US Speedskating sanctioned ability meet held on an Olympic size rink

Saturday & Sunday - October 25 - 26, 2025

2025 Entry

The Competition Draw Entry Is Closed

Due to overwhelming interest, we have moved to a new entry process based on a random Competition Draw. This will provide an improved experience and maximize the number of skaters accommodated.

August 3 - August 10: Interested skaters were able to sign up for the Competition Draw on this page.

August 27: The Competition Draw was held, and drawn skaters received a registration offer.

The number of competitors accepted in each division was weighted based on the number of skaters present in the draw for each division.

If one member of an immediate family (siblings and/or parents only) was drawn, all skaters in the drawing from the household were accepted.

All remaining interested skaters were placed on the waitlist.

September 3rd: Skaters receiving an offer must complete registration and payment by this date.

October 1st: Last day for a refund.

Cost: $100.00 USD

We understand this is a significant change from our previous registration process, which was no longer sustainable. We thank you in advance for your understanding and continued support. As in past years, we expect to host upwards of 180 skaters with an anticipated acceptance rate of more than 90%.

Schedule: TBD

Dates:

Racing: Saturday & Sunday - October 25 - 26

Practice Ice: Friday evening - October 24

Format

The format of the Meet is a two-round progression, one heat, and a final for all skaters. The number of finals is based on the number of skaters in the heats. Progression to finals will be determined by the number of skaters in each group and then by position and next fastest.

Example 1: 12 skaters in a group, so 3 heats of 4 skaters. 5 skaters will qualify for the A final. The 1st place skater in each heat plus the next 2 fastest 2nd place skaters. 5 skaters will qualify for the B final. The remaining 2nd place skater, the three 3rd place skaters, and the fastest 4th place skater. The last 2 finishers will make up the C Final.

Example 2: 8 skaters in a group, so 2 heats of 4 skaters. 5 skaters will qualify for the A final, the 1st and 2nd from each heat plus the fastest 3rd place skater. The remaining 3 skaters will go to the B Final.

The Super Events are based on overall points. All athletes will skate in a Super, (A, B, C...) for their longest distance. We are using the USS and ISU new points system, so every finalist will receive points for ranking.

Example of 12 skaters in a group

Heat 1
1    48.99    QA
2    49.09    QA
3    50.21    QB
4    51.47    QB
Heat 2
1    50.21    QA
2    51.24    QB
3    51.54    QB
4    51.88    QC
Heat 3
1    47.25    QA
2    49.25    QA
3    49.58    QB
4    54.25    QC

Required Equipment

All participants must wear a helmet, full finger gloves (preferably cut-proof), eye protection, long sleeves, knee pads, neck protection, and shin guards. The knee pads, neck protection, and shin guards may be incorporated into a suit.

Recommended Equipment: Full-body cut-resistant protection (either integrated into the skin suit or separate).

Divisions

This is an Ability Meet. Skaters will be grouped according to their seed time, with consideration being given to the age of skaters in each group. With the exception of Heartland, divisions may be mixed-gender. Per USS guidelines, all skaters will race on an appropriate-size track.

Heartland - skaters ages 12 and older as of 7/1/25 who meet the qualifying time standard of 1:48.0 for men and 1:58.0 for women in the 1000 meters. The time standard must be from a sanctioned short track meet from July 1, 2024, or later. There will be two groups, Heartland A and Heartland B. The two groups will be roughly split 50/50 based on times.

The ISU "Zero False Starts" rule will apply to all Heartland A and B races.

Ability—Skaters 11 and younger will compete in the Ability Division. Skaters 12 and older who do not meet the Heartland qualifying time standard will also compete in the Ability Division. Consideration will be given to skaters' age and whether this is their first year racing in a USS or SSC sanctioned meet.

Divisions/Groups/Events: TBD

Information

Meet Director - Henry Withers

Assistant Meet Director - Alan Jay

BSC President - Doug Lippa

For additional information contact:

Henry Withers - Henry@buffalospeedskating.org

Phone - 315-440-6764

Photo Credits:

Header photo - Raymond Lin (Potomac Speedskating Club)

Heartland photo - Alan Jay (Buffalo Speedskating Club)

Past Yer's Meets photo - Alan Jay (Buffalo Speedskating Club)

Short Sleeve T-shirt

Cost - $25 USD

Order

Iron grey heather color with white screen print
3.8 oz. 100% moisture-wicking polyester
Tear away neck label for comfort
Double-needle stitched for durability
Click here for detailed size information

Partner Hotels

Hampton Inn Buffalo - Amherst

1601 Amherst Manor Dr., Amherst, NY 14221

716-559-7010

Booking Website

$219 plus tax per night including breakfast.

80 rooms available, the last day to book is Friday, October 10, or until sold out.

To receive this group rate, bookings must be completed using only the link above.

The hotel is adjacent to the rink, about a three-minute walk or a 30-second drive.

Comfort Inn and Suites Buffalo Airport

4345 Genesee Street, Buffalo, NY 14225

716-415-1013

Booking Website

$149 plus tax per night including breakfast.

20 rooms available, the last day to book is Wednesday, September 24, or until sold out.

To receive this group rate, bookings must be completed using only the link above.

The hotel is about a 10-minute drive to the rink.

Fairfield Inn and Suites Buffalo Amherst:

3880 Rensch Rd, Amherst, NY 14228

716-204-8936

Booking Website

$179 plus tax per night including

breakfast.

30 rooms available, the last day to book is Wednesday, September 24, or until sold out.

To receive this group rate, bookings must be completed using only the link above. Please note: when making a reservation, the start date must be changed to Friday, Oct. 24th.

The hotel is about a 8-minute drive to the rink.

Heartland Racing Series

We are proud to be part of the Heartland Racing Series.

A season-long circuit of short track speed skating open class races to develop passion and skills for racing. Click here for additional information on the series.