The right gear for the best glide!
The right equipment makes a big difference in comfort, performance, and safety. All CanSkate participants must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet until Stage 6 completion and for all events, competitions, ice shows, and any other special on-ice activities throughout the season. Skates should fit snugly, offer strong ankle support, and be sharpened regularly for the best performance.
Not sure where to find what you need? Our coaches are happy to answer questions about fit, care, sharpening & maintenance.
Not sure where to find what you need? Our coaches are happy to answer questions about fit, care, sharpening & maintenance.
Choosing the Right Skates for CanSkate
The right pair of skates makes all the difference in your child’s safety, comfort, and progress on the ice. For CanSkate, we recommend skates that fit properly, have laces instead of buckles or Velcro, are free from plastic materials, are regularly sharpened, and, for figure skates, keep the toe picks intact. It is also important not to leave “room to grow” in skates, as this can negatively affect performance at every level of skating development.Avoid adjustable or plastic skates that offer poor ankle support, as they can slow development and increase the risk of injury and falls.
Helmet Requirements for CanSkate
For the safety of all participants, every skater in the CanSkate program must wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet, with or without a cage. Ski, bike, and multi-sport helmets are not permitted as they do not provide the proper protection for skating activities. A proper fitting helmet sits no more than 1 inch above the brow line, has straps that are shaped like a V around the ears, and has no more than 1 finger space under the chin. Be sure skaters can see, all excess hair should be pulled back out of the way. Incentive stickers should not be placed on a helmet as some adhesives may compromise the integrity of the plastic and void the manufacturer’s guarantee. Skaters are required to wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet until they have successfully passed CanSkate Stage 6, as directed by TPFSC.Ensuring your child has the right helmet helps prevent injuries and allows them to focus on learning and having fun on the ice. See additional information on equipment requirements here.
