Buffalo's Need for Speed: Local Skaters Keep the Ice Alive

In the heart of Buffalo, the Buffalo Speedskating Club continues to fuel the city's passion for speed on ice.

 

Operating out of the North Buffalo Ice Rink on Tacoma Avenue, the club offers sessions every Tuesday and Sunday, welcoming skaters from beginners to seasoned athletes.

 

Each practice transforms the rink into a 360-foot oval track, the standard for short-track speedskating.

 

"There's really nothing like it. You're hitting top speeds flying on ice, and the only rules are to go fast and turn left," said Henry Withers, one of the club's dedicated coaches.

 

The club caters to a diverse age range, from young enthusiasts to veterans in their seventies.

 

While some members skate for fitness and fun, others have their sights set on national competitions.

 

"You're going as fast as you can, and when you're gliding on the corner, it feels like heaven," shared Sage Krishna, a junior Olympic hopeful and three-time national qualifier.

 

Buffalo's contribution to the sport is noteworthy.

 

"It's such a small sport that a lot of the Olympic team become familiar faces," Withers noted.

 

"So the majority of this year's Olympic short track team have raced in Buffalo at one point or another in our competition."

 

For those interested in experiencing the thrill firsthand, the club is hosting an open house on February 19th at the North Buffalo Ice Rink.

 

Skates and equipment will be provided, subject to availability.

 

As the world turns its attention to the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan, Buffalo's skaters remain steadfast, knowing that some of those champions once raced on their hometown ice.