PowerSkate:

GET AN EXTRA EDGE AND TAKE YOUR GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Program Overview: The PowerSkate program is designed to focus on the development of 15 basic skill sets divided into three fundamental areas: Balance, Control, and Agility, including components of power and speed. Recognizing that skating is a foundational skill for hockey and ringette, this program allows skaters to focus on skating techniques outside of the game or practice.

• Location: East St. Paul Arena (Fall/Winter Sessions)

• Schedule: Sunday 8 - 8:45 AM, Thursday 4:30 - 5:30 PM (Fall/Winter Sessions)

• Participation: Skaters can opt to participate once or register for both sessions.

Part of the FUNdamentals stage of development in the LTD (Long-Term Development in Sport and Physical Activity Model).

Program Highlights:

• Fundamental Areas: The program emphasizes three key areas—Balance, Control, and Agility—ensuring skaters develop the essential skills required for on-ice performance. These areas are critical for achieving power and speed.

• Flexible Progression: The program is designed to allow flexibility for progression or an increase in intensity as needed to cater to the individual levels of skaters. This ensures that each skater can develop at their own pace and skill level.

• Proper Technique: The main focus of the program is teaching and developing proper skating techniques. Skaters will be assessed based on a continuum of development that indicates skills at early, moderate, or advanced stages.

• Progressive Instruction: Skating skills, techniques, and performance drills are taught in a progressive format by Skate Canada NCCP-certified coaches, enhancing the skating ability required in game situations.

Program Suitability:

• Advanced Requirements: It is important to note that the PowerSkate program is not a Learn-To-Skate program. All PowerSkate skaters must have achieved Stage 4 of the CanSkate program as a prerequisite or have equivalent skills.

  • Adaptive Skating: Our PowerSkate program is inclusive and welcomes skaters of all ages with a minimum of Stage 4 CanSkate experience, including sledge hockey skaters. We proudly support athletes with cognitive and physical disabilities or impairments. The program is designed to accommodate individual needs, ensuring every skater can develop their skills in a supportive environment. Our coaches are experienced in working with athletes of varying abilities, and we strive to create a positive and encouraging atmosphere for all participants.  

    • Through Adaptive Skating, athletes develop sports skills, social skills, and self-esteem to assist them in becoming involved members of the community. It promotes an active lifestyle and quality of life for persons with intellectual disabilities through participation in sports.

• Equipment: Full equipment is encouraged but not mandatory. All participants are required to wear CSA-approved hockey helmets and good, well-fitting skates. Sticks will be incorporated into the program at the coach's discretion. For examples of equipment, how to wear it, and recommendations, refer to our Equipment Information playlist!

  • Hockey Skate Sharpening: For hockey skates, go to any local sharpener (retail or private). The price at many local pro shops is $10 - $15. The price at the local sharpener recommended by coaches is $12.

    • When to Sharpen Skates: It is recommended to get skates sharpened approximately every 15-20 hours of skating.

• Optimal Age Group: According to Hockey Canada and Ringette Canada, the optimal age group for PowerSkate is between U9 and U13.

Membership Requirements:

• Exclusive Program: The PowerSkate program is exclusive to Skate Canada and is available only to Skate Canada member clubs and sanctioned skating schools. All participants must be registered with Skate Canada.

Assessment and Recognition:

• Continuous Assessment: Coaches continuously assess skaters in the three disciplines of Balance, Control, and Agility. This ensures that skaters are developing well-rounded skills.

• Badges: Skaters earn badges to benchmark their progress and reward their effort and participation. These milestones encourage skaters to strive for improvement and celebrate their achievements. 

To watch examples of how to perform the skills, check out the specific focus area (Balance, Control, Agility) in the PowerSkate section on the Skate Canada Development Video Library 

PowerSkate Competitions:

PowerSkaters have the opportunity to compete in certain competitions at the Stage 5 or 6 CanSkate event.

Competition Categories:

• Creative Improv: 1

• Element Event: Stage 5 or 6

• Team Event: Stage 5 or 6

 For more details, visit the Competition Information Page.