Pre-CanSkate
Where our youngest athletes start their CanSkate experience
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What is Pre-CanSkate?
Tailored for young or beginner skaters, Pre-CanSkate is an independent learn-to-skate program. Held alongside CanSkate but in shorter sessions, it provides an excellent foundation in skating fundamentals for young learners.
Who's it for?
Pre-CanSkate is for skaters aged 3 to 5, as well as those who may need extra practice to build confidence or balance.
Who teaches it?
NCCP-trained professional coaches, assisted by trained program assistants (members of our figure skating program).
What will you learn?
Skaters will work on eight basic skills that are designed to prepare them for CanSkate.
What can you expect?
Fun! With games and colorful teaching aids, Pre-CanSkate transforms a smaller portion of the ice into a fun learning zone. Skaters begin with the basics, like falling down and getting up, and gradually move around and progress into skills like making snow or marching backwards.
"The only way a kid is going to practice is if it's total fun... and it was for me."
- Wayne Gretzky
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
What does my skater need to participate?
Pre-CanSkate participants must wear skates, a CSA-approved hockey helmet, long pants, mittens, warm sweater or jacket. Wearing snow pants or water resistant clothing is a good option for beginners - but as they get moving
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, Pre-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?
Pre-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 (TBD) 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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