CanSkaters
Learn Superior Skating Skills for ALL ice sports including hockey, ringette, speed skating, figure skating and recreational skating.
Our PreCanSkate program is designed for children ages 3 to 5 and is offered weeknights and weekends for 30 minutes once per week or more if wished. The goal of this program is to help skaters develop balance and coordination with an emphasis on having fun through the use of music, games and toys.
Our CanSkate program is designed for children 5 years of age and older ( this is a guideline). Each session runs for 60 minutes and is offered weeknights and weekends with the option of 1 or more sessions per week. Children are separated into colour-coded groups based on their age and ability while progressing through six levels of skating skills at their own pace.
Parents MUST stay in the arena while their child is on the ice.
CSA-approved hockey helmets are mandatory.
Canskate Equipment
Snow or splash pants are recommended. Mitts or gloves are mandatory.
Skates
Skaters who are in Pre-CanSkate, CanSkate may use hockey or figure skates. We advise the purchase of skate boots with laces, not moulded plastic skates with buckles. Skates that have an adjustable fit are also not recommended. Skates should be tied snugly with laces tucked away. At the end of every skating session, please wipe your skater’s blades dry. Please also ensure that your skater’s skates are sharpened regularly, at least once per season. You can also help your skater by ensuring their skate are comfortable and fit properly. Toes should be able to wiggle slightly and the heels should be able to lift only slightly as well. When purchasing skates, please ensure the skates are sharpened.
Hockey VS Figure skates? Either option is fine. There is no one option that is more difficult to first learn on. However, switching from hockey to figure can be a hard transition. So if the family has any ideas of the skater being a figure skater, they should start with a pick!
Helmet
All skaters in our Learn to Skate programs are required to have a CSA approved helmet that is no more than 5 years old. There is a date in the CSA sticker at the back of the helmet to watch if you are not buying this item new. CanSkaters are required to wear CSA approved helmets until they have earned Stage 5.
Mittens
Skaters are required to wear mittens or gloves while on the ice. Please make sure that the mittens that skaters wear to skating lessons are different from the mittens they wear while being outside, as we want to minimize the chance of spreading COVID-19. We also will not be lending mittens to skaters for the time being.