Pre-Canskate

Pre-CanSkate is a basic learn-to-skate program for the absolute beginner, whether their focus is on figure skating, hockey, speed skating or just skating for fun.  The program is for first time skaters (3-5 years old) and is designed to teach the basics of skating and to be a “fun” experience.

All Pre-CanSkaters are required to wear CSA approved helmets.  Face shields or cages are highly recommended for skaters aged 5 and under.
Skates and helmets are NOT available for rent during lessons. Skaters must bring their own.

Pre-CanSkate and CanSkate programs will run at the same time.  Please register your skater for the appropriate program.  Space is limited. 

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.

All CanSkaters are required to wear CSA approved helmets.  Face shields or cages are highly recommended for skaters aged 5 and under.
Skates and helmets are NOT available for rent during lessons. Skaters must bring their own.

Junior Academy

Participation within the program is by invitation only, with auditions and assessments conducted in the Spring and Fall. Skaters previously registered in Jr. Academy and those skaters auditioned in the Fall will be given priority towards registration
Ages: 4 to 8 years old

StarSkate Development

Participants are expected to wear a skating dress or skirt, or form fitting clothes when on the ice. A parent or designated adult must be present while skaters participate in Club programs.
Prerequisites: Participation within the program is by invitation only through the CanSkate Program.
Ages: 9-17 years old

Off Ice Conditioning

Off Ice Training has become a crucial part of skating development.

Stretch Class
(Bronze – Gold) Nevena, our current club ballet instructor, will work with the skaters each week in order to strengthen their resistance and flexibility while maintaining safe and controlled postures. Each week will build upon the next, with the goal of having the skaters move beautifully while developing the flexibility in the shoulders, back and hips necessary for figure skating positions.

Ballet
(Bronze – Gold) The most essential of all our off ice classes offered, Nevena will continue her theme of stretch and poise through her classical training of ballet. Any skater hoping to stay injury free and perform beautifully on the ice needs to set their foundation of ballet training at a very young age.

Dry Land Jumping
(Bronze – Gold) A mixture of rotational exercises, positioning work and skating specific movement patterns.  Dryland Jumping is a key off ice class for any skater in order to be technically efficient on the ice.

Strength and Conditioning (Yoga)
(Bronze – Gold) The purpose of this class is to develop and maintain the core strength, balance and mindfulness necessary for peak performance skating. Healthy core strength development and yoga specific exercises allow our athletes to train the high technical demands while keeping injury to a minimum.

Competition Performance Training

Set to standards, these classes will incorporate all areas of a skater’s development on the ice. Content will include variations of the following: Creative Edge Class, Basic Skating & Stroking, Jump & Spin Enhancement and Performance Skills.  All classes will offer both technical as well as practical application of various exercises that will enhance the development of each of the above areas. Development/Group Classes are taught in a group environment providing an hour of coaching tuition within the class. Not only do these classes provide enhanced coaching time, but the group environment also provides a highly motivational approach to lessons.

Synchro

Synchronized skating, or “Synchro” is a specialized discipline of skating involving groups of eight or more skaters performing various group formations. The objective is for the team to perform as one unit, while demonstrating quality edges, power and flow.

Participants must be taking private lessons twice a week or be part of Jr. Academy to be able to participate in Synchro.

Annual evaluations are held for team placement.

Off Ice Training sessions are included.

Attire Options for all Programs

For all our programs (Junior Academy, Starskate Development, Competitive Performance Training):

  • Girls can wear a skating dress or skirt and/or tight leggings and a tight athletic zip up jacket. Boys must wear athletic or skating pants and athletic zip up jacket.
  • Hair must tied back in a tight bun or pony tail.
  • Gloves are optional but recommended.

Attire that will not be accepted: sweatpants, hoodies, hats, jeans.
If you skater is not wearing appropriate attire they will be asked to remove it (e.g Hoodie).  

These attire options are set in place for safety and for training purposes.