REQUIRED SKATING EQUIPMENT

PRECANSKATE - CANSKATE - ADVANCED CANSKATE - ADULT CANSKATE

Skates

Skaters who are in Pre-CanSkate, CanSkate or Adult-CanSkate may use hockey or figure skates. We advise the purchase of skate boots with laces, not moulded plastic skates with buckles. Skates that have an adjustable fit are also not recommended. Skates should be tied snugly with laces tucked away. At the end of every skating session, please wipe your skater’s blades dry. Please also ensure that your skater’s skates are sharpened regularly, at least once per season. Skates can be sharpened at 111th Street Skate Sharpening (in Kinsmen Twin Arenas), United Cycle, or ProSkate. You can also help your skater by ensuring their skates are comfortable and fit properly. Please note that shoes and skates fit differently and therefore need to be fitted properly. Toes should be able to wiggle slightly and the heels should be able to lift only slightly as well. We would recommend purchasing skates/helmets from United Cycle or ProSkate. When purchasing skates, please ensure the skates are sharpened.

Hockey VS Figure skates? Either option is fine. There is no one option that is more difficult to first learn on. However, switching from hockey to figure can be a hard transition. So if the family has any ideas of the skater being a figure skater, they should start with a toe-pick!

CSA-Approved Hockey Helmet

All skaters in our Learn to Skate programs are required to have a CSA approved hockey helmet that is no more than 5 years old. There is a date in the CSA sticker at the back of the helmet to watch if you are not buying this item new. CanSkaters are required to wear CSA approved helmets until they have earned Stage 5. We recommend that skaters have a cage on their helmet.

Mittens

Skaters are required to wear mittens or gloves while on the ice.

Skate Guards

Skate guards are not mandatory, but we recommend them as they will protect the skates when walking on concrete. Skate guards can be found at United Cycle, ProSkate, or Sport Check.

Layered Clothing

The rinks can get very cold, so skaters are encouraged to wear warm layered clothing. We recommend that beginner skaters wear snow pants. Please make sure that clothing isn't restricting, so that skaters can still move freely on the ice.