PreCanSkate Program Details

PreCanSkate is for beginner skaters aged 3 and up. Skaters must be at least 3 years of age by September 1st of each given season.   

This is not a parent-and-tot program - parents are not permitted on the ice for any reason.                                                                            

PreCanSkate is a component of the CanSkate program - Skate Canada's official "Learn-to-Skate" program.

PreCanSkate is a 30-minute program that focuses on the skills needed to move safely and effectively across the ice. No previous skating experience is required.  Skaters are assessed on their first session and grouped by ability. Skaters will work on balancing, falling down & getting up, marching, turning, jumping and more. Skaters that can stand and move on their own will begin working on the CanSkate badges. 

Lessons are taught in a group format by our NCCP Skate Canada Professional Coaches together with volunteer Program Assistants. Our coach to skater ratio is 1:10. Visual aids, props, toys and music are incorporated into our sessions to motivate skaters. 

Once a skater has completed Stage 1, they may move into our CanSkate program to complete stages 2-4. Skater progress reports are given out at the end of each session (Fall, Winter, Spring)

All participants must provide their own skates, CSA approved helmets, and gloves. It is highly recommended skaters at this level wear a face cage on their helmet. 

If you have questions about programs, please email our Program Coordinator: scocanskate@gmail.com

If you have questions about registration, please email our Registrar: scoregistrar@gmail.com

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR PRECANSKATE

PRECANSKATE PROGRESS REPORT

2026-2027 PreCanSkate Schedule

Fall Session

Winter Session

Winter II Session

TBD

Spring Session

TBD

Annual Skate Canada Fee

An annual Skate Canada Fee of $65.70 is payable once per season (September 1 to August 31) per skater. Any subsequent registrations within that season will only be charged the registration fee. The Skate Canada Fee is non-refundable and payment is required at the time of registration.

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Refunds

All withdrawals and refund requests must be made in writing to scoregistrar@gmail.com.

• Withdrawal before the start of the program: full refund minus a $25 admin fee.
• Withdrawal within the first three weeks of the program: prorated refund minus a $25 admin fee.
• Withdrawal after the first three weeks of the program: no refund, except in exceptional circumstances such as medical reasons, supported by documentation.
• 5-week program withdrawal request must be made no later than 1 week prior to program start date. No refunds after the program start date.
• The $65.70 Skate Canada Fee is non-refundable.

Missed Classes

Participants are to attend all classes as scheduled for the program in which they are registered. In the event that a participant is unable to attend a scheduled class(es) and/or make-up class(es), refunds, or credits for the missed class(es) will not be provided.

1. There are no opportunities for make-up sessions for sessions missed for any personal reasons.
2. Make-up classes will not be offered as a result of RAIN, SNOW OR OTHER INCLEMENT WEATHER.

Helmet Policy

All Skate Canada member clubs and skating schools who offer a CanSkate program must ensure all CanSkate and Adult CanSkate participants up to and including Stage 5 must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet while on the ice. Helmet face cages are highly recommended for PreCanSkate skaters. Skaters working on Stage 5 and below, as well as all skaters in the PowerSkate program, MUST wear CSA Group approved hockey helmets with the CSA mark.

Skaters working on Stage 6 or higher may choose to continue to wear a helmet at their discretion. The skater and parent/guardian have the final say as to whether or not the skater will wear a helmet.

Coaches are in charge of ensuring what a skater wears on the ice is safe. This applies to clothing, hair, skates, etc. No exceptions to this policy will be made at any time. Skaters who show up for classes without proper equipment will not be allowed on the ice.

CanSkate Equipment

• Hockey or Figure Skates
• A CSA approved helmet. A face cage is highly recommended for PreCanSkate skaters. Skaters will not be allowed on the ice with a ski or bike helmet.
• Warm layers that are easy to move around in.
• A pair of gloves or mittens.
• We do not recommend skaters wear padding (i.e. knee pads, elbow pads) as these can inhibit proper movement on the ice.

Skates

• Skates should fit snug to the foot with no movement in the heel. You want the ankle of the skate “standing tall” not “bending over”. Please also make sure skates are tied tight before stepping on the ice.
• Skates do not come pre-sharpened. Please make sure your skater’s skates are sharpened prior to their first class.
• We do not recommend skates with buckles or dials. Traditional lace up skates are highly recommended.

Skate Maintenance

• Hard guards are for walking around when not on the ice. Soft guards are for storage. Walking on the floor without protecting your blades can severely damage your skates.
• Please make sure to dry your blades off after every session with a small towel.