit is a short track competition circuit focused on developing young speed skaters. It provides challenging opportunities for skaters to develop their tactical awareness and execution of learned skills. The circuit provides a fun racing atmosphere and is an introduction for most skaters to the high-performance competition stream. The Circuit typically consists of three competitions, two hosted at the Olympic Oval, and one hosted at another venue in Western Canada.
Schedule (DRAFT)
Saturday February 21, 2026
On Ice Warm Up
500m(1) Semi Final
500m(2) Final
1500m Semi Final
1500m Final
1000m Semi Final
Sunday February 22, 2026
*NO On Ice Warm Up
1000m Final
500m(2) Semi Final
500m(2) Final
1500m Super Final
**Subject to change based on the total number of participants.
Format
Skaters will be grouped based on the seed time to ensure quality racing opportunities.
500m(1) – groups of 10 Semi Final 2+1 to Final
500m(2) – groups of 10 Semi Final 2+1 to Final based (entry seed time or 500m(1) time, whichever is fastest)
1500m – groups of 14 Semi Final 3+1 to Final
1000m – groups of 10 Semi Final 2+1 to Final
1500m Super Final (races of 8 based on overall results from 500m(1)/1500m/1000m)
All 3 competitions will be structured in the same format.
Penalties
Skaters who receive a penalty in the heat will still race the final. Skaters who receive a yellow card (YC-2) for 2 penalties in a race will still race the final. Skaters who receive a yellow card (YC-B) for behaviour will not race the final and receive no points in that distance.
Advancements
Advancements will be awarded as per the ISU and SSC rulebooks.
Scratches/Withdrawals
Any skaters who withdraw from a distance for medical reasons must be cleared to return by medical staff on site.
Awards
This circuit will provide awards for each competition in the Women and Men age categories of Neo Junior (14-15), Junior (16-18), Neo Senior (19-22), Senior (23+). There will also be an award for one overall winner in each the Women and Men categories based on 10 of the best 15 results.
Age Eligibility
Any bonafide member of the International Skating Union that is ISU age category C2 and older (born before July 1, 2011) may compete in the Skate-Tec Western Elite Circuit 1, provided that the member is properly registered with their Provincial Association or Member Country.
Time Standards
The following minimum time standards* are in effect. This will help create quality racing opportunities for everyone.
- WOMEN: 45.5 400m on the 100m track or 54.9 500m on the 111m track.
- MEN: 43.0 400m on the 100m track or 51.9 500m on the 111m track.
*Submitted times must be from an official competition and have to be achieved between July 1, 2024 and registration close date. Times skated in practice will not be accepted.
The Skate-Tec Western Elite Circuit 3 event is sanctioned by the International Skating Union and Speed Skating Canada and all SSC rules will be followed. The Skate-Tec Western Elite Circuit 3 will be held in accordance with the current Speed Skating Canada Regulations including updates and is open to all skaters who belong to an ISU member country.
The Track
The Olympic Oval North Rink is an International size rink measuring at 30m by 60m. The Centurion ST-2000 safety mat system surrounds the North rink to reduce the chance and severity of injury.
Citizenship/Residence requirements and Clearance Procedure
In accordance with Rule 109 of the ISU Regulations and ISU Communication No. 2526, all skaters who do not have the nationality of the Member by which they have been entered or who, although having such nationality, have in the past represented another Member, must produce an ISU Clearance Certificate.
Equipment
Canadian skaters must comply with Speed Skating Canada equipment standards as per the SSC Procedures and Regulations (Red Book) section D3 I Skater's Equipment. International skaters must comply with ISU Communication No. 2721.
Liability
In accordance with ISU Rule 119; the International Skating Union, Speed Skating Canada, Speed Skating Alberta, the Olympic Oval, and the University of Calgary assume no responsibility for, or liability with respect to bodily or personal injury or loss of property or damage incurred in connection with the 2025-2026 Olympic Oval Skate-Tec Western Elite Circuit Short Track Speed Skating Competition. Each Skater is solely responsible for providing insurance coverage thereto.
Transportation
Each skater is responsible for his/her own transportation.
Entries
Entries for the Skate-Tec Western Elite Circuit 3 must be submitted electronically through the Olympic Oval website.
Entry Fees
The entry fee is $95.00 CDN (includes GST)
Late Entry Fee: $190.00 CDN (includes GST) after the Entry Deadline.
*Note: All entries will be confirmed by the Competitor Steward. An entry cannot be guaranteed if entered after the Deadline.
Entry Deadline
11:59pm MT Thursday, February 5, 2026
Late Entry closes 11:59pm MT Monday, February 16, 2026
Registration and Refund Policy
Olympic Oval Waiver Form
Skaters in their first competition of the season in the Olympic Oval must fill out the Waiver Form (Speed Skating Training and Competitions).
The Olympic Oval provides one training session free of charge the day prior to the event for those athletes competing in the Skate-Tec Western Elite Circuit 3. Please contact Dustin Miller at dustin.miller@ucalgary.ca to advise if you will be attending this session or if you have any questions.
Friday February 20, 2026
North Rink - Tim TBD
Streaming live on the Olympic Oval YouTube channel.
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