About Us
Buffalo Speedskating is a Short Track Ice Speedskating club
with members from throughout Western
New York and Southern Ontario. We have been skating as a club in various
incarnations for over 50 years, from a time when speed skating was the
premiere ice sport in Western New York.
Buffalo has a long history of Speedskating dating back to the 1930's when
Buffalo native Catherine "Kit" Klein won gold and bronze medals at the 1932
Lake Placid Winter Olympics, where women's speed skating was a demonstration
sport. In 1931 more than 12,000 fans showed up in Delaware Park to watch her
defend her 440-yard and 660-yard city speed skating championships.
Continuing on through the 40's, 50's, and 60's the Buffalo Speedskating
scene was very active with 5 different clubs and hundreds of members. In the
1970's interest in Speedskating waned when the Sabres came to town, and
hockey took over as the ice sport of choice. In the 80's, 90's and into this
century, Speedskating in Western New York was championed by only a hand full
of log time dedicated skaters.
Today, our club is proud to carry on and renew Buffalo's long standing
speedskating tradition. Our growing membership ranges from an 8 year old
beginner to the National and North American 60-69 year old champion. Along
with active clubs in
Rochester and Southern Ontario, our region
is experiencing a rebirth of this fast, exciting Olympic sport.
Buffalo Speedskating is open to anyone with the desire to train with, and
learn from, a great group of skaters. Our coaches and members provide a
friendly and supportive environment to learn and excel. Whether skating to
compete, or just for a great workout, above all else we emphasize the
importance of fun and safety. If you are interested in joining us, please
drop us a
note, or better yet stop by a
practice, we would
enjoy meeting, and showing you why skating around and around on 17" blades
is such great fun.
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