CanSkate

The CanSkate program focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. Based on Sport Canada’s long term athlete development (LTD) principles, CanSkate centers on physical literacy and the fundamental skills needed to take part in any ice sport or to skate as a recreational activity. Skaters will earn ribbons, badges and other incentives as they learn fundamental skating skills.

Who’s it for?

For beginners of all ages, children or adults, as well as for those wishing to improve their basic skills whether their focus be for figure skating, hockey, speed skating or just skating for fun.

Who teaches it?

National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) trained professional coaches, assisted by trained program assistants.

What will you learn?

A complete series of balance, control and agility skills taught in six stages of learning that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating as well as 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.

What can you expect?

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

What do you need to participate?

All you need are skates, a CSA-approved hockey helmet, long pants, mittens, warm sweater or jacket.

Schedule:

Wednesdays

Session one: 5:45-6:15pm

Session two: 6:20-6:50pm

Fridays

Session one: 5:45-6:15pm

Session two: 6:20-6:50pm

Skaters attending our sessions will have more fun and advance faster if they are properly and safely equipped. This means making sure that:

SKATES

• Skates fit comfortably
• There is room for toes to wiggle slightly
• Heels do not lift inside the skate more than ¼ ince

• An adult finger can fit in the top of the boot when
done up.
• Excess laces are tucked or tied up so that they do
not hang loose or drag on the ice

EQUIPMENT CARE

To protect the skate blades, skate guards should beworn in any area that is not protected by rubber mats.
At the end of every session the blades should bewiped with a dry cloth to prevent rusting. Skate sharpening should be done periodically.

HELMETS

A CSA approved hockey helmet must be worn by all skaters at or below Stage 5

(please see SkateCanada Helmet Policy when registering for further details).

CLOTHING

Skaters should dress warmly for our sessions; however, some items such as long drawstrings,

scarves, dangling coat belts, etc. can be a hazard on the ice and should be avoided if possible.

We recommend wearing mittens or gloves to keep skaters warm.