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Equipment Requirements

 
Helmets: Skaters under the age of 18 years are required to use a CSA approved hockey helmet until they successfully complete CanSkate level 5, or until the coaches determine that their skating skills have developed to an equivalent level. All power skaters are required to wear helmets regardless of age or ability. Face shields are optional, but are strongly recommended for beginning skaters.
  • Helmets should not be past the CSA expiry sticker date (often found on the outside or inside of a helmet). 
  • Helmets should fit snugly but not too tightly
  • The strap and helmet should be adjustable
  • Look for helmets made of hard plastic with a thick layer of sponge.

Clothing: Our rink can get quite cold in the winter months. Skaters need to wear warm, non-restrictive clothing and mitts or gloves. No jeans, sharp accessories or long scarves please.

  • CanSkate & Pre-CanSkate participants are advised to wear an outer layer of clothing that is water resistant, such as ski pants or splash pants.
  • CanPower participants are required to wear full hockey or ringette equipment.
  • Synchro participants are required to purchase and wear team clothing.
Skates: Each participant must have skates that fit properly and support the ankles. Skates are available in a variety of price ranges at most sport stores, or many second hand skates are also available. Before buying skates, check carefully for proper fit and firm ankle support.
  • For CanSkate & Pre-CanSkate skaters may use either hockey or figure skates (i.e. with or without a front pick).
  • Please do not wear "adjustable plastic skates."  Recently, these have become quite popular with often having Disney or other characters on them.  These skates do not have the proper blade length for your child.  
  • For CanPower, hockey skates are required.
  • For STAR Skate & Synchro, figure skates are required.

Hockey or Ringette sticks are required for CanPower. Sticks are not allowed for other programs.

 

How to fit skates:

  • Wear only one pair of socks or tights
  • Partially lace boots through instep
  • Slide foot forward so toes can touch the front but are not cramped
  • Stand with weight equally distributed over both feet, bend knees
  • The space at the back of the heel should be no more than a pencil to one finger width. Avoid buying skates in a large size for the skater to “grow into”. Comfortable, well-fitting equipment is imperative for skaters to perform the skills they are learning and avoid frustration.
  • Skates should fit snugly around the ankle and heel with some room for movement of toes. There should be no looseness or creases in the boot. The tongue should be well padded and wide enough to cover the front of the ankle and stay in place.
  • Tie laces loosely over the toe and front of the boot and snugly over the ankle and instep. Do not tie long laces by wrapping the laces around the skater’s ankle. This is a safety hazard as circulation to the foot may be cut off. If the laces are too long, cut them off. Walk around in the skates off-ice; they should feel comfortable and they should not be falling in or out at the ankles.
  • Please do not purchase "adjustable plastic skates."  Recently, these have become quite popular with often having Disney or other characters on them.  These skates do not have the proper blade length for your child. 
  • Further information of how to fit figure skates can be found the following websites

 

Sharpening Skates: 

  • New skates must be sharpened before use
  • Use a well-known sharpening company
  • Re-sharpen skates after approximately every 3 weeks or 15 hours of on-ice, depending on the skater
  • The bottom pick should NOT be removed from figure skates – the pick is part of the design and is essential for proper balance.

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