Group 3 (Junior)

Program Definition

A Group 3 (Junior) skater is anyone who is working on their Stage 6 of CanSkate and can demonstrate a strong skating ability. Group 3 skaters skate two days a week and each session includes a half hour group lesson. Private lessons are available but are arranged with your base coach. The registration fee only covers ice time and the half hour group lesson, so the skater's parents/guardians must choose a base coach if they wish to arrange private lessons. Different coaches have different methods of coaching and it is wise to ask around. Lesson fee schedules and resumes are available from Board members to assist you in selecting your coach. Some coaches work alone while others have a team.   Group 3 skaters skate 2 hours per week.

Program Assistants

With our ever growing CanSkate Program we are always in need of Program Assistants (PAs). It is expected that all Junior, Intermediate and Senior skaters volunteer some time each week to assist with the development of our future Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors.
  • To become a Group 1 (Senior) PA you must be 12 years old and have a firm grasp of the skills in the CanSkate program.
  • A Group 3 (Junior PA) is 10 or 11 years of age and they assist the Senior PAs and coaches.
  • PA Trainees are keen 8 and 9 year olds who assist everybody. Our CanSkate coach will be doing training sessions at the beginning of the season.
During registration, you are asked to indicate ALL sessions for which you are potentially available to PA.  From that list, a schedule will be made indicating when you are needed.

The PA Schedule will be posted with the times and days each PA is needed.  If a PA is unable to attend a scheduled session, you are asked to text or email the CanSkate Coach (contact information will be provided during the PA Training Session). Even one hour a week is not gone unnoticed, as it leaves the young skaters short-handed. 

Incentives are provided for our PAs!!  In addition, it is a great opportunity to build your skills - both as a skater, and in leadership, working with others (interpersonal skills), and job skills such as reliability, punctuality, being organized, and following direction.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost for Group 3 (Junior) is $ 475 for the 2017/2018 season.  Private lessons, test fees, costs for solo music, and competition fees are not covered within the registration fee.

Private lessons: There is a group lesson at each session for Junior skaters covered within the registration fee.  Private lessons (at your own request and discretion) can be paid for by purchasing a lesson card.

Test fees: $10 per test, $5 per test session.  There are a maximum of 4 test sessions per year, but at this level, most skaters participate in 1 or 2.

Competition fees: Entry fee (usually around $30 per event), travel costs, and coaching costs.  Coaching costs depend upon the number of coaches going to the competition, and are divided among the number of skaters competing in the event.  It includes guidance for competition registration, event venue, schedule, and rinkside coaching.  The cost covers lost private lessons and travel expenses.

When and Where Is the Group 3 (Junior) Program Offered?

Group 3 skates twice a week, for one hour each time. The group skates once a week in the East arena and once a week in the West arena.

For ice times and locations please see the Ice Schedule.