2007/2008 Annual Review - Olympic Oval - University of Calgary

2007/2008Annual Review

Table of ContentsPhoto: Arno HoogveldBrothers of the Wind bronze cast.020304050607091012141618202224Welcome to the Olympic OvalMessage from the Olympic OvalFacilityCelebrating 20 YearsEventsGuest ServicesResearchLong Track Speed SkatingShort Track Speed SkatingFemale HockeyCyclingAthletesStaffCommunications & MarketingSponsors & PartnersCover photo credits:Arno Hoogveld, Rob Jones,Olympic Oval Archivesone

Welcome to the Olympic OvalPhoto: Arno HoogveldThe Olympic Oval was constructed 20 years ago to house long track speed skatingfor the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Our facility was the first covered speed skatingoval in North America, allowing us to offer year-round training and create the fastest icesurface in the world.In the past two decades, the Olympic Oval expanded its sport programs to include shorttrack speed skating, female hockey and cycling and is now a multi-sport highperformance training facility. All Canadian National Team athletes and University ofCalgary Dino athletes are also invited to use our building’s facilities, including an indoorsprint pad, running track, weight room and special training equipment.Located on the University of Calgary campus and part of the Faculty of Kinesiology, theOlympic Oval welcomes students, faculty, staff and the local Calgary community to useour facility for public skating, running, special events and for spectators to come andwatch hockey and speed skating competitions.We welcome athletes, coaches, staff, faculty, families, the Calgary and University ofCalgary communities and national and international visitors to come and enjoy theOlympic Oval!two

Message from the Olympic OvalThis past season the Olympic Oval celebrated anamazing 20 years of service to the University, Calgarycommunity, and many partners, contributors, volunteers,staff, athletes and coaches that have called ourmulti-sport facility home.We hosted a number of special events that welcomedour community to join us in celebrating the success ofthe 1988 Winter Olympic Games and 20 years of history.During these two decades, Olympic Oval athletes andcoaches have changed the landscape of Canadianwinter sport. Through innovation, cooperation,volunteerism and a hard working, dedicated andinsightful staff, the Olympic Oval has helped Canadianathletes reach unparalleled successes.We are now in the middle of the Winter Olympic cycle,two years after the 2006 Games and two years prior to2010. The Olympic Oval, with all our coaches, athletesand support staff, are now working to set the stage forfuture Olympic performances. It is a time to try newthings, realign and test ourselves.We started the season with some surprises, such asJeremy Wotherspoon’s return to competition andrevision of the World Record books. ContrastingJeremy’s comeback was a challenging season for longstanding favorite Cindy Klassen, whose season was cutshort with the unfortunate personal situation of hersisters’ accident. We are thankful for a fortunateoutcome with Lisa Klassen’s return to health.Hayley Wickenheiser recognized as Calgary’ssportswoman of the year, was named Canadian PressFemale Athlete of the Year, and was listed SportsIllustrated’s 20th toughest athlete in the world.The Olympic Oval also watched former Calgary OvalX-Treme and Olympic flag bearer Danielle Goyettestart her rookie season in coaching, leading the Dinowomen’s team to the ACAC finals. Her team postedan amazing turnaround to finish their best ever season,coming up just short of the Championship.Our cycling program saw up-and-comer MoniqueSullivan win a bronze medal in the Keirin event at theJunior World Championships and para-cycling athleteBrayden McDougall reach the long list for the 2008Paralympic Games in Beijing.The speed skating season ended at the Olympic Ovalwith the ING Finale broadcast on TSN for the first timeever which included watching Denny Morrison’samazing world record performance in the 1,500 metres.With two years left before the 2010 Olympics, theOlympic Oval is well poised to help Canadian athletesparticipate in their most successful Winter OlympicGames.Congratulations to all of our athletes, staff, volunteers,supporters, coaches and the Calgary community foran amazing 20 years. We are looking forward to manymore to come.We observed a powerful Calgary Oval X-Treme under anew Head Coach Mario Amantea. The X-Tremedominated the regular season, taking the WWHLChampionship for a fourth year and making it all the wayto the quarter final round of the Esso NationalChampionships to win the bronze medal.X-Treme successes also included three-time OlympianSincerely,Mark Greenwald, DirectorOn behalf of the Olympic Oval Staffand Management Teamthree

Olympic Oval FacilityThe Olympic Oval is a world class training and competition facility for athletes of alldisciplines and skill levels and is open to the public for special events, skating, runningand summer camps.Features:* 400m oval ice surface, 13 metres wide and approximately ¼ of a mile incircumference* Two international sized ice surfaces (30m X 60m)North rink is dedicated to the short track speed skating programSouth rink is dedicated to the female hockey program* 450m, two-lane running track* 110m, eight-lane sprint track* Long jump pit* Pole vault box* High performance weight room* Air duct system which helps to control airflow and building temperatures* Boardroom and lounge for staff meetings, press conferences and athletestudy area* Speed Skating Hall of Fame and Olympic Oval Tradition of Excellencedisplays on the third floor foyer* Seating for 2,500 in permanent and moveable bleachers* Daktronics 30 x 10 ft. video display board* Wise Timing System for long track speed skatingEquipmentPhoto: Arno Hoogveld* Centurian ST-2000 safety mat system, which greatly reduces the chanceand severity of injury, is outfitted on the north short track rink* Three ice resurfacing machines (1 x 700 Class, 2 x 250 Class)* 65’ boom lift to access the light and air fixtures* One forklift for moving equipment* Seating for approximately 700 spectators in moveable bleachersIn the past 20 years the Olympic Oval has created a proudtradition of making the fastest ice in the world. Olympic OvalIce Technicians work with several factors such as Calgary’saltitude, barometric pressure, air circulation, unique Chinookweather conditions as well as the number of spectators in thebuilding, to create ice for the world’s best speed skaters to setmore than 60,000 personal best times and drop more than160 world records since 1988. This season two short track,two long track and two junior long track world records wereset at the Olympic Oval.WORLD RECORDSLong TrackJeremy Wotherspoon CAN 2 x 500M 68,31 March 15, 2008Denny Morrison CAN 1500M 1.42,01 March 14, 2008Marrit Leenstra NED 1000M, junior 1.15,41 March 13, 2008Marrit Leenstra NED 1500M, junior 1.55,14 March 12, 2008Short TrackFrançois Hamelin CAN 500M 41,066 Oct. 13, 2007Michael Gilday CAN 1000M 1.23,815 Oct. 14, 2007four

Celebrating 20 years!Two decades after the 1988 Winter Olympics,the Olympic Oval is proud to look back onamazing successes in four high performancesport programs, public events and support forthe community.home four Olympic medals in the past 17 years.In 1995 the Olympic Oval created the first-everhigh performance female hockey program andestablished the Calgary Oval X-Treme. With its13th season over, the X-Treme are the mostdominant female hockey club in the world, withsix league and four national championships.The Olympic Oval legacy in women’s hockeyincludes 12 Olympic medalist hockey players,one Olympic head coach and two assistantcoaches.Since hosting the XV Winter Games, theOlympic Oval has been home to more than125 long track speed skating world records andbecome the premier training facility for Canada’slong track speed skating National Team, whichhas won 16 Olympic medals in the past 20years, more than any other sport in Canada!With the success of long track speed skatingthe Olympic Oval developed three more sportprograms. In 1991 it brought in short track, usingthe north rink as its main training facility. OlympicOval short track athletes have helped bringCatriona Le May Doan, a two-time Olympic gold medalistretired in 2003. She now works at the Olympic Oval.Cycling, the last program to join the OlympicOval, is the only summer sport program. Just 11years old, the cycling program includes one ofCanada’s National Cycling Centres and developsathletes in para-cycling, road, track, BMX,downhill and mountain biking.Calgary Oval 2004 X-Treme captain, Cassie CampbellThe Olympic Oval has also been dedicated toserving the University of Calgary community andthe general public with access to public runningand skating and hosting annual special eventslike the family Christmas skate every Dec. 23and Papa John’s Family Fun Day.Our proud history of fast ice and Olympicsuccess give Calgary, the University of Calgaryand all of our staff and athletes good reason tocelebrate 20 years!1988 Calgary OlympicsTwenty years ago, in December 1987, Calgary welcomedthe world to the first covered speed skating oval in NorthAmerican. After getting a feel for the Olympic Oval’s fastice at the first Calgary World Cup, athletes andspectators returned a few months later for the mainevent, the XV Winter Olympics. The 1988 CalgaryGames were the most successful Winter Olympics everand established our speed skating ice as the fastest inthe world, with six skaters setting seven world records,the most ever in a single competition.Olympic Oval Archivesfive

Olympic Oval EventsThe Olympic Oval hosted more than 62 events over the 2007-2008 season for the Calgarycommunity. We did this with the help of more than 200 volunteers and Olympic Oval staffand in collaboration with many partner organizations and sponsors.Photo: Arno HoogveldOLYMPIC OVAL EVENT DATE ATTENDANCE ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONOlympic Oval 20th AnniversaryOpen HouseSept. 16, 2007 2,000 Calgary families came to the Olympic Oval to help celebrate the anniversary of the1988 Olympics and enjoyed an afternoon of public skating, pin trading, autographs fromCanada’s Olympic speed skaters and female hockey players, interactive displays fromthe 1988 Winter Olympics, Papa John’s Pizza lunch, cake and activities. Admission wasFREE with a donation to the Olympic Oval Athlete Bursary Fund.Essent ISU World Cup Nov. 16 - 18, 2008 3,500 per day The second speed skating World Cup of the season was held at the Olympic Oval andincluded a festival tent. Highlights included world record performances by Jenny Wolf ofGermany (500m) and by Sven Kramer of the Netherlands (5000m).6th Annual Calgary Super DrugMart Champions’ CupImPark Family ChristmasSkating PartyDec. 16, 2007 1,500 The Calgary Flames Alumni defeated the Calgary Oval X-Treme team 9-8. Six Olympicmedalists and 14 former NHLers provided entertainment and autographs, helping toraise more than $7,500 for the Olympic Oval Female Hockey and Short Track programs.Dec. 23, 2007 2,500 Families donated more than 1,500 lbs of food to the Calgary Food Bank and enjoyedsome holiday cheer!Papa John’s Family Fun Day Feb. 18, 2008 5,500 Families donated more than 3,500 lbs of food to the Calgary Food Bank and enjoyedFREE skating, activities, sport demos, and helped raise money for the Calgary DreamCentre and the Olympic Oval’s Cycling and Short Track Programs.Calgary Oval X-TremeHockey GamesUniversity of Calgary Women’sDino Hockey GamesFREE Speed SkatingCompetitionsSept. 07 - March 08 4,500 The Olympic Oval hosted nine of the X-Treme’s 12 WWHL home games.Sept. 07 - March 08 3,000 The Olympic Oval hosted eight Dino Women’s home games this season.Aug. 2007 - March2008N/AThe Olympic Oval hosted 14 speed skating competitions; six short track and eight longtrack events. During our last event of the season, the ING Finale, a world record wasset by Olympic silver medalist Denny Morrison in the 1,500m.Photo: Arno HoogveldsixThe SML Pool tournament in Aprill 2008.In June 2007 the Olympic Oval hosted the Pre-Stampede fund raising event for the Olympic Oval’s Athlete Bursary Fund.

Olympic Oval Summer CampsSUMMER CAMP DATE ATTENDANCE ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONTop Blade Short TrackSpeed Skating CampJuly 1-7, 2007 77 High performance athletes 13 to 18years old attended camp to improvetheir short track speed skating skills.Summer Speed Camp July 8 – 14, 2007 268 This North American developmentcamp hosted long and short trackspeed skaters from 5 to 65 years old.Absolute Speed Camp July 16 – 20, 2007 50 This camp introduced new speedskaters from 8 to 18 years old toCanada’s most successful Olympicwinter sport.Masters Long TrackCampTop Blade Long TrackSpeed Skating CampAug. 23 – 28, 2008 40 Adult athletes attended this camp toimprove their skills in long track speedskating.Aug. 5 – 9, 2008 45 Young athletes (13 to 18 years)attended this camp to work on skilldevelopment and compete in theOlympic Oval Summer Classiccompetition.Photo: Arno HoogveldEvery year more than 300 kids get to skate on the fastest ice in theworld and improve their speed at Olympic Oval camps.ICE OUT EVENTSAPRIL - JUNE2008ATTENDANCEThe Olympic Oval removed the ice in March 2007 to make way for several eventsduring the ice out period of April, May and June.Juno Fanfare April 5, 2008 2,500 This year, the Olympic Oval was host to Canada’s Juno Fanfare, a free public event forfans to get up close to their favourite music group for photos and autographs.SML Pool Tournament April 11 – 20, 2008 4,500 This is the 8th year Southern Music Limited has hosted their annual pool tournament atthe Olympic Oval, setting up more than 95 pool tables in our facility.Cassie Campbell Street HockeyFestivalApril 25 & 26, 2008 3,400 Former Calgary Oval X-Treme player Cassie Campbell organized this indoor, floorhockey event to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House of Southern Alberta.Calgary’s Child Fun Fair May 3, 2008 3,000 Calgary’s Child magazine hosted their annual Family Fun Fair at the Olympic Ovalwhere parents and children checked out the best products and services for their families.2008 Canada West OpenVolleyball TournamentMay 16 – 19, 20084,000 participants4,300 spectatorsFor four days, the Olympic Oval transformed into 22 volleyball courts for the CanadaWest Open Volleyball Tournament and hosted volleyball players and spectators.Driven to Perform Car Show May 24, 2008 4,200 More than 100 cars were displayed in the Olympic Oval for spectators and entertainmentfor the one-day event included performances from America’s Best Dance Crews.2008 Canadian GymnasticChampionshipsJune 2 – 7, 2008 NA This National gymnastics competition included tumbling, trampoline and artistic eventsall held under one roof and was used to select Canada’s 2008 Olympic team!seven

Olympic Oval Guest ServicesThe Olympic Oval reception desk.Olympic Oval Birthday PartiesPublic Skating Group BookingsOlympic Oval Skate Rentals37 parties41 group bookingsMore than 23,000 skates rentedPhoto: Arno HoogveldPublic ServicesPUBLIC SKATINGSERVICES OFFERED BY OLYMPIC OVAL GUEST SERVICESOlympic Oval Guest Services is an essential part of the Olympic Oval, greeting allvisitors at the front reception desk, operating the Olympic Oval Skate Shop, providingpublic skating and running schedules and coordinating 64 part time staff and supervisorswho work as weight room attendants, ice patrols and skate shop attendants.Public Skaters Skating Sessions Revenue60,617 388 sessions, 663 hours $133,483.80PUBLIC RUNNINGPublic Runners Running Sessions Revenue4,770 424 sessions, 925 hours $15,655.10Guest Services provide part time weight room supervisors to help provide a safe andclean environment for athletes.OLYMPIC OVALSKATE SHOPOLYMPIC OVAL ‘SHARE IN THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT’ MONDAY NIGHT SKATE# of people attending skating sessions # of skating sessions Donations to Calgary Food Bank8,400 28 4,304 lbsThe Olympic Oval Skate Shop offers skate sharpening.The Olympic Oval Skate Shop provides skate sharpening services to the Calgary Oval X-Treme,Dinos hockey teams and public users through the season. The 25 part time skate shop attendantsprovide speed skate and hockey skate rentals of all sizes to Olympic Oval summer campparticipants and all public skaters. The shop, which is located on the ice level of the Olympic Oval,also offers a variety of concession drinks and food.At the end of this season the Olympic Oval Skate Shop underwent a renovation and will offer moreconcession services and update rental skates and equipment for the 2008-2009 season.eight

Olympic Oval ResearchThe Centurian ST-2000 safety pad system, and the researchto create and improve them, helps prevent short trackers frombreaking limbs and suffering concussions when they crash atthe Olympic Oval.For the past 20 years the Olympic Oval has been aleader in research and the application of newtechnologies in long and short track speed skating,female hockey and cycling. To build on this historyof contribution to sport excellence, the OlympicOval Research Group was created three years ago,building on relationships and projects with researchersand students within the Faculty of Kinesiologyto improve the successes of our high performanceathletes.2007-2008 topics investigated, supported or assisted:Vancouver 2010 Crash Pad Designand Testing - Drs. Sean Maw andClifton Johnston designed and testednew short track and long track crash paddesigns at the Olympic Oval for the 2010Vancouver Organizing CommitteeRecruitment Methods for Non-ProfitAdolescent Sports Programs – AMaster’s Course Thesis Project performedby Mark Jeter, Milwaukee Schoolof Engineering, Milwaukee, WI, USAFollowing the vision and completing themission: A proposal for an outcomeevaluation of the Olympic Oval HighPerformance Long Track Speed SkatingProgram - A Master’s Course Projectperformed by Selina Elm, University ofSaskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, CanadaA number of Own the Podium 2010 “TopSecret” projects were researched andassisted in the Olympic Oval over the pastseason with the support of Olympic OvalstaffThe Olympic Oval Research Group provides input toprojects, accesses athletes, explores fundingopportunities, promotes peer review andpresentations and contributes research informationto the Olympic Oval Research and DevelopmentResource Centre, a library of research data locatedat the Olympic Oval. This season, four researchinitiatives were completed in our facility or with theassistance of Olympic Oval staff.Olympic Oval High Performance FundThe Olympic Oval High Performance Fund provided grants for anumber of projects within the Faculty of Kinesiology during the2007-2008 season. This fund was created in collaboration withCODA and the University of Calgary through the 1988 WinterOlympic Games Legacy agreements and provides grantsbi-annually for graduate students and faculty members performingresearch in the field of high performance sport and kinesiology.2007-2008 Funded ProjectsSubject specific alpine ski selection. Dr. Darren Stefanyshyn,Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, CanadaThe relationship between foot structure, muscular strength andfoot biomechanics. Dr. Reed Ferber, Faculty of Kinesiology,University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, CanadaEffects of spring and rockers on speed skating performance. Dr.Brian MacIntosh, Dr. Sean Maw, Faculty of Kinesiology, Universityof Calgary, Calgary, AB, CanadaThe enhancement of anaerobic performance through optimizedwarm-up. Dr. Brian MacIntosh, Faculty of Kinesiology, University ofCalgary, Calgary, AB, CanadaThe effect of cross-country skiing on airway inflammation in elitefemale cross-country skiers - A one-year longitudinal study. NeilEves, Michael Kennedy, Warren Davidson, Richard Leigh, Facultyof Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, CanadaThe Olympic Oval provides video analysis for coaches and athletes with the help of videographers. This videoanalysis is useful to many research projects.Ice hockey skate sharpening. Dr. Peter Federolf, Faculty ofKinesiology, University of Calgary, Human PerformanceLaboratory, Calgary, AB, Canadanine

Olympic Oval LongTrack Speed SkatingThe Olympic Oval long track speed skating program had another incredible seasonof outstanding results and countless personal best performances. Making this pastseason so remarkable was the hard work and dedication from managers, coaches,support staff and volunteers who continue to go above and beyond to ensure a fun,safe and winning environment.Outstanding results for the season started with Jeremy Wotherspoon’s amazingcomeback which included a world record, winning the 500 metre world cup titleand a gold medal in the 500 metres at the World Single Distances Championships.Other top performances came from Kristina Groves and Denny Morrison who alsowon gold at the Single Distances Championships.National Team long track speed skaters earned their best-ever medal count,winning 56 world cup and 11 world championship medals. New this season, werethe addition of National Development Team skaters Matt McLean, Jamie Gregg,Philippe Riopel, Nicole Garrido and Tamara Oudenaarden to the world cup circuit.All five qualified and competed in their first-ever world cup competitions, postingtop five results and adding to the depth of Canadian talent.Photo: Arno HoogveldDenny Morrison won the world championship title in 1,500 metres and went on toset the world record in the distance at the ING Finale.At the junior level, Riopel and Garrido, along with Olympic Oval skaters SarahGregg and Kyle Gendron, competed in the World JuniorChampionships. Both Riopel and Garrido took home medals with Riopel winninggold in the 500 metres and Garrido winning bronze in the 3,000 metres. The twoalso finished their last season as juniors with Canadian Junior records.Our High Performance Long Track Program has never been better equipped toassist athletes in their pursuit of excellence. The road to the Vancouver 2010Olympics continues to be an exciting time for coachesand athletes in our program.Kevin Crockett,Olympic Oval Long Track Coachten

Twenty years ago the Olympic Oval was constructed to house longtrack speed skating for the 1988 CalgaryOlympics. Since then, the Olympic Ovalhigh performance speed skating program hasbeen the training ground for every Canadianspeed skating Olympic medalist and 48 long trackOlympians. This season, the program was hometo 101 speed skaters and ten coaches.COMPETITIONS DATE LOCATIONOlympic Oval Long Track Invitational(Fall World Cup National Trials)Oct. 25-28Calgary, ABEssent ISU World Cup #1 (All Distance) Nov. 9-11 Salt Lake City, USAEssent ISU World Cup #2 (All Distance) Nov. 16-18 Calgary, ABCan Am LT Speed Skating Competition #1 Nov. 22-25 Calgary, ABCan Am LT Speed Skating Competition #2 Nov. 30-Dec.2 Roseville, MNEssent ISU World Cup #3 (Long Distance) Dec. 1 & 2 Kolomna, RUSEssent ISU World Cup #4 (All Distance) Dec. 7-9 Heerenveen, NETHEssent ISU World Cup #5 (Sprint) Dec. 15-16 Erfurt, GERCanadian Single Distance Championships Dec. 28-31 Calgary, ABCanada Cup #1 Jan. 4-6 Calgary, ABContinental Qualifier Jan. 12-13 Calgary, ABISU World Sprint Speed Skating Championships Jan. 19-20 Heerenveen, NETHEssent ISU World Cup #6 (All Distance) Jan. 25-27 Hamar, NORCanada Cup #2 (Canadian Jr. Championships) Jan. 25-27 Calgary, ABEssent ISU World Cup #7 (Long Distance) Feb. 2-3 Baselga de Pine, ITANorth American Long Track Championship Feb. 8-10 Milwaukee, USAWorld Allround Speed Skating Championships Feb. 9-10 Berlin, GER1st Masters’ International Canadian Open Feb. 9-10 Calgary, ABEssent ISU World Cup #8 (Sprint) Feb. 16-17 Inzell, GermanyEssent ISU World Cup Final Feb. 22-24 Heerenveen, NETHISU World Jr. Speed Skating Championships Feb. 22-24 Changchun, CHIWorld Single Distances Championships March 6-9 Nagano, JAPCanada Cup #3 March 6-8 Québec, QCING Finale, Presented by Conematic March 12-16 Calgary, ABWORLD CHAMPIONSHIPSJeremy Wotherspoon Gold - 500m Silver - (World Sprints)Denny Morrison Gold - 1500m Bronze - 1000mKristina GrovesClara HughesKristina GrovesBrittany SchusslerChristine NesbittWORLD CUPGold - 3000mSilver - 1000mBronze - 1500m & 5000m,Bronze - (Allround)Silver - 5000mSilver - Team PursuitDenny Morrison Gold - 1500m, 2 x 1000m Silver - 5 x 1000m, 3 x 1500mBronze - 1000m, 1500mJeremy Wotherspoon Gold - 9 x 500m Silver - 500m, 1000m Bronze - 2 x 1000mKristina Groves Gold - 1500m Silver - 2 x 1500 Bronze - 3000m, 2 x 1500mChristine NesbittMark NielsenShannon RempelCindy KlassenClara HughesMike IrelandKristina GrovesShannon RempelChristine NesbittBrittany SchusslerCindy KlassenArne DankersSteven ElmLucas MakowskyDenny MorrisonJustin WarsylewiczGold - 2 x 1500m Silver - 3 x 1000m, 1500m Bronze - 1000m, 3 x 1500mGold - 100mBronze - 3 x 1000mSilver - 3000m, Bronze - 1000mSilver - 5000m, Bronze - 5000mSilver - 500mGold - Ladies Team PursuitGold - Men’s Team PursuitSilver - 2 x Ladies Team PursuitSilver - 2 x Men’s Team PursuitPhoto: Arno HoogveldKristina Groves won her first World Cuptitle in the 1,500 metres.Photo: Arno HoogveldJeremy Wotherspoon set the world record in the 500metres at the first world cup of the season.eleven

The 2007-2008 season was great for our 40 short track skaters. Our topathletes took advantage of several opportunities, gaining internationalracing experience at World Cups, World Championships, World TeamChampionships and in an international exchange with China.On the international scene, Jessica Gregg, one of two Olympic Oval speedskaters on Canada’s National Team, represented our training programvery well, helping Canada to take two bronze and two silver medals in the3,000 metre relays in world cup and championship competitions. Her topindividual results were a 4th place in the 500 metres and 5th in the 1,000metres.National Development Team and world record holder Michael Gilday alsohad a solid season, placing second overall at both ConematicInternational Short Track Challenge competitions in Calgary and in China.Gilday’s successes this season also included a world record in the 1,000metres, set at the Conematic International Short Track Challenge #1competition at the Olympic Oval in a time of 1:23.815. We also celebrateda second, but unofficial record, set by Cory Rasmussen in the 500 metres.He skated the distance in 40.860 seconds, which is under the world recordtime, but was not set in an official ISU competition.Nationally, eight Olympic Oval short track athletes moved into the top 16.The best performances came from Gregg, who is ranked 5th on theracing team, Gilday, ranked 6th, and Jessica Hewitt, 8th.Olympic Oval ShortTrack Speed SkatingLiam McFarlane consolidated his position on the National DevelopmentTeam by placing 12th and Cory Rasmussen, who holds the non-officialworld record time in the 500 metres, is ranked 15th.These national rankings have placed four Olympic Oval athletes onCanada’s National and Development Teams, with Gregg returning to theNational Team for her second season, Gilday moving from theDevelopment Team to the National Team and McFarlane and Hewittreclaiming their spots on the Development Team, the second year forMcFarlane and third season for Hewitt.This season also marked a great achievement for Kristy Shoebridge, asshe won the North American age class title.Yvon De BloisSenior Olympic OvalShort Track CoachPhoto: Arno Hoogveldtwelve

The Olympic Oval high performance short track program has been around for15 years and has helped five athletes to compete atthe Olympics with four of them winning medals.The program trains more than 40 short trackers annuallyand consist of three levels; national and internationalathletes, provincial and national athletes and developmentathletes, with all levels welcoming international athletes totrain in any group. The Olympic Oval also served asa part-time training facility for short track skatersfrom Japan, Belgium, Holland, Swedenand Austria.Photo: Arno HoogveldMichael Gilday is congratulated by Conematic Heating Systems Inc.’s President Doug Smith for setting a worldrecord in the 1,000 metres at the Conematic Short Track compeition.2007-2008 RESULTSWorld Cup:• Jessica Gregg won four relay medals at World Cup, World Championship andWorld Team Championships.• 5th in the 500 meters at World Cup in Harbin, China• 4th in the 500 meters and 5th in the 1000 meters at World Cup in Quebec CityNational and Development Team• Two Olympic Oval athletes qualified for the 2008-2009 National Team; MichaelGilday and Jessica Gregg• Two Olympic Oval athletes qualified for the 2008-2009 Canadian NationalDevelopment Team; Liam McFarlane and Jessica Hewitt• Two female and four male short trackers ranked in the top 16 in CanadaCOMPETITIONS DATE LOCATIONNational Team Selections September 21-23 Calgary, ABConematic InternationalShort Track Challenge #1Conematic International Short TrackCompetition (OktoberfestShort Track Competition)October 6-7October 12-14Calgary, ABCalgary, ABSamsung ISU World Cup October 19-21 Harbin, ChinaSamsung ISU World Cup October 26-28 Kobe, JapanEdmonton Fall Classic October 26-28 Edmonton, ABBC Cup #1 November 9-11 Prince George, BCRegional Qualifier Nov. 30-Dec. 2 Calgary, ABWestern Regional Short TrackQualifierDecember 1-2Calgary, ABCanadian Junior Championships December 15-16 Gloucester, ONCanadian Open Championships(National team Selections #2)January 18-20Montreal, QCWinterfest February 2-3 Calgary, ABSamsung ISU World Cup February 1-3 Quebec City, QCSamsung ISU World Cup February 8-10 Salt Lake City, USARU Fast Short Track Competition February 22-24 Calgary, ABConematic InternationalShort Track Challenge #32008 North American Short TrackChampionshipsISU World Short Track SpeedSkating ChampionshipsMarch 6-8March 14-16March 14-16March 15-16Harbin, ChinaMilwaukee, USAHarbin ChinaNational Team Selections # 3 March 21-23 Trois Rivieres, QCCanadian Age Class Short TrackChampionshipsMarch 28-30Sherbrooke, QCTRAINING CAMPS DATE LOCATIONPentictonTraining Camp June 2007 Penticton, BCMontreal Training Camp Nov.18 - Dec.10, 2007 Montreal, QCInternational Athletes• The Belgium National Short Track Team trained at the oval during summer andfor five weeks in January.National Team short track speed skater Jessica Gregg.Photo: Simon Pichettethirteen

Olympic Oval Female Hockey ProgramThe Calgary Oval X-TremeThe Calgary Oval X-Treme started the 2007-2008 season welcoming backreturning Olympic gold medalists Hayley Wickenheiser, Danielle Goyette,Colleen Sostorics, Gina Kingsbury, Gillian Ferrari and Carla MacLeod.Kelly Bechard, a former Calgary Oval X-Treme and Olympic medalistrejoined the team.refined their means of determining the top two teams to represent the Westat Esso’s. The top two teams in regulation WWHL play were selected;the Oval X-Treme and Minnesota Whitecaps. The X-Treme representedAlberta to capture the bronze medal, defeating Minnesota 5-2 in the bronzemedal game.Moving into our 4th season of the Western Women’s Hockey League(WWHL), the X-Treme proceeded through league play with 24 wins inregular season to capture another league title. February brought thefourth Battle of the Border Series in which the relentless X-Treme won allfour games against the American select team. The rival teams faced offin Grande Cache, Alta., Lac LaBiche, Alta., Viking, Alta., and finished inRalston, Alta. Each town was a sell out and the fans were treated to anoutstanding display of female hockey.X-Treme players finished in the top five scoring positions in the WWHLstandings (in 24 games or less); Wickenheiser finished with 49 points,Kingsbury with 45, Walton 44, Bechard 42 and Russell with 41. GoalieAmanda Tapp finished with the best save percentage of .917.As Esso Women’s Nationals boasted a new top four format, the WWHLOval X-Treme goalie Amanda Tapp won the Top Goaltender Award, whileX-Treme forward, Hayley Wickenheiser won MVP of Esso Nationals.Outside of league play, the X-Treme contributed one player to TeamCanada for the inaugural 2008 IIHF U18 World Championships and sevenplayers to the senior National Women’s team at the IIHF WorldChampionships.Kathy BergCalgary Oval X-TremeGovernorDinos join Olympic OvalThis season the Dinos women’shockey team joined theOlympic Oval HighPerformance Female HockeyProgram, coming into thestructure as the middle component of a threetieredsystem, with the Calgary Oval X-Tremeat the top and a development teamunder the Dinos.The Calgary Oval X-Treme took on the CalgaryFlames Alumni team at the 6th annualChampions Cup, raising money for theOlympic Oval Female Hockey Program.fourteenPhoto: Arno HoogveldJoining the Olympic Oval program and namingthe Calgary Oval X-Treme forward and three-timeOlympian Danielle Goyette as Dinos Head Coachhelped the team to one of their best ever seasonrecords of 12-10-0. The team also made it intothe Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference(ACAC) Championship finals for the first timein four years and finished second. Theyended the season third overall, helping tomove the team towards joining theCanadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS)conference by 2009-2010.

More than a decade ago, the Olympic Oval developed thefirst-ever female hockey training centre; theOlympic Oval High Performance Female HockeyProgram. The program developed the Calgary OvalX-Treme team which immediately attracted the besthockey players and coaches in Canada including14 Olympic medalists and three Olympiccoaches. The excellence of theprogram and the X-Treme teamhave been demonstrated with 10AAA provincial championships,two bronze, two silver and fourgold medals at the EssoWomen’s Nationals, twoNWHL Championships andfour WWHL Championshipssince 1995.Photo: Arno HoogveldCalgary Oval X-Treme Players Named to Team Canada2007 Team Canada Fall Festival – Prince George, B.C. Sept 1-8, 2007• Colleen Sostorics - defence• Gillian Ferrari - defence• Delaney Collins - defence• Carla MacLeod - defence• Colleen Sostorics - defence• Gillian Ferrari - defence• Delaney Collins - defence• Carla MacLeod - defence• Gillian Ferrari - defence• Samantha Watt• Colleen Sostorics - defence• Gillian Ferrari - defence• Delaney Collins - defence• Carla MacLeod - defence• Kelly Bechard - forward• Gina Kingsbury - forward2007 Four Nation Cup Team, Gold Medalists Leksand, Sweden, Nov 7-11,January 2008 Team Canada Conditioning Camp• Kelly Bechard - forward• Hayley Wickenheiser - forward• Gina Kingsbury - forward• Kelly Bechard - forward• Hayley Wickenheiser - forward• Gina Kingsbury - forwardX-Treme Members Named to U–18 National Team; 2008 IIHF U18 World ChampionshipX-Treme Members named to the World Championship Team: Harbin, China April 2008Developing Female Hockey:• Kelly Bechard - forward• Gina Kingsbury - forward• Hayley Wickenheiser - forward2007-2008 Team Highlights:51 Games played:24 Games in the WWHL League Schedule – 24 Wins3 Games against the Chinese National Team – 3 Wins5 Games against Corporate Calgary – 4 Wins 1 Loss4 Games vs. Boys Midget AAA8 Games vs. Junior B and Men’s4 Games vs. US Selects at Battle of the Border3 Games at Esso Women’s NationalsThe Olympic Oval High Performance Female Hockey Program is dedicated to building female hockeyexcellence in Canada and around the world. Under the leadership of Kathy Berg, Director of the OlympicOval’s hockey program, the Olympic Oval provided assistance to China’s women’s hockey program tohelp them elevate their skill level in preparation for hosting the IIHF Women’s World Championships, April4-12, 2008, Harbin, China.This collaboration resulted in six Chinese National Team players joining three WWHL teams for the2007-2008 season and the Chinese National Team coming to Calgary for three months to train and playa series of exhibition games. During their stay they played between 24 and 30 games against the CalgaryOval X-Treme, Strathmore Rockies, Edmonton Chimos, U of C Dinos, Mount Royal College Cougars andU of A Pandas.2006 Canadian Olympic flag bearer Danielle Goyette coached herfirst season of Dinos women’s hockey.The Olympic Oval also helped the Chinese National Team to hire Steve Carlyle as their head coach.During the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 seasons Carlyle was an assistant coach for the Oval X-Treme andis a former Edmonton Oiler hockey player.fifteen

Olympic OvalNational CyclingCentreThis year was a huge success for Olympic Oval cyclists, with many ofthem earning medals, national team positions and the chance to attendWorld Championships in Road, Track, BMX, Cyclocross and Para-Cyclingand for a few, a chance to qualify for the 2008 Summer Olympics andParalympics.The Olympic Oval National Cycling Centre has seen a change inleadership with the departure of Jason Gillespie; he has joined the AlbertaBicycle Association (ABA) as Provincial Team Coach. Jason will maintainhis coaching role with Olympic Oval High Performance athletes to ensureour program continues to be a leader in junior development throughoutAlberta and the western provinces.With a new mandate from the Canadian Cyclist Association (CCA) ourfocus this season is to further develop as a regional cycling centre withmore ties to surrounding provinces. Supporting this focus, we welcomedthree out-of-province athletes at our annual spring training camp inPenticton and to participate in our Provincial Youth Championships inAugust 2007.Photo: Barney BrownWe were happy to see record numbers of cyclists attend the Club Racerprogram, exceeding 90 members for the indoor winter program. Thegrowth of our Cycling Centre also included coaching staff, with theaddition of ex-National Team athlete Phillip Abbott as a newperformance-level coach and cyclists Mark McDonald and Felix Haspelas coaches for Club Racer.sixteenStephen Burke,2008 Program Coordinator/HeadCoach for Olympic Oval NationalDevelopment Training Centre

The Olympic Oval’s cycling program continues as a leader among the NationalCycling Centres across the country. Again this past year the National CyclingCentre had athletes compete among the top cyclists in the country fromdisciplines including road, mountain, track, cyclocross,paralympic, BMX and downhill. Olympic Oval cycliststrain and compete at the Glenmore Velodrome, CanadaOlympic Park, Airdrie BMX track and at facilitiesand outdoor locations around the world,using the Olympic Oval as a training facilityand their home base.TRACK2007-2008 RESULTSMonique Sullivan:Felix Haspel:ROADJessica Kisell:BMXSam Cools:Kaila Sweeney:Jim Brown:Patrick Lebel:CYCLOCROSSBrian Robinson:PARALYMPICBrayden McDougall:Lisa Stowe:• 1st Junior Track Nationals 200M Sprint• 1st Junior Track Nationals 500M ITT• Bronze medal Keirin Junior World Championships• 4th Sprint Junior World Championships Mexico• 5th Place Sprint Pan Am Championships Venezuela• Silver medal Keirin Senior Track Nationals• Silver Senior Track Nationals• 3rd at Junior Road Nationals Individual Time Trial• 4th at Junior Track Nationals Points Race• 5th at Junior Track Nationals Pursuit• 3rd at Western Canada Games Time Trial• UCI #1 in North America• 9th at Elite Female BMX World Championships, Victoria, BC• 5th at Elite Cruiser BMX World Championships, Victoria, BC• Qualified for 2008 Beijing Olympic Games• 5th at UCI Ridge Meadows BMX• 7th at Junior Cruiser BMX World Championships, Victoria, BC• 7th at Junior Cruiser BMX World Championships, Victoria, BC• 3rd Place Kingston UCI race• 42nd in Espoir Cyclocross World Championships• 2007 IPC World Championships Bordeaux France• Beijing Long List eligible to compete at the 2008 Paralympic Games• Selected for the 2007 UCI World Championships• Announced retirement due to back injuryBMX cyclist, Sam Cools.Photo: Arno HoogveldClub RacerThe Olympic Oval offers Calgary adult cyclists the opportunity to continuecycling through the winter with Club Racer, an indoor cycling program foradults of all ability levels. This season more than 90 cycling enthusiastsjoined the program which offered threesessions a week for either 12 or 24 weeks.Coaches are NCCP certified and cyclistsbring their own road or mountain bike andride on a wind trainer.Photo: Arno HoogveldFormer Olympian Tanya Dubnicoff coaches Olympic Oval BMX athletes who trainduring the winter on an indoor gate.seventeen

Olympic Oval AthletesOlympic Oval /National Cycling Centre CalgaryDevelopmentDe Freitas, EmilyDunn, TrevorFleck, LeoGarvin, LoganHeming, CorynKisell, TrevorLankester, MichaelMarquardt, BenNeveu, StephenRytz, CelineSt. Germain, AndreaStadnyk, AnastasiaWalsh, DerekWalsh, PatrickWalsh, EliseZumwalt, JoshDownhillDevelopmentBanks, DanielGodbout, OwenGrassi, StephaniePaksi, TylerRayton, MIkeRatte, CodyReed, StephenStevens, LukePerformanceAndrews, TyAndrichuk, StephenBarron, CaeliBeveridge, AllisonCourtney, GrahamDahl, KristoferDahl, MathewGarvin, MacKisell, GinaKnapik, BradLankester, LaurenSparling, EllenWilberg, FelixWatson, TorrianHighPerformanceAndrews, DustinAndrichuk, NicolasGregory, NealHaspel, FelixKisell, JessicaMacDonald, MarkMollison, JamesNational TeamBrown, Jim (BMX)Lebel, Patrick (BMX)McDougall, Braydon (Para-cycle)Miller, Christine (BMX)Robinson, Brian (Cyclo-cross)Sullivan, Monique (Track)Sweeney, Kaila (BMX)Para-CyclingAustring, John-PaulBereczki, JohnSarvis, CourtenayVeress, Jean PaulOlympic Oval speed skater Cory Rasmussen set an unofficial world record with the fastest 500metre time here at the Olympic Oval.Short Track Speed SkatingNational Team Olympic Oval ProgramKraus, AlannaGregg, JessicaNationalDevelopmentTeamGilday, MichaelHewitt, JessicaMcFarlane, LiamShoebridge, RichardCyclist, Monique SullivanAksenchuk, MeganDe Deyne, Wim BELDerraugh, ReeceDerraugh, TylerDeSmet, Yves BELDier, ElizabethDutcher, AndrewElliott, BraedenEzzi, Ranya SWEFadden, KirstiFriesen, MichaelGilday, JillGray, Derek USAGysel, Pieter BELHewitt, MitchJaspers, Arno BELKamino, Yuka JAPKrievane, Evita LATLau, CarisaLeonard, SarahMaus, JairusMcGuire, LaurenMiller, DustinMorrison, ElysePye, BrianRasmussen, CoryRichmond, GillianRussell, ElizabethSchoorlemmer, RyanShoebridge, KristySilovs, Haralds LATSzostakiwskyj, MattTaylor, CullenTetarenko, AlexVan Drecht, ReidWaddell, GabrielleWindisch, Veronika BELLink ProgramBeddice, KathleenCarbert, GraemeClarke, AaronDumontet, BryantFache, JohnGladysz, TrishaIrvine, KaylinJesty, SarahJunio, GilmoreLay, KristianMckenzie, JacobMisquita, AndrewMurray, PaulNykolichuk, MattSzostakiwskyj, NickyWymenga, Traviseighteen

Long Track Speed SkatingNational TeamD’Amours, MicheleDankers, ArneElm, StevenGroves, KristinaHughes, ClaraIreland, MikeKitura, JeffreyKlassen, CindyL’Heureux, JustineMakowsky, LucasMiron, BrockMorrison, DennyMorrison, JayNesbitt, ChristineNielsen, MarkRempel, ShannonSchussler, BrittanySimpson, KerryWarsylewicz, JustinWeger, KimWotherspoon, Jeremy2014Talent SquadDuffield, KelseyLay, KristiMakowsky, MykolaNationalDevelopmentTeamBelchos, JordanGarrido, NicoleGregg, JamieJohnston, DustinMcCabe, AdamMcLean, MatthewOudenaarden, TamaraParrott, KyleRiopel, PhilippeSadlier, AaronSibold, ShannonOlympic Oval ProgramAjohn, JoshuaAnderson, SaraBecker, JoelBernhard, NathanBerriault, TobeyBickerton, ScottBruner, JamesBucsis, AnastasiaBuisson, MeaghanCepuran, Eric USACoyne, GavinDavis, Shani USADuffield, LucasDutton, WilliamEllis, JordanGao, Xuefeng CHNGendron, KyleGladysz, TimothyGodbout, AndrewGoszczynski, MarcinGoplen, NickGregg, SarahGrowden, DanHenry, ElyceHudey, AustinJiao, Yulong CHNJohnson, AndreaJohnston, AlannaKomisar, AlanaKemp, JennessaKoelwyn, GraemeKrieck, RickyKryski, EricKury, TimLee, JeungLewis, JamesMarsh, PatrickMartel, PeterMartin, MadelinMatheson, MylesMay, DerekMei, Xiao CHNMcMahon, LucasMcsorley, BryanMonson, JamesParrella, JoePhillips, CrystalQueen, AmandaRingsred, MilesRussal, JoannaRybakova, Natasha KAZSanghera, D.J. (Daljinder)Savard, MireilleSlinning, Olav NORStepnuk, TristanStinson, FraserStordale, MartinSugden, ScotSulzer, KeithTsimaras, Chris GREvan Beek, SimonWang, Beixing CHNWang, Fei USAWaples, StefanWeijiang, An CHNWotherspoon, DanielleXu, Jin Jin CHNZettler, SpencerLink ProgramBeddice, KathleenBergeron, StephanieBerry, JoshuaCorbett, MartinCribb, EvanGordon, ElizabethHamilton, SuzanneHempsall, TimothyJay, MitchellKashiwaba, MisakiPhoto: Arno HoogveldLong Track Speed Skater, Danielle WotherspoonLadstein-Fjeld, TorbjornLopez, AlbertoMacKay, CarolynMaguire, KearaMorrison, MatthewSlipp, KariSpencer, HaleyTempest, RosieTutt, BrianneWeigel, ChaseOlympic Oval Female Hockey ProgramCalgary Oval X-TremeBaird, LyndsayBechard, KellyCollins, DelaneyCorbett, MeghanFerrari, GillianFjeld, TarynGoyette, DanielleHall, Kaley “A”Kingsbury, GinaMacLeod, CarlaMcLaughlin, KarenRamsay, StephanieRussell, RebeccaSostorics, Colleen “A”St. Croix, LauraTapp, AmandaWalton, Meagan “C”Wang, LinuoWatt, SamanthaWickenheiser, HayleyPhoto: Arno HoogveldCalgary Oval X-Tremenineteen

Olympic Oval StaffDirector’s OfficeMark GreenwaldCatriona Le May DoanDawn BrownDarlene KastnerCara ThibaultFinancialGail FosterElaine SavoieKevin HuangFinancial OfficerFinancial AssistantIT SpecialistOlympic Oval DirectorOlympic Oval LiaisonExecutive AssistantHR SpecialistExecutive AssistantLong Track Speed SkatingMarcel LacroixNeal MarshallXiuli WangMichael CroweMark WildKevin CrockettArno HoogveldTodd McClementsCrispin ParkinsonAbby EnnisLong Track Support TeamShayne HutchinsJeremy KozubackDerek RobinsonRichard RobinsonMartin ZachariasScott MawDr. Dave SmithSean MawDarren StefanyshynKelly Anne Carter ErdmanAlex MoritzOlympic Oval & National Team Speed Skating CoachOlympic Oval & National Team Speed Skating CoachOlympic Oval & National Team Speed Skating CoachNational Team Speed Skating CoachOlympic Oval Speed Skating CoachOlympic Oval Speed Skating CoachOlympic Oval Speed Skating CoachOlympic Oval Speed Skating CoachOlympic Oval Speed Skating CoachOlympic Oval Long Track Link CoachMassage TherapistMassage TherapistSport PsychologistChiropractorPhysiotherapistStrength TrainerPhysicianResearchResearchNutritionistSkate TechnicianHigh Performance Sport ProgramsMoira MarshallSean IrelandStewart TherrienKelly McSweenyMatt JordanDebby FisherShort Track Speed SkatingJonathon Cavar Olympic Oval & National Team Short Track CoachYvon De Blois Olympic Oval Senior Short Track Coach & CoordinatorLi Jiajun Olympic Oval Short Track CoachAl McIlveen Olympic Oval Short Track Link CoachShort Track Support TeamDr. Dave SmithDr. Stephen NorrisDr. Victor LunDr. Preston WileyDerek RobinsonScott MawShayne HutchinsPaul HunterKelly Anne Carter ErdmanFemale HockeyKathy BergMario AmanteaBart DoanDanielle GoyetteCalgary Oval X-Treme Governor & Olympic Oval HighPerformance Female Hockey Program DirectorCalgary Oval X-Treme Head CoachCalgary Oval X-Treme Assistant CoachOlympic Oval High Performance Female HockeyProgram & University of Calgary DinosWomen’s Hockey CoachFemale Hockey Support TeamDanielle ChocquetJason PooleKelsey AndriesDirector of SportAssociate Director, Sport DevelopmentSport Program CoordinatorAthlete ServicesOlympic Oval High Performance StrengthConsultant & Weight Room SupervisorSpeed Skating Development CoordinatorPhysiologistPhysiologistPhysicianPhysicianSports PsychologistStrength TrainerMassage TherapistPhysiotherapistNutritionistAthletic TherapistStrength & Conditioning TrainerStrength & Conditioning Trainertwenty

Olympic Oval /National Cycling Centre CalgaryStephen BurkeTanya DubnicoffJayson GillespiePhillipe AbbottMark McDonaldFelix HaspelDr. Dave SmithKelly Anne Carter ErdmanMac ReadScott MawDanelle KabushMatthew BrownNational Cycling Centre Program Coordinator& Development Program CoachNational Cycling Centre Coach & National BMX CoachAlberta Bicycling Association Provincial CoachNational Cycling Centre Performance CoachOlympic Oval Club Racer CoachOlympic Oval Club Racer CoachCycling Support TeamGuest ServicesSylvie TanguayTelma CeullarMarta LozanoAmy JohnsonJoshua McLeodRebecca MorrisMostafa RashdanBarb ScottPer StromPatrick HoughtonManagerCoordinatorReceptionSupervisorSupervisorSupervisorSupervisorSupervisorSupervisorSupervisorPart Time Guest ServicesJoshua AjohnGabriel AltebaeumerMaria AriasTaylor ArcherBenjamin BlumerCasey BrownScott CamachoMaurice ChowMeghan CorbetteGavin CoyneJenna DellemonacheKai DeNeveMohammad DeriszadehLucas DuffieldPhysiologistNutrionistStrength & Conditioning TrainerStrength & Conditioning TrainerSport PsychologistSport PsychologistMarianne DyckJonathan EnojoFatima FaragCarmen GigantoMarcin GoszczynskiLucas HawkeCharlene HatlenIslam HegazyTao HuDustin JohnstonNegar KoochakzadehMinh LePatricia LeonKannappan ManickamCory CoehoornScott WillgressMyles MathesonJoyce MatthewsAdam McCabeBraydon McDougalLiam McFarlaneMaryam MenhriNatasha MorrisAmanda NewberryMatt NykolichukDixit PatelScott PetersenBrenna PetersonMohammad RasouliHilary ReidIce Technician Andy Yardy.Weight Room SupervisorWeight Room SupervisorBrent ScherschelRyan SegstroAndrew ShawShona ShedlockJoel StrongJason SyCam VarnerChase WeigelKyle WintersCurtis TaylorEleazar TrejoYan YuNourhan ZayedOperations & MaintenanceKameron Kiland Director of OperationsMark Messer Facility SpecialistMick Kiddle Ice Maintenance SupervisorCaprice McGonigal Operations CoordinatorAndrew Yardy Ice TechnicianStewart Therrien Ice TechnicianTerry Masikewich Ice TechnicianNorm Lennon Ice TechnicianBrad Kowal Ice TechnicianJoachim Kuzel Ice TechnicianMarcin Goszczynski Part Time Ice TechMitchell Hewitt Part Time Ice TechCameron MacLeod Part Time Ice TechMatthew McLean Part Time Ice TechBrian McSorley Part Time Ice TechRyan Yardy Part Time Ice TechAl McIlveen Part Time Ice TechMark WildPart Time Ice TechCrispin Parkinson Part Time Ice TechScott Camacho Part Time Ice TechEd ZollerBuilding Maintenance SupervisorEva SyCaretakingJohn Yallop CaretakingJenny LiCaretakingDaniel XuCaretakingEvents, Marketing& CommunicationKarrie Kreutz Director of EventsBridget Cox Communications SpecialistGregg Planert Competitions CoordinatorSharon deBoer Events SpecialistJock Wilson Marketing & PromotionsEllen Huynh Volunteer CoordinatorKate Cools-Lartigue Female HockeyEvent CoordinatorJarred Dronyk Assistant CompetitionsKathy Berg, Cam MacLeod, Karrie Kreutz, Mark Messer andTerry Masikewich celebrated 10, 15 and 20 year anniversaries ofworking at the Olympic Oval.twenty-one

Olympic Oval Communications & MarketingOlympic Oval athletes, coaches and staff successes werecelebrated in local, national and international media with over 300features, profiles and news stories published in newspapers, airedon radio and shown on television by news agencies in Calgary andaround the world.Thanks to more than 150 press releases, media advisories, publicservice announcements and six press conferences hosted thisseason, stories about Olympic Oval athletes and staff and theiramazing skills and achievements were reported on this season. MARKETING & PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS2006-2007 Olympic Oval Annual Review2007 Pre-Stampede fundraising party posters, program and advertisingCalgary Oval X-Treme 2007-2008 season hockey cardsCalgary Oval X-Treme WWHL home game and Champions’ Cup postersPublic skating and running schedules and passesImpark Family Christmas Skate posterOlympic Oval Short Track competition posterPapa John’s Family Fun Day poster, pizza box toppers and event mapOlympic Oval National Cycling Centre training camp brochureClub Racer advertising2008 ING Finale promotional materials (invitations, posters and postcards)2008 Olympic Oval summer camp e-brochures, posters and advertisementstwenty-twoPhoto: Arno HoogveldHayley Wickenheiser answers questions from local and national media at the Calgary Oval X-Treme seasonopening press conference.

Olympic Oval in the News, 2007-2008* Developing athletes preparing for the 2010 Olympics in short track andlong track were featured on CTV local and national news* Local media covered the hiring of new Calgary Oval X-Treme headcoach Mario Amantea and the addition of two Chinese players to theteam’s roster* The world’s best speed skaters Jeremy Wotherspoon, Clara Hughes andCindy Klassen were part of CTV/TSN features about the 2010 Olympicsand the 20 year anniversary of the 1988 Calgary Olympics* Advertisements about Olympic Oval public events, speed skatingcompetitions, hockey games and our 20th anniversary celebrationswere published in the Calgary Sun, a proud sponsor of our facility* Olympic silver medalist Susan Auch and former Olympic Oval coachDerrick Auch and their families were featured by local and national mediafor helping celebrate Papa John’s Family Fun Day and the 20thanniversary of the Olympic Oval* National Development Team long track speed skater and Olympic OvalOperations employee Matt McLean was featured in a Global TV newsstory* Calgary Oval X-Treme’s Hayley Wickenheiser was named CanadianPress’s and the Calgary Booster Club’s Female Athlete of the Year for2007 and received local, national and international media coverageNEW Olympic Oval web site!PRESS CONFERENCESAnnouncement of new Calgary Oval X-Treme head coach and Chinese NationalTeam programCalgary Oval X-Treme season opener press conferenceAnnouncement of Olympic Oval Athlete Bursary recipientsIntroduction of Canadian National Short Track Team and opening ofNational Team Selection Trails #1 competition featuring National Short Trackteam athletes2007 Essent ISU World Cup press conferencePapa John’s Family Fun Day press event featuring two-time Olympic silvermedalist Susan Auch and former Olympic coach Derrick Auch and their families* Wickenheiser was listed as the 20th toughest athlete in the world bySports Illustrated* Calgary’s two major newspapers, Canadian Press, local and nationalradio and television and international media covered the ISU World Cupat the Olympic Oval in November 2007* The Calgary Sun published six ads congratulating Olympic Oval staff fortheir 20 years of work at the Olympic Oval and a two page featurecelebrating our facilities’ history* International travel magazines from Asia and Europe have reported onthe Olympic Oval as a tourist attraction; a successful legacy facility fromthe 1988 Olympics and home to the fastest ice in the worldThis season the Olympic Oval web site underwent a renovation. Working with theUniversity of Calgary’s web department, a new Olympic Oval web site was designedand launched in Feb. 2008 featuring a new online results system for long track speedskating.* TSN broadcast and produced the first-ever 30 minute long track speedskating feature on the 2008 ING Finale speed skating competition,featuring Denny Morrison setting a world record in the 1,500 metre race* Global TV reported on track cyclists Monique Sullivan and MarkMcDonald and the Calgary Bicycle Track Leaguetwenty-three