Programs

CanSkate

CanSkate is a dynamic learn-to-skate program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. Based on Sport Canada’s long term athlete development (LTAD) 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.

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, ringette or just skating for fun.

Who teaches it?

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.

There are six ‘stage’ badges to complete in the CanSkate program. Each stage incorporates skills focusing on the fundamental movements of Agility, Balance and Control, the A B Cs of skating. 

Parent & Tots: (2-5 years old)

This program is designed for skaters aged 2- 5 years old who require assistance and who are not yet independent enough to skate with out a Parent or Family member (16 years of age minimum). This program strives to help young skaters become comfortable on the ice, and learn through play during a 30 minute lesson. The same “parent” must assist and cannot change between parent/ guardian unless the additional parent or guardian pays the $50 fee and registers with Skate Canada. The “Parent” must either wear a hockey helmet or must be able to skate at a CanSkate Stage 5 level which includes forwards and backwards with ease, stopping, forwards and backwards crosscuts and transfer from inside/ outside edges on one foot.  All skaters are required to wear a CSA approved hockey helmet, and for this level the helmet must also include the face cage as well.  Skaters must also wear a warm jacket, snow pants, water proof mittens or gloves and hockey or figure skates.

Preschool Penguins:  (3- 5 years old)

This program is for 3- 5 year olds who can attend without their family member on the ice.  During the 30 minute lesson, skaters will work on Pre-CanSkate skills to earn their Pre-CanSkate ribbon before moving on to Stage 1 of CanSkate. Pre-CanSkate includes learning how to fall down and get up, balance on two feet, move forward, make snow, two-foot twist, 360 degree march, two-foot jump. All skaters are required to wear a CSA approved hockey helmet, and for this level the helmet must also include a face cage.  Skaters must also wear a warm jacket, snow pants, water proof mittens or gloves and hockey or figure skates.

Power, Stride & Glide

 Power, Stride & Glide is a high energy Hockey Skating Skills program geared for hockey and ringette players, teaches the fundamentals of power skating in a progressive and sequential manner for Hockey 1 and up.

Skaters aged 8 years & under will be placed in the Level 1-3 group, and will be bumped up to higher level when skills have been mastered. Skaters aged 9 years & up will be placed in the Level 4-6 group.

All Programs are taught by Nationally Certified Skate Canada Professional Coaches.