PreCanskate Program Information

WHO: Designed for beginners ages 2.5 - 5 years (approximately), with little or no ice experience. Skaters must turn 3 within 3 months of their season start or as noted on specific program registrations. 

Ex. September start turns 4 by December 31st. January start turns 4 by April 31st. May start turns 4 by August 31st. 

WHAT: We work with a nationally tested curriculum that focuses on balance, control, and agility while allowing skaters to learn at their own pace, with the goal to build skills and progress to CanSkate level 1. 

HOW: Skaters progress at their own rate, during fun structured sessions that include music, on-ice teaching aids, and continuous movement. 

WHEN: September-April (exact dates depend on rink & season; see registration page for details). 

WHO: Led by professional NCCP-certified coaches and trained Program Assistants. Parents are NOT on the ice; though may register in limited volunteer positions to support all skaters. 

WHAT'S NEXT: Skaters can progress through to CanSkate sessions when ready. Our coaching team will communicate advancement eligibility to skaters and their families as they move closer to this milestone. 

WHAT TO WEAR: Skaters MUST wear a CSA-Approved hockey helmet that is not expired. Face masks are recommended though not mandatory. Warm mittens, splash or snowpants, and warm layers are recommended. Please avoid scarves, loose or hanging clothes, or those made of a sherpa-like material (sticks to the ice). 

SKATES: Hockey or figure skates (new or used). Please avoid plastic adjustable skates as they do not provide proper ankle support. When standing off-ice, ankles should not collapse in-or-outward; this will affect ability on-ice.

For sizing; we recommend looking at skate brand-specific size charts online and measuring your child's feet; sizing up too much may affect their on-ice ability. Skate sizing may not match shoe size, and may need to be sized up or down.