Connecting Our Community Through Skating​​

Choosing Skates
Quality skates are the most important piece of equipment.
Look for:

  • Good ankle support and proper fit
  • Hockey skates for beginners or reputable figure skates (e.g., Figure Skating Boutique, Jackson brand from Canadian Tire)
  • Toe picks on figure skates must remain intact

Avoid:

  • Skates from hardware stores
  • Plastic buckle skates (they may open on falls and limit ankle movement)
  • Adjustable skates (they make balancing more difficult)


Our coaches can assist with skate fitting or visit The Figure Skating Boutique or Esta's for a professional fit.


Skate Maintenance

Important: Sharpen skates before first use to avoid slipping and falling.

Skates should be sharpened after approx. 20-30 hours of use.

​Skates should be kept sharp with regular sharpening (approx. 20-30 hours of skating) from a reputable skate tech.
Skates should be dried and stored with soft guards on after every session to avoid rusting.
Hard guards should always be worn when walking in your skates to avoid stone chip and corrosion on the blade. 

Helmet Fit Guide

  • Helmet should fit snugly with no shifting
  • Chinstrap should be adjusted to fit gently under the chin
  • The rim should be one finger width above the eyebrow
  • Try different brands for comfort
  • Look for the CSA certification sticker


Only CSA-approved hockey helmets are permitted. Other helmet types (e.g., bicycle helmets) are not suitable for ice use. Cages are optional but recommended for younger skaters. Used helmets are acceptable if they meet CSA standards, are in good condition, and have not sustained damage.

Safety Policy
Per Skate Canada policy, all skaters who have not passed CanSkate Stage 5 or who lack strong balance and control must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet while on the ice. Under no circumstances may skaters/parent/guardians opt out of this requirement.

WHAT TO WEAR


PRECANSKATE, CANSKATE & ADAPTIVE

  • Helmet: All skaters must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet (cage optional).
  • Clothing: Mittens, splash or snow pants, layered clothing, and a warm sweater or coat.


POWERSKATE

  • Required: Skates, gloves, CSA-approved hockey helmet (cage optional)
  • Optional: Full hockey/ringette equipment
  • Sticks: Used only at coach discretion, typically during Challenge Zone activities


INTRO TO FIGURE SKATING

  • Skates: Figure skates are recommended for better support and performance, but not required
  • Helmet: CSA-approved hockey helmet is mandatory for all participants
  • Clothing: Warm, layered, athletic wear that allows for movement


STARSKATE

  • NO Hooded Sweatshirts
  • NO Jeans or Baggy Pants
  • STARSkaters are required to wear athletic attire including but not limited to leggings, yoga pants, tights, joggers, skating dresses or skirts.
  • Long hair needs to be tied back neatly.