RINK is excited to announce that we have been recognized for our skating development programs and are now sanctioned with Skate Canada, making RINK Programs Skate Canada certified. This will primarily affect and strengthen our already strong and popular introductory programs such as Learn to Skate, Intro to Hockey, Hockey Development and MORE!  

Our Introductory programs have welcomed thousands of young athletes into the world of skating through our Learn to Skate, Intro to Hockey, Hockey Development and new Intro to Figure Skating programs. RINK is thrilled to be recognized by Skate Canada expanding our knowledge and recognition as a company.  

Background of RINK’s Learn to Skate Program 

RINK’s Learn to Skate program has been offered for over 10 years and has evolved over time into two programs options, Learn to Skate 1 and Learn to Skate 2.  

Learn to Skate 1 is for first time skaters and runs on our 30 x 60-foot goalie sheet. This program allows skaters to get comfortable with being on the ice, standing and marching techniques. This program has a maximum of 8 skaters on the ice, to maximize individual instruction with each skater.  

Learn to Skate 2 is for skaters who can stand and move on their own, requiring minimal assistance. This program operates on our 60 x 120-foot training sheet and allows a maximum of 12 skaters on the ice with 4 coaches, a 3:1 player to coach ratio. Learn to Skate 2 covers all the basics of skating such as forward skating, backwards skating, edge control and more.

Old Pathway through RINK Programming

What is the CanSkate Program? 

The CanSkate program is geared to beginners of all ages…children, adults, newcomers to Canada and athletes with a disability (AWAD). Whether you are looking to improve basic skating skills for figure skating, hockey, ringette, speed skating, recreation, fitness or fun, CanSkate will get you there. 

Conducted in a fun, friendly environment, the CanSkate program showcases a comprehensive series of balance, control and agility skills, using a nationally-tested and proven curriculum that supports skater success in developing stronger basic skills on the ice. 

Millions of Canadians, including World and Olympic figure skating champions and National Hockey League stars, have taken their first steps on the ice with the CanSkate program. Offered at clubs and skating schools across Canada and delivered by NCCP coaches, CanSkate will help you realize your skating goals. 

New Pathway with Skate Canada

How CanSkate will affect RINK’s Learn to Skate Program 

Skate Canada Certified Coaches will be mandatory on the ice sheet 

  • Coaches will have to be certified by the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), trained in teaching the mechanics and proper techniques of skating. 

  • Coaches are assisted by trained program assistants. 

Learn to Skate 2 will operate on the Full Sheet 

  • Learn to Skate 2 will transition from the Training Sheet to the Full Sheet.  

  • The Full Sheet will have 30 skaters in total on the sheet. 

  • Full Sheet will be split into thirds with 3 coaches in each third. Maintaining the 3:1 player to coach ratio. 

Learn to Skate will follow PreCan & CanSkate Curriculum 

  • Learn to Skate 1 (PreCan) will operate on the goalie sheet. This program will remain geared towards skaters who are unfamiliar with any skating concepts or techniques.  

  • Learn to Skate 2 (CanSkate) will have a series of balance, control, agility skills designed to prepare skaters for all ice sports requiring skates, as well as recreational skating. 

  • Both curriculums are designed for 90% continuous movement to maximize learning and practice time in a fun and active group setting.  

Evaluation Process  

  • Skaters will be evaluated in 6 stages. To continue through the CanSkate program successfully, skaters are required to meet the performance standards of each stage.  

  • Badges, ribbons, and other incentives are used to benchmark skaters’ progress and reward effort and participation. 

Addition of Learn to Skate – Adult/Teen 

  • RINK will be adding an additional Learn to Skate Program dedicated to people wanting to learn skating as a life skill. It will be offered from the ages of 13 and older in which teens and adults alike can join. It will be recognized under the CanSkate Program from the stages of 1-6. 

Key Staff involved in this transition

Brooklyn Parker is a key asset to the implementation of the Skate Canada CanSkate program into the RINK. Brooklyn has been with RINK for 3 years and has an extensive resume.  

Brooklyn is a certified Provincial coach and is currently working towards obtaining her National Coaching certification. She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Kinesiology and is a NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist in 2019. 

Brooklyn was a member of Manitoba’s High-Performance Figure Skating Team for seven years, starting in Juvenile and ending in the Junior level. She earned numerous provincial medals during this time and five of the seven years she was a member of the team, she competed at the Skate Canada Challenge event with the top skaters in Canada. In 2011 she represented Manitoba at the Canada Winter Games in Halifax. 

Brooklyn was also a member of the Pembina Pizazz synchronized skating team for 9 years and had two opportunities to represent Manitoba at the Canadian Synchronized Skating Championships 

We are excited to have Brooklyn lead this transition with her wealth of experience and knowledge. 

Sign Up for Our Pre-Season Introductory Programs this October

Learn to Skate 1 >> CLICK HERE

Learn to Skate 2 >> CLICK HERE

Learn to Skate - Adult/Teen >> CLICK HERE

Intro to Hockey >> CLICK HERE

Intro to Figure Skating >> CLICK HERE