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What is 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 (as young as 3), 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. Children aged 3-5 years are typically grouped in a Pre-Canskate skill level.
What should my skater wear?
CanSkaters should dress warmly and in layers. We recommend warm pants covered with splash pants to keep the skaters dry and warm. Thicker mittens are also recommended. A non expired CSA approved hockey helmet is mandatory, facemasks are optional. As skaters progress up through the badges they may require fewer layers of clothing, and some little girls may want to wear a favourite skating dress. Skates are an important item to consider in every program. No matter what level of skater you have, remember the fit is paramount. Skates should be sharpened when first purchased and then checked regularly. If the blade feels flat or rounded when you rub across it crosswise, or your skater is falling more than usual, a sharpening is likely required. Walking on the Agrena floors dulls your skates quickly. Skate guards are a low cost investment that will protect your blades! Skate guards will be needed at the year end Carnival.
Who teaches the program?
The CanSkate program is taught by a Skate Canada Professional Coach(s) who are assisted by trained Program Assistants (PA’s).
How Does a Typical Session Run?
Arrive at the Agrena 10-15 minutes before session time and proceed to the CanSkate dressing room to put on your skates and helmet. A few minutes before start time skaters should be lined up at the NORTH entry gate in the HOME box. We encourage parents to watch from the arena seating or the warmer lobby area. NO PARENTS WILL BE PERMITTED IN THE PLAYERS/PENALTY BOXES DURING SESSIONS. After the warm up, the skaters will break up into their coloured groups. The skaters are grouped based on skating level and age where possible. The skaters rotate to different stations on the ice to work with different coaches on different skills. The skaters are taught and review their skills on circuits. There is also a ‘Fast Track’ around the perimeter of the ice where skaters work on their speed. The session concludes with a group activity and a cool down. At the completion of the session, the skaters will be brought back to the same door they came on at to meet their parents.
CanSkaters should dress warmly and in layers. We recommend warm pants covered with splash pants to keep the skaters dry and warm. Thicker mittens are also recommended. A non expired CSA approved hockey helmet is mandatory, facemasks are optional. As skaters progress up through the badges they may require fewer layers of clothing, and some little girls may want to wear a favourite skating dress. Skates are an important item to consider in every program. No matter what level of skater you have, remember the fit is paramount. Skates should be sharpened when first purchased and then checked regularly. If the blade feels flat or rounded when you rub across it crosswise, or your skater is falling more than usual, a sharpening is likely required. Walking on the Agrena floors dulls your skates quickly. Skate guards are a low cost investment that will protect your blades! Skate guards will be needed at the year end Carnival.
Who teaches the program?
The CanSkate program is taught by a Skate Canada Professional Coach(s) who are assisted by trained Program Assistants (PA’s).
How Does a Typical Session Run?
Arrive at the Agrena 10-15 minutes before session time and proceed to the CanSkate dressing room to put on your skates and helmet. A few minutes before start time skaters should be lined up at the NORTH entry gate in the HOME box. We encourage parents to watch from the arena seating or the warmer lobby area. NO PARENTS WILL BE PERMITTED IN THE PLAYERS/PENALTY BOXES DURING SESSIONS. After the warm up, the skaters will break up into their coloured groups. The skaters are grouped based on skating level and age where possible. The skaters rotate to different stations on the ice to work with different coaches on different skills. The skaters are taught and review their skills on circuits. There is also a ‘Fast Track’ around the perimeter of the ice where skaters work on their speed. The session concludes with a group activity and a cool down. At the completion of the session, the skaters will be brought back to the same door they came on at to meet their parents.
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.
How long does it take to complete the CanSkate program?
Every skater is different and all skaters progress at different rates. It often depends on the age of the skater, and readiness to participate in the program.
What’s after CanSkate?
If your skater is geared toward figure skating:
Once your skater has mastered their Stage 3 badge and has the recommendation of a coach, they are eligible for our Intro STARSkate program. In Intro STARSkate they will continue to complete their CanSkate Badges, as well as receive an introduction to STARSkate.
If your skater is geared toward hockey or recreational skating:
Pre-CanPowerSkate and CanPowerSkate programs are a great choice. Program choice will depend on age and strength of skater.
How do I get a Private lesson?
CanSkate is a group lesson program. If you wish to get private lessons in addition to your CanSkate session(s) additional ice fees and coaching fees will apply. You and your skater decide which coach you would like to book your private lesson with – the list of coaches is on the website. You must contact a coach directly to book lessons. Private lessons are billed directly from the coach to the skater and are offered in 10 or 15 minute blocks. Rates for lessons vary with coaches levels and coaching experience. Lessons can be Private - only 1 skater, Semi-Private - 2 skaters, or Small Group - 3 to 4 skaters.
Ice fees will be collected by the Coach and paid to the Club.
Tips for success:
Ensure your skater is dressed warmly in layers and that your skates are of a good quality as poor equipment can impede success. Consider skating more than once a week – the more a skill is practiced, the faster it can be achieved! Remind your skater that you will be sitting in the Agrena seating to cheer them on!!
CanSkate – Dressing Room 1
On your first day of CanSkate please arrive at the Agrena approximately
30 minutes prior to your child’s session time and check in at the ‘Welcome Table’.
Someone will then check your skaters’ helmet for expiry and proper fit. You will be given your skater’s name tag and directed to the CanSkate dressing room.