What is CanSkate?

• CanSkate is a dynamic learn-to-skate program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. CanSkate uses nationally-tested and proven curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster.
• CanSkate teaches the fundamental skills needed to take part in any ice sport whether the focus be for hockey, ringette, figure skating, speed skating or just skating for fun.
• Designed for those children ages 5 and up who can work independently within a group lesson (children ages 3-5 may be moved into this program with permission of the CanSkate director after they have passed Pre-CanSkate). 
• Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions interactive using teaching aids, music and a wide variety of activities that create a fun environment and promote learning. 
• Please refer to "What level is my Skater" if you are uncertain which stage to choose for your skater.
• Approved CSA hockey helmets are mandatory and children will not be permitted on the ice without one. See the Helmet Policy.

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.

Why sign up for Pre-CanSkate/CanSkate?

In order to see rapid improvement in skating skills it is highly recommended that children skate more than 1 session a week once in CanSkate.  Therefore, we offer a 10% discount on the subsequent classes if a skater registers for two or more classes in the same Season.

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. Dress in layers – it will get warm!
• Figure or hockey skates can be worn but must provide good support.  If the skater can stand in their laced-up boots on a carpet with the skates perpendicular, i.e. not leaning in or out, the support is adequate for this level.  An approved CSA hockey helmet is mandatory and children will not be permitted on the ice without one.
• Figure skates have a toe pick which is needed for jumps.   However, when wearing figure skates children often push with the toe pick and so can move without bending their knees, a very bad habit which is difficult to break.   Hockey skates are useful in that the child has to push with the whole blade and in doing so has to bend his/her knees.   We want skaters to progress as far as possible even if they do not go on to figure skating or hockey.   If a child learns on hockey skates and wishes to become a figure skater they have to adjust their technique slightly.  

Exciting news – CanSkate even better!

• We have developed a new CanSkate program based on Sport Canada’s long term athlete development (LTAD) principles. Exciting new features include a fresh new look, new awards, great tools for coaches and most importantly a tested and proven new curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster. But there’s more! The new program also includes specific skills that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating. The result is a dynamic new program that prepares all skaters for virtually every ice sport.
• Skate Canada is also proud to have all its programs taught by professional coaches who are specially trained and certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).