SKATES: FIT & CARE

BUYING SKATES
Wearing the proper skates is very important for your child's success in skating.  Skaters in Kinderskate or Canskate can wear either hockey style skates or figure skates.

We recommend that you purchase skates that have laces and not clips or dials to tighten.  Skates with laces allow for the skate to be better adjusted to fit the child's growing foot.  We also do not recommend that you purchase adjustable skates.  While this may seem like a cost saving option with a young child that is growing rapidly it is really detrimental to their progress.  As you enlarge these type of skates, the blade becomes too short for the boot and it causes difficulty for the skater to maintain proper balance and technique.


FITTING SKATES:
Skates should have support in the ankles and fit snugly around the foot. They should be laced tight enough for support without cutting off circulation.

Heels should not lift in the skate and toes should be able to wiggle. You should be able to fit one finger in the top of the skate when tightened and excess laces should be tucked in.

If you’re not sure of the fit, ask your coaches or a skate specialist at a sporting goods store.

If you have any questions about skates please visit the office during regular hours and someone would be happy to assist you.

CARE
Skate guards are recommended when not on the ice. Skates should be wiped with a clean dry cloth after each session.

Fuzzy blade covers will protect the blades and keep them from rusting. Wet skate guards should not be replaced on blades after drying.

SHARPENING
It is recommended that you sharpen the blades every 30 hours depending on care of blades.

If you are using figure skates, ensure that the bottom toe pick is not removed and that the skates are sharpened with a straighter (flat in back) figure skate sharpening as opposed to a rounder hockey sharpening.

If you are unsure if the skates need to be sharpened or where to go, ask your coaches.  We often recommend Players Bench

CSA APPROVED HELMET

All skaters must have a CSA approved hockey helmet.

Bike, ski or other sports helmets will not be accepted, and your child will not be allowed on the ice.

For skaters with longer hair, a headband or toque will keep hair out of the eyes and tucked securely under the helmet.

Helmet Policy 

CLOTHING

Clothing should be warm and allow for movement. Scarves, belts, or long coats can hinder and cause skaters to trip and fall and should be removed prior to getting on the ice.

Check that skaters can easily sit down and get back up in their snow pants or gear. Dressing in layers is ideal in case skaters get too warm.

Mittens are a must for warmth and safety (if possible, avoid the fuzzy mittens that can get stuck to the ice).

WHAT TO BRING


- proper clothing

- skate guards (on the skates until they walk on the ice)

- water bottle (that properly seals with their name on it)

- warm mittens or gloves

- CSA approved helmet