We are pleased to announce that we are offering CanSkate beginning the week of March 8th - April 16th. This session will be offered as a twice a week program Tuesday/Friday or Monday/Wednesday for 6 weeks. In accordance with Skate Canada's COVID-19 guidelines, at this time ALL CanSkaters must be able to get up off the ice independently and move without assistance . Coaches will wear masks and maintain 2 m physical distance at all times. All teaching aids will be santized before and after each use. Town regulations limit our numbers to 10 participants on the ice. Parents will not be allowed into the arena with the exception of skaters under the age of 7 are allowed to have a parent or guardian accompany them into the arena. Skaters will arrive "ice ready" with mask, skates, helmet, mitts and warm clothes on. After the health screening is complete, parents will remove the skate guards at the entrance and the coach will take skaters directly from the entrance to the ice. Parents are required to stay in the arena parking lot for the entire session. We will have your contact info on the ice should we need to connect (washroom, etc). Coaches will bring skaters from the ice to the east side exit door and meet parents there. EGSC reserves the right to adjust programming should the limit on participants change. We will be sure to communicate any changes as they happen. If you have any questions about your skater's level or the program itself, please contact our program director Lianne Sherriff at programdirector@egskatingclub.com. The arena is scheduled for maintenance and will be closed for most of spring beginning April 17th, 2021.
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 or 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 and 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 pace and coaches makes sessions active using teach 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 a 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 wait there's more!! The new program also includes specific skills that pertain to hockey and 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 , also the "jackson" brand at Canadian tire is a good option for CanSkaters wanting a figure skate. Keep in mind that the toe pick should never ben shaved off. Avoid skates from local hardware stores and we do not recommend ski boot types of skates because the latches open when kids fall, and they do not allow for the bending of the ankles needed for developing power and speed. Adjustable sized skates are not recommended as they make balancing very difficult and frustrating for skaters. EGSC coaches have experience fitting skates, so feel free to ask us for an assessment.
Be sure to Sharpen your skates before use. Or your skater will slip and fall like Bambi!
The CanSkate Curriculum
There are 3 fundamemental movement stations where skills are grouped for easiest acquisition:
- Balance (forward strides, glides, edges and crosscuts)
- Control (backwards skating skills & stopping)
- Agility (turning, spinning, jumping, challenge)