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 a chin straps are mandatory for all skaters in stage 1-5. Face masks (cages) are recommended for younger skaters and those who were glasses. Once the skater has passed stage 5 and is in stage 6, wearing a helmet is optional, however it is still highly recommended.

Eligibility

Age Eligibility – ages 6 - 12 as of Sept. 7 2024 (for Fall/Winter session); Mar. 17, 2025 (for Spring 2024 session); 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.

What equipment you need for your skating lessons ?

Properly fitted hockey or figure skates, CSA approved hockey helmet, skate guard (hard and soft). For detailed information, click here.

Program Structure

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 50 minutes in length and is divided into four main components:
Warm-up (10 minutes), Lesson time (30 minutes), Group Activity and Cool down (10 minutes).

Warm-up

The Warm-up is the time to welcome skaters on to the ice. Coaches/Program Assistants (PA) will lead skaters to skate/move on the ice warming up major muscle groups and joints, increase heart rate and energy level. Skaters will also skate around the Fast Track practicing various skating elements.

Lesson Time

The Lesson time is divided into 3 x 10 minute stations which will focus on specific elements in each level (stage) as well as the ABC’s of the program. At the end of each lesson in one of the stations, skaters will led by the program assistants, exit the station, skate around the Fast Track and rotate to the next station. Skaters will move from one station to another during the lesson time resulting in the skaters learning skills from one of the three Fundamental Categories each time they are on the ice. A musical signal or cue will sound each time skaters and coaches are to switch stations. Circuits and trails will be drawn on the ice for skaters to learn and practice their skills.
See chart below for example breakdown of the lesson time:

Station	Lesson Time
Agility	10 mins
Fast Track	30 sec
Balance	10 mins
Fast Track	30 sec
Control	10 mins
Fast Track	30 sec
TOTAL	31.5 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.