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CanSkate

Skate Canada 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).

Our clubs from across Canada are excited as they prepare to welcome and serve learn-to-skate clientele from every walk of life, age and every interest level.

  • 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 or adults, as well as for those wishing to improve their basic skills whether their focus is for figure skating, hockey, speed skating 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. 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.
 

CanSkate Badges

 

Equipment for CanSkate

Skaters need to remain warm and dry while they are on the ice, we suggest layering clothing. For young skaters snow pants are recommended, older skaters may prefer to wear splash pants over leggings or sweatpants. No jeans as these can become very cold on the ice when they get wet. Gloves or Mittens help to keep Skaters hands warm and dry. Please do not wear fuzzy mittens or gloves as the fuzz gets stuck on the ice and is difficult to get off by arena staff.  Helmets are required for all skaters at the lower levels of CanSkate. Face masks or cages are no longer required in CanSkate.

Here is a Skate Canada video to help you get your Skater ready for their first skating class. Click on the link below for information on fitting and tying skates properly.

CanSkate Equipment Guidelines

PreCanSkate and CanSkaters MUST wear a CSA approved hockey helmet, this is mandatory for participation in this program. Any other type of helmet is not allowed to be worn. No exceptions.  PreCanSkaters are required to have a full face mask/shield.

     

MHSC and Skate Canada DO NOT recommend the “adjustable or expandable” skates. These types do not offer the support needed for developing skaters. If you need help selecting proper fitting skates please speak with the professionals at Sports Connection, talk with our Coaching staff or our Club staff for recommendations.

 

 

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