General Information
Parents/guardians are requested to remain in the arena for the duration of CanSkate sessions. Accidents can happen and even though our coaches are fully trained and certified in First Aid continually, it is nice to know that we can keep them on the ice once they have assessed and administered the appropriate First Aid to the skater.
It is compulsory for all Pre-Canskate/CanSkate/Advanced Canskate members to wear certified CSA hockey helmets. Bicycle helmets are NOT accepted nor Multi-use snowboard/skateboard helmets. These helmets are only made for a one time hit. Chin protectors are also a good investment.
CanSkate skaters are requested to use the dressing rooms assigned to them.
Occasionally some of our coaches are away at competitions, training sessions etc., with our Junior, Intermediate and/or Senior skaters. We do our best to provide a back-up coach but sometimes it can be difficult. Instead of our regular two coaches on the ice we may have one. Sometimes our assistants are away at the same time and we ask for your understanding on these short-handed days. Should this be the case we may have a fun day for our skaters.
CanSkate skaters are arranged in groups according to skills mastered. These groups are arranged by colour and change approximately every 6-8 weeks. Assessing of skills is done daily by our coaches. Once a stage is mastered, a badge is issued. Report cards are given out in December and again at the end of the year. If a skater masters all 6 Stages before the end of the skating season, our CanSkate coach will notify you and advise as to the next step in skating.
Throughout the year our CanSkate coaches also like to have some Fun Days. Some of these in the past have been; summer in February, Crazy Helmet Day, Pajama Day and many more. Look for signage of these days and have some fun. Don't forget to bring your camera. Games are usually the order on these Fun Days.
It is compulsory for all Pre-Canskate/CanSkate/Advanced Canskate members to wear certified CSA hockey helmets. Bicycle helmets are NOT accepted nor Multi-use snowboard/skateboard helmets. These helmets are only made for a one time hit. Chin protectors are also a good investment.
CanSkate skaters are requested to use the dressing rooms assigned to them.
Occasionally some of our coaches are away at competitions, training sessions etc., with our Junior, Intermediate and/or Senior skaters. We do our best to provide a back-up coach but sometimes it can be difficult. Instead of our regular two coaches on the ice we may have one. Sometimes our assistants are away at the same time and we ask for your understanding on these short-handed days. Should this be the case we may have a fun day for our skaters.
CanSkate skaters are arranged in groups according to skills mastered. These groups are arranged by colour and change approximately every 6-8 weeks. Assessing of skills is done daily by our coaches. Once a stage is mastered, a badge is issued. Report cards are given out in December and again at the end of the year. If a skater masters all 6 Stages before the end of the skating season, our CanSkate coach will notify you and advise as to the next step in skating.
Throughout the year our CanSkate coaches also like to have some Fun Days. Some of these in the past have been; summer in February, Crazy Helmet Day, Pajama Day and many more. Look for signage of these days and have some fun. Don't forget to bring your camera. Games are usually the order on these Fun Days.
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.
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.
- 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.
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.
