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Skating is for everyone! Whether you want to skate for fun or skate to win! #SkateWithUs!

CanSkate

CanSkate offers the best curriculum in Canada. Our flagship learn-to-skate program has taught millions of Canadians to reach their recreational and competitive goals on the ice.
 

Our CanSkate program is geared to children aged 5 years or older. Whether you are looking to improve basic skating skills for figure skating,  hockey, ringette or speed skating, or  wish to skate for recreation, fitness or fun, CanSkate will get you there.

Conducted in a fun, friendly environment, the CanSkate program showcases a comprehensive series of balance, control and agility skills, using a nationally-tested and proven curriculum that supports skater success in developing stronger basic skills on the ice.

Millions of Canadians, including World and Olympic figure skating champions and National Hockey League stars, have taken their first steps on the ice with the CanSkate program. 

Who teaches it?

NCCP-trained professional coaches, assisted by trained program assistants (PA).
 

What will you learn?

A complete series of balance, control, and agility skills are taught in six stages of learning that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating, figure skating, and general recreational skating. CanSkate uses nationally-tested and proven curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster.

 

BALANCE

CONTROL

AGILITY

STAGE 1

Fall down & get up Forward skating Forward two-foot glide

Forward two-foot sit glide

Snow slide steps Backward skating Backward two-foot glide

Stationary 180° turn Stationary two-foot jump

Forward skating perimeter of ice surface

 

 

 

STAGE 2

Forward sculling

Forward two-foot to one-foot glide Forward push/glide sequence Forward one-foot glide with speed

Forward stop

Backward two-foot sit glide Backward two-foot to one-foot glide Backward push/glide sequence

Forward two-foot turn Backward two-foot turn Forward 180° glide turn Forward two-foot jump

 

 

 

STAGE 3

Forward stationary blade push Forward two-foot slalom Forward circle thrusts

Walking crosscuts

Forward two-foot to one-foot curve glide

Forward stop with speed Backward sculling

Backward two-foot to one-foot glide Backward push/glide sequence Backward one-foot glide with speed

Forward two-foot quick turn Backward two-foot quick turn Forward 360° step turn Backward two-foot jump

Fast forward perimeter skating

 

 

 

STAGE 4

Forward crosscuts

Forward inside giant slalom Forward outside giant slalom Forward lunge

Forward spiral Drop-down drill Forward “V” start

Backward stop

Backward circle thrusts or pumps Backward two-foot slalom Backward one-foot glide with curve Sustained forward one-foot glide Speed drill #1

Forward one-foot turn Backward 360° step turn

Forward to backward two-foot jump Backward to forward two-foot jump Two-foot spin

Two-foot sit spin

 

 

 

 
 

What can you expect?

Action, movement, and fun! Lessons are given in a group format with a coach-to-student ratio of a maximum of 1:10. Skaters progress at their own rate, and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, upbeat music, and various activities that create a motivational environment and promote learning. Badges, ribbons and other incentives are used to benchmark skaters’ progress.

 

How to dress for the ice.

CLOTHING:

  • Should be warm but not restrictive
  • Dress in layers
  • Keep skaters safe being sure nothing is hanging down and touching/dragging on the ice
  • Avoid wearing long scarves or pants that are too long
  • All skaters should wear waterproof mitts or gloves to keep hands warm and protected (NO hockey gloves)
  • No elbow pads, knee pads, or hockey gear

EQUIPMENT:

     SKATES

  • Lace-up skates (we DO NOT recommend "Adjustable or Expandable" skates as they do not provide the support and fit needed to learn skating effectively).

     HELMETS

  • At any age, helmets are mandatory to be worn in CanSkate up to and including Stage 5 for all events, competitions, ice shows, and any other special on-ice activities throughout the season.
  • Helmets worn must be a CSA-approved hockey helmet and must not be expired.
  • A proper fitting helmet sits no more than 1 inch above the brow line, has straps that are shaped like a V around the ears, and has no more than 1 finger space under the chin.
  • Be sure that skaters can see – all excess hair should be pulled back out of the way.
  • See the Helmet Use Policy.
  • Face masks are not mandatory; however young skaters may benefit from the added protection. 

Equipment Guidelines

AT THE RINK - INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

DRESSING ROOMS

Regarding dressing rooms, they will always be either 6 & 9 OR 7 & 10. 
 
On the tv screens above the small ice viewing area, that is second from the right—there will be the dressing room assignments listed on that tv.  Each time slot will scroll through. 

VIEWING FOR PARENTS
 
Parents are strongly encouraged to remain in the arena in case of skater injury/illness, or to take their skater to use the washroom. Coaches and PAs may not take skaters to the washroom.
Because the small ice is so small (and chilly) we do ask that parents, siblings, caregivers of each skater watch from the lobby-there just isn’t enough room inside the arena to accommodate everyone. Also, this practice allows the skaters to be less distracted and focused on their lesson. 

Some ice times may be cancelled and changed to accommodate the number of skaters registered.  Make-Ups for Missed Classes: Skaters sign up for a specific session and cannot be accommodated on another session if they must miss a day unless prearranged with a coach.


Register here

Spring - [2024-2025]


Spring Session

CanSkate Spring Academy - Apr 1, 2024 - Apr 24, 2025 (Must have enrolled in the CanSkate program for the 2024-2025 season to register)

Spring CanSkate I - May 7 - June 25, 2025

Spring CanSkate II - May 24 - June 28, 2025

Day Time Cost*
CanSkate Spring Academy - 8 classes
(Must have enrolled in the CanSkate program for the 2024-2025 season to register)
Tue, 6:15-7:00 PM / Thu, 6:15-7:00 PM $160.00
Spring I-Wednesday - 8 classes - May 7, 14, 21, 28, Jun 4, 11, 18, 25 4:00-4:45 PM
$160.00
Spring I-Wednesday - 8 classes - May 7, 14, 21, 28, Jun 4, 11, 18, 25 4:45-5:30 PM $160.00
Spring II-Saturday - 6 classes - May 24, 31, Jun 7, 14, 21, 28 11:00-11:45 AM $125.00

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