Fire on Ice ...Burner wins Province Again

(Prince Albert) Ryan Bernhard racked up another provincial Championship for the Humboldt Speed Skating Club at this weekend's Short Track Championships held in Prince Albert. Four Humboldt Club Speed Skaters traveled to Prince Albert March 4th and 5th to compete in the Championships.

Ryan “Burner 2” Bernhard, a first year juvenile, won 3 out of 4 races in his age class. He was on track for a four gold performance but was disqualified for impeding in one race. Coach Craig Dutton said "Ryan skates tough but honest. He's the best and sometimes his opponents get the sympathy call because Ryan's kicking their butts. Ryan skates clean."

Ryan was awarded the overall gold medal and provincial title. "Ryan competes at a national level and he's been coached to keep his track and make someone take it away if they can. Humboldt skaters win because they are tough competitors. Sometimes you get disqualified...bottom line he is the Champion again." Dutton added. He also won the crowd’s respect during the relay races when he jumped over a fallen skater narrowly avoiding a serious injury to the fallen skater.

Terran "Torch" Bernhard, a Midget Boy, placed a respectable 6th in his division. Terran kept spectators on the edge of their seats with some gutsy and tough outside passes. Bernhard pulled what might have been the upset of the meet when he burned the leader of his division and pre-race favourite in a heat and qualified for the medal final. The Torch has some solid wins this season and is looking good for next year.

Nigel "Krazy Legs" Krueger, a first year Pee Wee skater set four smoking hot personal bests, one in each distance. Sneaking past a number second year skaters Krazy Legs placed a very solid 5th place. Krueger put the dagger in the opposition and served notice that he would be a contender for the Championship next year by winning his final and longest race of the weekend.

Jacob Krueger, a first year speed skater raced in the cradle division of short track for the first time. maybe the smallest and youngest skater of the competition "Jake the Snake" was as quick a rattler. He was a crowd favourite and finished in second place.

Teammates Nathan Bernhard and William Dutton did not compete. Dutton suffered a broken collar bone in practice and Nathan had prior commitments pounding the skins with his band Groundwire.



For further information call

Craig Dutton Coach

1-306-231-9906