Programs

From early steps on the ice, holding on to a parent’s hand, skating as a family activity, or moving on to other ice sports, skating offers a rich tapestry of experiences!

Each program is taught by professional coaches certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Our classes are held in a fun, safe and friendly environment that allows for unrestricted movement and rapid development.

With multiple programs geared toward different skill levels, our club has a program for skaters of all levels. Join us as we share our passion for skate in a

Learn to Skate (ages 3-5)

Learn to Skate is our beginner program for young skaters 3+ stepping on the ice for the first time. Skaters learn how to stand, balance, move and glide on their own through fun games and activities in a supportive environment.

Lesson Length – 30 minutes

Mandatory Equipment – Skates, gloves and a CSA approved hockey helmet w/ full facial mask/cage

Next Steps – After passing Learn to Skate, skaters are ready for CanSkate

For More Information on what to wear and expect, watch Proper Equipment Video

***bike helmets will not be permitted on the ice

CanSkate

Stages 1,2 and 3

CanSkate is the next step after Learn to Skate or for skaters who can already stand, balance, and move other own/ Skaters work through Stages 1-3, building confidence and strong foundational skills like gliding, stopping, turning, and basic edge work – all in a fun and motivating environment.

Lesson Length – 45 minutes

Requirements – Skater must be able to stand, balance and move on their own.

Mandatory Equipment – Skates, gloves and a CSA approved hockey helmet.

Next Steps – Skaters interested in hockey can continue into Hockey CanSkate, where they will work through Stages 2–6 in full hockey gear while building strong, hockey-focused skating skills.
Skaters interested in figure skating can move into CanSkate Advanced, where they will work through Stages 4–6 in preparation for entering STAR Skate.

For More Information on what to wear and expect, watch Proper Equipment Video

Hockey CanSkate

Stages 4,5 and 6

Hockey CanSkate is designed for young skaters interested in hockey who are no yet ready to skate with sticks of pucks. Skaters work on Stages 2-3 of Skate Canada’s CanSkate program while learning in full hockey gear, using hockey stance, posture, and terminology to build balance, power, and control on the ice.

Lesson Length – 45 minutes

Requirements – Passed Stage 1 of CanSkate or equivalent experience.

Mandatory Equipment – Full hockey gear, skates, gloves, helmet w/ full facial mask/cage. *no sticks

Next Steps – After passing Hockey CanSkate, skaters are ready for Hockey Skating Fundamentals where they will continue to progress their skating skills while holding a stick.

Mandatory Equipment – Skates, gloves and a CSA approved hockey helmet
For More Information on what to wear and expect, watch Proper Equipment Video

CanSkate Advanced

Stages 4,5 and 6

CanSkate Advanced is designed for skaters working on Stages 4-6 of Skate Canada’s CanSkate program. Skaters develop stronger edges, turns, crossovers, stops, and agility to prepare for Star Skate or other advanced skating pathways.

Lesson Length – 45 minutes

Requirements – Passed Stage 3 of CanSkate

Mandatory Equipment – Skates, gloves and a CSA approved hockey helmet

Next Steps – After passing CanSkate Advanced, skaters will be ready for Star Skate where they will choose a private coach and begin figure skating lessons.

For More Information on what to wear and expect, watch Proper Equipment Video

Hockey Skating Fundamentals

This program is designed to develop the core skating skills essential for hockey players, including control, speed, and stride mechanics. Skaters will engage in repetitive drills focused on edge work to instill strong habits that translate into effective game performance.

Key areas of focus include:

Edge Control: Repetition of edge drills to build solid skating foundations and correct positioning for maximum blade flow and power.
Crossovers: Mastering the ability to execute smooth, efficient crossovers for quick direction changes.
Backward Skating: Improving balance and control while skating backward, an essential skill for both defense and transition play.
Stopping: Practicing explosive and controlled stops to transition seamlessly between offense and defense.
Acceleration: Developing quick starts and burst speed for fast breakaways or sudden changes in pace.
Tight Turns & Transitions: Refining tight turns and transition maneuvers for maintaining speed and control during rapid direction changes.

Skaters will focus on precision and attention to detail, creating good habits that will serve them well in game situations. By continually building on these fundamentals, players will gain the confidence and technical skill needed to excel on the ice.

All skaters must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet with face mask, hockey gloves and a stick. Full equipment is recommended, but not necessary, the emphasis is on strong skating skills, power and stride

Star Skate Sessions

These stages introduce more complex skills and have a wide variety of programming based on an athlete’s desired pathway and commitment to figure skating. All Star Skate sessions offer group lessons daily taught by certified Skate Canada professional coaches. These sessions are for skaters working on the disciplines of Skills, Dance, Artistic and Freeskate.

All skaters have the opportunity to work with coaches in small groups or privately.

Skaters that have the drive to accelerate will participate in evaluations days, performance and testing days.

Star Skate (Level 1, 2 and 3)

Skaters in this session will have successfully completed all Can Skate requirements. Skaters in this session will be working towards passing all Star 1, 2 and 3 requirements. Movements from Can Skate to Star Skate 1-3 and movements from Star Skate 1-3 to Star Skate 4+ will be based on successfully completing all required levels and recommended by the coaches. These movements will be permitted on pre-determined dates, 3 times in the 2023/2024 season.

Each Star Skate 1-3 Session will include the following:

15 minutes SKILLS group lesson
15 minutes DANCE group lesson
15 minutes FREESKATE group lesson

The remaining ice time will be used for free skate elements and time for Private Lessons (contact your coach directly for all private lesson inquiries and bookings).

Star Skate (Levels 4+)

Skaters in this session will have successfully completed all Star Skate 1 – 3 requirements. Skaters in this session will be working towards passing all Star Skate levels 4 and up. Movements from Star Skate 1-3 to Star Skate 4+ will be based on successfully completing all required levels and recommended by the coaches. These movements will be permitted on pre-determined dates, 3 times in the 2023/2024 season.

Each Star Skate 4+ Session will include the following:

15 minutes SKILLS group lesson
15 minutes DANCE group lesson
15 minutes FREESKATE group lesson

The remaining ice time will be used for free skate elements and time for Private Lessons (contact your coach directly for all private lesson inquiries and bookings).

Edges, Turns and Conditioning

This dynamic program focuses on foundational skating including all edges, turns and field movements set to music. The sessions are divided into 3 parts, warm up, skill progression & development and lastly, cardio.

Coaches work on complex turns and variations of sequences that are adapted for each level of skater. This program is meant to elevate your technique and be in addition to your starskate or advanced Canskate session.

Off - Ice Training

Off-Ice Training helps STAR Skate athletes build strong jump technique, body control, and muscle memory off the ice. Skaters will learn proper jump takeoff and landing positions, practice repetitive drills to reinforce technique, and strengthen their spin and field-move positions. This class also teaches effective warm-ups to prepare the body for skating and help prevent injuries.