RIBBONS / BADGES
A complete series of ribbons that focus on balance, control and agility skills are taught to achieve a badge in six stages.  Learning that pertains 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.

PROGRAMS
Canskate – 5:45 to 6:45pm ~ Monday: Battleford Arena & Thursday: Civic Centre
StarSkate – Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Different time packages available (4, 6, 8 or 10 hrs)

Important Information For CanSkate Parents So Your Child Has the Best Experience Possible

COACHES

• Club Coach; Cindy Tymoruski, National Certified 40+ years of coaching experience
• Cindy will always be available for questions or concerns at the end of each session.
•  Freelance Coaches; Greg Melchior, Caitlin Kemps, and Susan Walsh.
• Canskate Coaches; Kennedy Hainault, Courtney Johnson, Emily Simon
• Junior, Intermediate and Senior skaters are the Program Assistants (PA’s) and help with Canskate sessions.

CLOTHES

• Please no bulky ski jackets, pants or jeans, pants that are binding in the crotch area make it very difficult for skaters to stand up after they’ve fallen. Stretchy is best, lighter jacket adding layers that can be undone at the neck or taken off and on as they get warm or cold is best for maneuverability.
• MITTS – that fit properly so coaches and program assistants can properly hold the hands with skaters to assist them in their skating is a must.

EQUIPMENT

• HELMETS ARE MANDITORY – skaters must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet while on the ice, no bike helmets. Knee pads are a good idea and elbow pads if you choose.

SKATES

• Skates should fit just a finger or two bigger to accommodate for growth, bigger than that and skaters will have difficulty balancing.
• Skates should be on the duller side not to sharp.
• Tie skates loose from the toe to just below the ankle, tighter in the ankle area and looser at the top.
• Skaters need to be able to bend in their skates easily. Guards are must to protect blades.

BEGINNING OF EACH SESSION

• Parents are not allowed on the ice or in the player’s box unless your child need your help with skates or needs to use the bathroom. We encourage you to please have your child use the washroom before skating starts.
• Skaters who have been with the club previously or who are comfortable skating on their own will be allowed on the ice first once the Zamboni doors are closed and coaches/pa are on the ice.
• Skaters who are not comfortable being on the ice alone or who need assistance will enter the ice surface second so they can be assisted by a coach or pa.
• Non skaters will get an off-ice lesson near the entrance in preparation for their on ice experience.
• Here are a few categories your child will fit into and it’s all very acceptable: Crier, Crawler, Stander, Walker, Shuffler, Skater
• Cindy and the program assistants will take the time to make your child as comfortable as possible to work through all the stages.
• The club has a 2 week trial period so if your child just cannot manage being alone on the ice surface there is a refund policy.
• Cindy will provide more information on how the on-ice Canskate is run once we start skating.

COMMUNICATION

• Please check the website often for information or you can email us at sk8battlefords@sasktel.net
• There are a number of events the club hosts and participates in this will be in the Calendar of Events
• Picture handouts will include notes and information you’ll need to know.
• We will send out mass email notices as well.