PreCanSkate (Ages 3-5)

PreCanSkate is for skaters 3-5 years of age.  This 30-minute program focuses on learning through FUN!  High energy music, actions, songs and toys create an inviting learning environment for any preschooler learning to skate. As skaters progress, they will be transitioned into the CanSkate program when ready.

Skaters will participate in small group lessons led by an NCCP certified professional coach. Upon mastering the skills in this program, skaters will move into our CanSkate program.  This is an un-parented program.  However, parents or guardians are requested to watch from the off-ice area in the instance that off-ice assistance is required (ie with the bathroom or skating gear).

CanSkate (Ages 4+)

CanSkate uses a badge and ribbon award system to help reward skaters for achieving different skills in three areas:Balance, Control and Agility. LFSC CanSkate Sessions ensure each skater receives instruction in each of the skill areas each and every skating day. Lesson time is maximized to provide the most instruction possible.

CanSkaters start with basic skills and progress to more advanced skills as the session goes on. These skills will allow skaters to enjoy skating as a life- long activity.  It is beneficial to have these basic skills before moving onward to figure skating and or hockey. 

Skaters need to be able to move forward on the ice independently.

Schedule & Pricing (2024-2025)

10 week program* - $167.50

• A $61.65 Skate Canada membership fee will be added to all registrations. This membership is valid September 1, 2024 - August 31, 2025. This fee is non-refundable, in the event of cancellation.
• PreCanSkate and CanSkate require 1 FUNDRAISING COMMITMENT for the entire year (fall and winter).

Fall 2024 Sessions

Winter 2025 Sessions

(Registration opens November 24)

Fundraising Commitment

PreCanSkate and CanSkate require 1 FUNDRAISING COMMITMENT for the entire year (fall and winter).

CLICK HERE to learn more about fundraising commitments and buyout options.

Equipment

Skates

Even the youngest of skaters experience more success with the right equipment. Skates must be lace up type skates.

We highly recommend finding a good quality used skate rather than a molded or plastic inexpensive new skate. A better quality leather boot will provide a snugger fit and a much more confident stride in even our newest skaters!

Plastic skates with buckles are not recommended.

United Sport & Cycle and Pro Skate in Edmonton both have a good selection of used skates in stock.

Also check out the LSC Buy & Sell group on Facebook here

Helmet Policy

Skaters working on STAGE 5 and below, a well as all skaters in the CanPowerSkate program, MUST wear CSA approved hockey helmets.
Skaters working on STAGE 6 or higher may choose to continue to wear a helmet at their discretion. The skater, parent/guardian have the final say as to whether or not the skater will or will not 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.

How should the hockey helmet fit?
A hockey helmet should fit snug to prevent any shifting and maximize protection. Make sure the chinstrap can be adjusted so it gently makes contact under the chin when fastened.
For an adjustable helmet, open it to the largest setting and gradually begin to downsize the helmet until a comfortably snug fit is achieved. The helmet should rest on the head so that the rim is one finger width above the eyebrow and making contact with the top of the head.
Although most helmets are lined with protective foam, some helmets will feel better than others. Try on different brands of helmets for fit and comfort.
All CSA certified helmets have a sticker indicating their certification.

Why only hockey helmets?
Hockey helmets are designed to help protect against head injuries occurring on ice, whether from a fall or collision. A bicycle helmet, for example, is designed to protect against head injuries should a fall occur while riding a bicycle. It is important to ensure that when a skater is on the ice, they are protected with equipment designed for their sport or activity.

Are face masks required as well?
Face masks are not mandatory; however young skaters may benefit from the added protection.

Are used hockey helmets acceptable?
Hockey helmets and face protectors sold in Canada must meet safety standards set by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). If the CSA sticker is not present, throw the product away. Hockey helmets must have labelling with the date of manufacture and have a chin strap.  CSA takes the position that the life span of a helmet is not easy to determine and so CSA does not give expiry dates for hockey helmets. CSA advocates that “consumers should exercise good judgement s to the suitability of a hockey helmet for play. Helmets that are cracked, have loose fitting or missing liner pieces, or that have been subjected to a severe blow should be replaced. For a hockey helmet to function effectively, it must be in very good working order and worn properly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.”

Clothing

While our newest skaters need to be warm while on the ice, sometimes a large and puffy snow suit can make it difficult for them to MOVE! 

We encourage the use of layers that provide warmth and movement. A long sleeved shirt on the base, then a insulated layer like a fleece jacket or non-hoodie sweater with a water proof or resistant outer layer helps when skaters are first learning how to skate in our PreCanSkate and CanSkate programs. 

For our ITS and StarSKATE skaters, we encourage the use of layers that provide warmth and ease of movement. Gloves/mittens, tight-fitting pants and a light jacket or sweater are recommended. Skaters should avoid wearing bulky clothing that inhibits movement. Loose pants can become caught in a skater's skates, posing a safety risk. The ITS, Junior,  Intermediate, and Senior StarSkaters are recommended to wear a sweatshirt/half or full zip/Club coat/ or pullover/vest with NO HOOD. Please No Hoodies on the ICE! They are not appropriate for balancing.  If a StarSkater wears a hoodie on the session, they will be asked to remove it.

Warm, snug fitted mittens are a must, as is a CSA approved hockey helmet for all of our Canskate and CanPower programs. While a hockey cage on the helmet is not required it can prevent bumped chins, cheeks and noses on our newer skaters that tend to be a bit wobbly starting out.

Questions & Answers

As a new "skater parent", we're sure you have questions! Below are some frequently asked questions and answers. If you still have questions, please contact one of our coaches by emailing them at coach@leducskating.com

Is my child ready for CanSkate:

My child is interested in hockey or ringette. Is this program geared only to figure skaters?
No. This program provides a solid background for all ice sports, such as hockey, ringette, figure skating and speed skating. Information about Skate Canada's Long Term Athlete Development can be found here.

Does my child have to have previous skating experience before signing up for the program?
No! This program is suitable for new skaters, aged 3 through adult, as well as those with some skating experience.

My children have very different levels of skating experience. Can they all register for the same session?
PreCanSkate and all 6 levels of CanSkate are taught on the same session, so all family members aged 3 and up, with different skating abilities can sign up for the same session.  Skaters will be assessed for skating skills on the ice, and will be placed in age and skill appropriate groups after assessment.

My child is between the ages of 3-5, brand new to skating, and wishes to participate in the PreCanSkate program. How do we register for that?
PreCanSkate is the FIRST stage of our CanSkate program. These young skaters can register on ANY of our CanSkate sessions. Once the PreCanSkate skills have been mastered, these young skaters will progress into the main CanSkate program. This program is 30 minutes in duration and CanSkate is 45 minutes long.

Is the CanSkate program sufficiently advanced for my skater’s skills?
By the time they complete CanSkate, skaters should have several skating skills, some of which are listed here: fast forward and backward perimeter stroking, forward and backward crosscuts, side stops with speed, turns, basic spins, and jumps.

If I am sure that my skater is too advanced for the CanSkate level, what are his/her options with your club?
Skaters who our coaches have assessed as being too advanced for the CanSkate program will have the option of either transitioning to our Intro to StarSkate (ITS) group program or StarSkate (figure skating) or CanPower skate.

Is there a power skating program at your club?
LFSC offers a variety of CanPowerSKATE programs for all levels from U7 - U15. These classes are a great addition for both ringette and hockey players. Please see the CanPowerSkate section of our website for more details.

Placement within the CanSkate Program:

My child has previous experience in another program. How will he/she be placed in the CanSkate program?
All new CanSkate members are placed into a specific CanSkate group according to their age and level of skating experience communicated to the coaches.  During the first few CanSkate sessions they will be assessed by our professional coaches, and moved to the appropriate level as needed.
A skater who comes from another Skate Canada club will be placed in the appropriate stage, based on the final standing at the other club.


Skate Canada Fee:

I paid a Skate Canada membership fee when my child joined the program. Will I have to pay it again?
The Skate Canada fee is an annual membership and is valid from September 1 to August 31, regardless of when you join the program.  This fee is paid only once a year, despite how many sessions your skater registers in during that time frame (i.e. fall, winter, spring, summer). The fee is required to be renewed every September 1 and is not retained by the club. This fee is non-refundable.

My child skated at another club within the Skate Canada year (Sept 1-Aug 31). Will I have to pay it again?
If you child skated with another club, please contact our registrar prior to registering with us so we can collect your information for Skate Canada. Only one fee per skater is required per year, regardless of which club(s) you skate at.

Helmet Policy

Can a parent sign a waiver absolving the club from any liability and allow their child to participate without a helmet?

No. The requirement to wear a helmet is a Skate Canada Policy and all clubs and members must abide by our policies. Therefore in order to participate in the CanSkate program all skaters who have not achieved Stage 5 in the CanSkate program or who lack good balance and control must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet while on the ice.

Why has up to and including Stage 5 been selected as the benchmark for helmet use?

Skaters who lack good control/balance when skating forward, backward and have difficulty stopping, as well as maneuvering around obstacles on the ice are at a higher risk of being unable to control a fall, regardless of their age.
The CanSkate program has been developed to introduce basic skating skills to beginners in a safe and sequential manner. The learning progressions leading to and included in Stage 5 allow skaters to gain the necessary skills (balance, agility, and control) required to safely participate on the ice. While it may be likely that many Stage 5 skaters can skate reasonably well, ice surfaces can be very unpredictable and there is always a risk of falling, no matter what stage a skater is at. CanSkaters participate in a group environment with other skaters on the ice of different levels who may fall and cause other skaters to fall.

How can I identify a hockey helmet that is CSA approved? Where will the logo appear on the hockey helmet?
The CSA approved logo will be found on the back of the hockey helmet affixed to the outer shell of the helmet. For more information about CSA standards visit www.csa-international.org