The Community for Skating in Ontario
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CANSKATE PROGRAM? Contact our Skating Programs Director president@egskatingclub.com
The CanSkate Curriculum
There are 3 Fundamental Movement Stations where skills are grouped for easiest acquisition: BALANCE (forward strides, glides, edges, crosscuts), CONTROL, (backwards skating skills & stopping), and AGILITY (turning, spinning, jumping, challenge)
There are 6 stage badges and 18 Fundamental movement ribbons. When a skater completes the skills and receives ribbons for Balance 1,Control 1 and Agility1, they are given the Stage 1 badge. Your child can complete ribbons at their own pace; as they complete one, they automatically begin to work on the next level. In fact, each station on the ice will have skills that review what your skater knows, introduces the current level skills and challenges your skater with skills above their current level.
We also have a “Fun Zone” station where skaters use their skills in fun and creative ways, practice timed drills and try out challenging and extreme skills.CanSkate
Skaters must have acquired the skills taught in PreCanSkate before joining CanSkate
CanSkate is Skate Canada's Flagship learn-to-skate program, designed for beginners (who can balance and move forward on skates) of all ages. PreCanSkate or PreCanPowerSkate are suitable for the youngest participants who cannot yet balance, move forward and stop. When you sign up for CanSkate you will be in a 50 minute program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. You will earn ribbons and badges and other incentives as you learn fundamental skating skills. Lessons are given in a group format with lots of individual feedback and are led by NCCP certified professional coaches with extra training in CanSkate circuits and standards. Professional coaches are assisted by trained volunteer Program Assistants. The coach to student ratio is a maximum of 1:10. Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, music and a wide variety of activities that create a fun environment and promote learning. CanSkate is the feeder program to all other Skate Canada Skating Programs including CanPowerSkate.
EGSC is on the cutting edge! Skate Canada has developed the NEW CanSkate program based on Sport Canada's long term athlete development (LTAD) principles and EGSC was a pilot club and an early adopter of the new and effective format. Exciting new features include new awards, great tools for coaches and most importantly a tested and proven new curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster. But there's more! The new program also includes specific skills that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating. The result is a dynamic new program that prepares all skaters for virtually every ice sport.
What should my skater wear to CanSkate? All participants are required to wear a CSA approved hockey helmet (cage optional). We suggest mittens, splash or snow pants, and layers with a warm sweater or coat.
What about skates?
The most important piece of equipment are your skates! Look for good ankle support and the correct fit. Hockey skates are great beginning skates. Figure skates (used or new) from a reputable skating store (ie. Figure Skating Boutique ) will have good support. Avoid skates from local hardware stores and we do not recommend the plastic “ski boot” type of skate because the buckles open when kids fall, and they do not allow for the bending of ankles needed for developing power and speed. EGSC coaches have experience fitting skates, so feel free to ask us for an assessment.
Be sure to SHARPEN your skates before using them! Or your child will slip and fall like Bambi!