Our Programs

CanSkate

Children aged 4-12 years old learn-to-skate program. Skaters must be able to get up unaided after falling, shuffle forward unassisted and should be just starting to skate backwards. CanSkate offers great preparation for hockey and figure skating. Skates will be evaluated at the first class and grouped according to skill.

The CanSkate program is organized into three Fundamental areas and divided into six stages of learning.

The Fundamental areas are:

• Balance: Focus on forward skills, pushing technique and edges.
• Control: Focus on backwards skills, stopping and speed elements.
• Agility: Focus on turning and jumping skills.

Pre-Canskate

The minimum age is 4 years old by December 31 of the registration season.

Pre-Canskate groups are a component of CanSkate, Participants who have never skated before or who are not confident with their balance on the ice are considered Pre-CanSkaters (regardless of age, however, age range is typically 4-6 years old).

Pre-CanSkaters work on the essentials needed to move safely and effectively on the ice so that they can rotate to the different learning stations. There are eight basic skills designed to ready them for Stage 1.

Bridge Program

The Bridge Program is designed for our Stage 4 and 5 CanSkaters, helping to transition skaters from the Skate Canada CanSkate program into the STARSkate program. This program focuses on enhancing and strengthening fundamental skating skills while introducing elements of figure skating.

Each Bridge session includes 50 minutes of on-ice training. Skaters will begin with a warm-up and end with a cool-down. The main portion of the session will focus on four key areas:

• Stroking
• Edges and Turns                                                                                          
• Jumps
• Spins, Field Movements, and Stops

Eligibility:

To register for the Bridge Program, skaters must have passed CanSkate Level 3 or higher and be enrolled in at least one regular CanSkate session in addition to the Bridge session.

For more information, please contact us at CanSkate@silverblades.ca

Caregiver & Pre-CanSkater

Caregiver (adult 18+ years old) & Tot (child 2-5 years old)

Mondays 3:40pm-4:10pm at Central Arena

All Lessons are taught by a professional coach in a group lesson format and are 30 minutes in length.

With the use of interactive games and activities, we encourage young skates to become comfortable on the ice in a fun and supportive environment. Children will be taught to stand on their own, fall down and get back up on their own. They will also be taught basic forward skating skills.

Adaptive CanSkate 

Saturdays 1:40PM - 2:30PM at Central Arena

We are very pleased to offer the Adaptive CanSkate program at Silver Blades. This program provides children with physical, cognitive, or developmental differences the opportunity to participate in a fun, supportive, and inclusive learn-to-skate environment.

Our goal is to help each skater successfully participate in our Saturday CanSkate program through thoughtful, individualized accommodations based on their unique needs. These may include additional time to adjust to the skating environment, scheduled breaks, sensory supports, or other appropriate modifications to help each child feel comfortable, confident, and successful on the ice.

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of skating, and we are committed to creating a positive, welcoming environment where all skaters can learn, grow, and thrive.

Podium Pathway (Pre-Juvenile to Novice)

 Skaters in Podium Pathway work with their base coaches to develop a training program designed for competing at a Sectional and National level. In this stream, skaters are expected to train year round both on and off the ice. Talk to your base coach to determine which stream best meets your skater's goals and development plan.

Off-Ice

Available for Preliminary, Junior, Intermediate and Senior skaters. This program is designed to teach jump technique, flexibility and strength that complements on-ice instruction.

Off-Ice training is essential to all skaters' development. In order to participate in our Jump & Harness class, skaters must be registered in at least one Off-Ice Fitness class. Skating up/down level is not allowed.

Assessment Days for StarSkate

Skaters have the opportunity to take Skate Canada Assessment through a nationally standardized assessment system. Assessments for Star 1-5 happen during the regular session. Assessment for Star 6 and up take place on assigned Assessment Days. If you have any questions about Assessments, please talk to your coach.

Drop-In Ice

Silver Blades Skating Club is able to offer drop-in ice to our skaters and guest skaters. Drop-in ice is intended to act as supplemental ice time for skaters looking to add an extra lesson or practice session before a test, competition or showcase. Drop-in ice is not intended to replace regular program registration.

Synchronized Skating

Synchronized skating, or “synchro” is a specialized discipline of skating involving groups of eight or more skaters performing various group formations and maneuvers. The objective is for the team to perform as one unit executing circles, blocks, lines, wheels and intersections in unison to the music, while demonstrating quality edges, power and flow. Silver Blades Synchronized Skating Team, called Ice Unite, offers synchro at a variety of levels for Preliminary to Senior skaters.

PA Program

Earn $8.00/hour towards your fees, by helping teach the next generation of skaters.

Our enthusiastic and friendly Program Assistants work with the club's PreCanSkate, CanSkate and Preliminary coaches weekly in exchange for Silver Blades gift certificates OR Ontario high school community volunteer hours.

Being part of the PA Program at Silver Blades is an incredibly rewarding experience in leadership and community involvement—and it looks great on resumés and on school applications. Skaters who commit to a regular PA session at the start of the season will earn a personalized Silver Blades club jacket after just 10 hours on the job!