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Pre-CanSkate Program Overview 

 

The Pre-CanSkate program is a non-parented program designed for children ages 4 and up, who have not been on skates. Skaters will learn in an energetic, fun environment using skating aids and toys with the goal of having fun.

Children must be 4 years old on the first date of class to register. We regret that we cannot accept children under the age of 4. 

Once skaters have met the program requirements for Pre-CanSkate, they enter the CanSkate program. 

They may register in CanSkate if they have not attended Pre-CanSkate but do have the skills below.  

Note: Not all skaters who are 4 are ready for an unparented program and may not be ready to take instruction. If this occurs, the coaches will speak to you and will recommend that the skater be withdrawn and to register when they are a bit older, which is often the next program offering. 

There are 8 basic skills for the skaters in this program:

  1. Balance on 2 feet

  2. Fall down and get up unassisted

  3. Move forward

  4. Move backward

  5. March around on the spot

  6. Make “snow”

  7. Jump on the spot

  8. 2-foot twist on the spot

 

Pre-CanSkate Schedule

 

     

(Select the Register Button to be taken to the Registration and Pricing Page.)

Pre-CanSkate is a 30 minute class. 

Fall & Winter 2024-2025

Registration Coming Soon! 

Monday Afternoon Program 3:15 to 3:45 PM:

Fall: Sep 16 to Dec 16, 2024

Winter: Jan 6 to Mar 24, 2025

Tuesday Program 5:15 to 5:45 PM:

Fall: Oct 1  to Dec 3, 2024

Winter: Jan 7 to Mar 18, 2025

Thursday Programs 5:15 to 5:45 PM:

Fall: Oct 3 to Dec 5. 2024

Winter: Jan 9 to Mar 22, 2025

Saturday Program 9:00 to 9:30 AM or 9:30 to 10:00 AM:

Fall Sep 21 to Dec 6, 2024

Winter: Jan 11 to Mar 22, 2025

**No classes:  Sep 30, Oct 12, Oct 14 , Nov 11, Dec 2, Feb 15,  Mar 10

Skaters can register for more than one day (e.g. Tuesday and Thursdays) as skill development and progress will occur quicker with more practice / on-ice time. Simply add each program to your cart. 

Select the Register Button Above to be taken to the Registration Page where all Program Prices are listed. 

 

SPRING SESSION 

May 29 to June 25, 2025

Tuesday and Thursday 4:15 to 4:45 pm

4 Tuesday's and 4 Thursday's 

Ages 4 and up. 

**Note: Classes will be at Spray Lakes Center

Equipment Requirements

 

Skaters who are equipped properly will have more fun and will advance faster

1. Skates:

  • Skates fit comfortably and there is sufficient ankle support
  • There is room for toes to wiggle slightly
  • Heels do not lift inside the skate more than ¼ inch
  • 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.
  • We do not recommend the “adjustable or expandable” skates or Molded plastic skates as can hinder skater progress, but either hockey or figure skates options are fine. 

2. CSA-Approved Hockey Helmet:

  • A CSA-approved hockey helmet MUST be worn by all skaters up to and including stage 5 (please click to see Skate Canada Helmet Policy). This means the helmet MUST have the red/blue CSA sticker on it to be valid.

  • This policy will be strictly enforced, please read carefully to avoid disappointment. 

  • No bike helmets are permitted and skaters will not be permitted on the ice. 

3. Clothing:

  • Skaters should dress warm layers for our sessions; items such as long drawstrings, scarves, dangling coat belts, etc. can be a hazard on the ice and should be removed or avoided.
  • Warm mittens or gloves are mandatory and children will not be allowed to skate without them.

Equipment Care:

  • To protect the skate blades, skate guards should be worn in any area that is not protected by rubber mats.
  • At the end of every session the blades should be wiped with a dry cloth to prevent rusting.
  • Skate sharpening should be done periodically, about every 30 hours of skating (depending on usage and care). The bottom pick on figure skates should not be removed – the pick is part of the design and is essential to proper balance.

What happens on the first day?

  • Arrive no more than 15 minutes prior to the ice time. 
  • Check the monitor in the lobby for the dressing room assigned to CanSkate. Please do not change in rooms not assigned as other clubs/user groups may have those dressing rooms assigned to them. 
  • Collect your skaters name tag and attached to their jacket. Note the coaches will keep it at the end of the class to take attendance. 
  • Arrive with your skater fully dressed with skates and guards on to protect skates. .  
  • Note the first couple of classes are when skaters are grouped and it's normal for skaters to be a bit confused or the session to look hectic.  There will be be some switching of groups and adjustments to ensure all skaters are in appropriate groups and skill levels in the first few classes. Coaches may move skaters to different groups throughout the program based on how they progress. 

 

 

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