CanSkate (Ages 6-12)

The CanSkate program consists of on-ice activities. Skaters are moving and learning using stations to practice skills; the use of teaching aids and music; the use of activities and games selected according to age groups; and the awarding CanSkate ribbons and badges as skills are mastered. 

Assessment of skaters at Upper Canada will be on an ongoing basis rather than having set assessment days. Skaters will progress at their own speed and for those who achieve their level badges will advance to the next level.

CSA approved hockey helmets with chip straps are mandatory for all skaters in stage 1-5. Face masks (cages) are recommended for younger skaters. Once a skater has passed stage 5 and is in stage 6, wearing a helmet is optional, however it is still highly recommended.

Eligibility

Eligibility for  Fall/Winter 2022 Session - Ages 6+ as of March 20, 2023 or have passed Pre-CanSkate for skaters ages 3-5.


What to wear skating ?

Skaters in the CanSkate session should wear warm comfortable clothing. Preferably dress in layers. For younger skaters, slush pants with warm pants underneath, warm jacket or snow suit as long as they are not too bulky. Track pants or yoga pants, warm jacket or fleece jacket for older skaters.

Must wear gloves.

Program Structure (updating....)

The CanSkate program curriculum is organized into three Fundamental Categories and divided into six levels of learning (Stages/Levels 1 – 6).

The Fundamental Categories are:
• AGILITY: Concentrating on most turning and jumping skills
• BALANCE: Concentrating on most forward skills, pushing technique and edges
• CONTROL: Concentrating on most backwards skills, stopping and speed elements

These are the ABC’s of the CanSkate Program.  Each CanSkate session is 60 minutes in length and is divided into four main components:
Warm-up (15 minutes), Lesson time (35 minutes), Group Activity and Cool down (10 minutes).

Warm-up

 

Station	Lesson Time
Agility	11 mins
Fast Track	30 sec
Balance	11 mins
Fast Track	30 sec
Control	11.5 mins
Fast Track	30 sec
TOTAL	34.5 minutes

 ***note: the order that your child(ren) will go through the stations may or may not be the same as what is shown

Group Activity
The Group Activity is designed to provide additional practice opportunities in a fun and interactive way. Skaters will follow the instruction of coaches/PA and participate in activities such as action songs or games.

Cool Down

Cool Down is designed to lower the heart rate and decrease the energy level. During the Cool down time, skaters will follow the instruction of coaches/PA and skate around the rink, stretching and give their bodies a chance to cool down and work their way to the exit at the end of the Cool Down session.

Assessment

Assessment of skaters at Upper Canada will be on an ongoing basis rather than having set assessment or test days. Skaters will progress at their own speed and for those who achieve their level badges will advance to the next level.

The awards consist of:                                                                              
 • Three Fundamental Category ribbons for each Stage
 • Six stage badges

To receive a stage badge, skaters must achieve all the Fundamental Category ribbons (Agility, Balance and Control) from the corresponding stage.