PRE-CANSKATE
Pre-Canskate Skaters must be 3 years of age by December 31, 2024.
NEW Skaters or NEW to Skate Canada Program and introduces the fundamental skating skills such as balance and glide by using fun interactive games and activities. Upon mastering the skills in this program, skaters will move into our CanSkate Program.
CANSKATE
All Canskate skaters must be in Stage 2 and up, are able to stand/skate and get up independently (without assistance). Skaters must be no younger than 4 years of age by December 31, 2024.
WHY SIGN UP FOR CANSKATE?
What is CanSkate?
CanSkate is a dynamic learn-to-skate program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. Based on Sport Canada’s long term athlete development (LTAD) principles, CanSkate centers on physical literacy and the fundamental skills needed to take part in any ice sport or to skate as a recreational activity.
Who’s it for?
For all ages, children or adults, as well as for those wishing to improve their basic skills whether their focus be for figure skating, hockey, speed skating or just skating for fun.
Who teaches it?
NCCP-trained professional coaches, assisted by trained program assistants.
What will you learn?
A complete series of balance, control and agility skills taught in six stages of learning that pertain to hockey, ringette, speed skating and figure skating as well as general recreational skating. CanSkate uses nationally-tested and proven curriculum and delivery methods that guarantee skater success in developing stronger basic skills and developing them faster.
What can you expect?
Action, movement and fun! Lessons are given in a group format with a coach-to-student ratio of a maximum 1:10. Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, upbeat music and a wide variety of activities that create a motivational environment and promote learning. Badges, ribbons and other incentives are used to benchmark skaters’ progress and reward effort and participation.
What do you need to participate?
All you need are skates, a CSA-approved hockey helmet, long pants, mittens, warm sweater or jacket. Dress in layers – it will get warm!
MITCHELL SKATING CLUB’S SESSION FORMAT:
PRE-CANSKATE – PreCanskate and Stage 1 – warm up, group lesson circuit 3 different stations, cool down.
CANSKATE SESSION A – CanSKATE Stages 2 and 3 – warm up, group lesson circuit 3 different stations, cool down.
CANSKATE SESSION B – CanSKATE Stages 4 and up – warm up, group lesson circuit 3 different stations, cool down.
JR Star & StarSkate
Skills, Tests, Achievement, Recognition – this is what STARSkate is all about! STARSkate offers opportunities for skaters of all ages to develop fundamental figure skating skills in the areas of ice dance, skating skills, freeskate and interpretive skating. This program teaches figure skating skills in a group and/or private lesson format in a progressive and sequential manner and includes specifically designed awards and incentives. Skaters have the opportunity to take Skate Canada Tests through a nationally standardized testing system.IntroStarSkate Skaters participate in this program, which are at stage 6/7 or higher. These skaters start the Skate Canada Test Program which offers opportunities for skaters to develop basic to advanced skating skills in four different areas: Interpretive, Dance, Free Skating and Skating Skills. These skills are grouped into the following levels:
| Primary | Primary | Intermediate | Senior |
| Skating Skills | Preliminary, Junior Bronze | Senior Bronze, Junior Silver | Senior Silver, Gold |
| Free Skating | Preliminary, Junior Bronze | Senior Bronze, Junior Silver | Senior Silver, Gold |
| Dance | Preliminary, Junior Bronze | Senior Bronze, Junior Silver | Senior Silver, Gold , Diamond |
| Inter-pretive | Introductory | Bronze | Silver, Gold |
A candidate for a test must have passed all of the preceding tests in the same category in each of the disciplines.
STARSkate Interclub Competitions
These are events involving a number of clubs in the same region or area. The competition categories offered generally fall in line with the applicable Skate Canada Section specifications, so that all Interclubs within the Section are standardized (this allows Skate Canada Sections to offer a Section Final). The STARSkate Championship program provides opportunities for skaters who want to remain in the STARSkate program but also want to have the challenge of competing up to a Sectional level in a credible, nationally standardized event.
MITCHELL SKATING CLUB’S SESSION QUALIFICATIONS:
JUNIOR STARSkate – working on Canskate Stage 5&6 Figure Skating, and STAR 1 tests or recommended by a Coach.
STARSkate – passed Star 2 tests or recommended by a Coach.
COMPETITIVE STARSkate – competing at Sectionals at Pre-NOVICE level.
Competitive skating can be fun and challenging for athletes higher levels of competition and increased proficiencies are the ultimate goal, skaters, parents and coaches alike should never lose sight of what is truly important – the personal growth and development of the athlete and the enjoyment of the sport. Skaters wanting to be eligible to compete in the qualifying event stream (Regionals, Sectionals, Challenge Competitions, Canadian Championships and Canada Winter Games) are in the Competitive STARSkate stream.
CanPower Skate
CanPowerSkate is an action-packed, high energy instructional power skating program geared to hockey and ringette skaters that focuses on balance, power, agility, speed and endurance. Skills, techniques and conditioning drills are taught in a progressive format that emphasizes how the skills apply to game situations. CanPowerSkate provides an alternative to figure skating and is an excellent complement for those athletes playing on hockey or ringette teams. Its unique skill award program provides incentives and motivation for skaters to continue to achieve.
CanPowerSkate is geared to skaters aged approximately six or older who already have basic forward and backward skating skills (they must be able to skate the length of the rink using alternate strides) and are able to stop on command without use of the boards. For safety reasons participants should wear full hockey/ringette equipment that is CSA approved.
MITCHELL SKATING CLUB’S SESSION FORMAT:
PowerSkate A
PowerSkate B