CanSkate
Empowering Canadians of all ages to skating success
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 recreational skating.
Who's it for?
For beginners aged 5 and up, and those wishing to improve their basic skills whether their focus is figure skating, hockey, speed skating or just skating for fun!
Who teaches it?
NCCP-trained professional coaches, assisted by trained program assistants (members of our figure skating program).
What will you learn?
A complete series of balance, control and agility skills taught in 6 stages of learning that apply to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating and general recreational skating.
What can you expect?
Action, movement and fun! All skaters in CanSkate take to the ice together and coaches will divide skater into groups. Skaters then progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, upbeat music and a wide variety of activities that keep skaters moving the whole session!
92% of Canadians Feel Skating is a Skill that All Children Should Have the Opportunity to Learn
Comprehensive Curriculum
CanSkate uses a nationally-tested and proven curriculum that guarantee skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster.
The CanSkate program works to build and reinforce important basic skills. Instead of just introducing a skill at one level and then leaving it, the skater will work on the same skill at many different stages.
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Awards System
Badges, ribbons and other incentives are used to benchmark skaters’ progress and reward effort and participation.
Each stage comprises of 3 focus areas: Balance, Control and Agility. When a skater masters a focus area, they receive a ribbon. Upon completing all focus areas in a stage, they earn the Stage badge.
Ribbons and badges are awarded to skaters at the end of their last CanSkate session.
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REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
What does my skater need to participate?
CanSkate participants must wear skates, a CSA-approved hockey helmet, and mittens or gloves. They should also wear long pants and a warm sweater or jacket - we recommend dressing in layers as they can get warm!
What kind of skates?
Hockey or figure skates are preferred - plastic/velcro/adjustable skates are allowed however are not recommended. Check out our FAQ page for help in finding the right skates.
What is a CSA approved helmet?
A CSA-helmet is a standard hockey helmet (Cages/face shields are optional).
Note: Bicycle helmets and other helmets will NOT be permitted.
Click here to view an example of the type of helmet and certificate sticker.
Check out this video for more info on equipment!
What are the fees?
The registration fees for CanSkate will depend on how many sessions are provided in the season. Typically, CanSkate sessions are between 8 and 10 weeks (1 class per week) and costs are listed on the registration page.
Additional Fees include the Skate Canada Membership fee. This once per season fee (Sept 1st to Aug 31st of the following year) is mandatory for each participant and covers each skaters liability insurance while on OSC ice. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
When is CanSkate offered?
CanSkate is offered 3 times per year - Fall, Winter and Spring.
Fall season begins at the end of September/beginning of October and ends in December.
Winter season begins in January and ends in March.
Spring season begins in April or May (TBA) and ends in June.
How do I register?
Please see below for session dates and registration details.
Fall 2024
Opening for registration July 2024
Skating dates: September to December
Winter 2025
Opening for registration in Nov 2024
Skating dates: January to March
Spring 2025
Opening for registration in Feb 2025
Skating dates: May to June
Millions of Canadians, including World and Olympic figure skating champions like Patrick Chan and National Hockey League stars like Matt Duchene, have taken their first steps on the ice with the CanSkate program.
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