CanPowerSkate
CanPowerSkate is an action-packed, high energy instructional power skating program geared to hockey skaters that focuses on balance, power, agility, speed and endurance. Skills, techniques and conditioning drills are taught in a progressive format that emphasizes how the skills apply to game situations. CanPowerSkate provides an alternative to figure skating and is an excellent complement for those athletes playing on hockey teams. Its unique skill award program provides incentives and motivation for skaters to continue to achieve.
CanPowerSkate is geared to skaters aged approximately six or older who already have basic forward and backward skating skills (they must be able to skate the length of the rink using alternate strides) and are able to stop on command without use of the boards. For safety reasons participants must wear full hockey equipment that is CSA approved.
What are the benefits of Participating in CanPowerSkate?
CanPowerSkate is the only nationally regulated power skating program in Canada. It was developed by a team of hockey, figure skating and ringette experts to teach the fundamentals of power skating in a progressive and sequential manner.
When you/your child registers for a CanPowerSkate program, you also become a member of Skate Canada. Membership benefits in the CanPowerSkate program can include:
- participation in a unique skill testing system which includes award bars and ribbons
- parent information sheets
- progress updates and report cards
- special CanPowerSkate events and club functions
- opportunity to be talent-scouted
- opportunity to participate in a healthy lifestyle activity
These are some of the awards and incentives that have been developed to encourage athletes in CanPowerSkate:
How does CanPowerSkate work?
The CanPowerSkate program consists of skills divided into six levels, arranged in progressions gradually increasing in complexity. Levels 1 to 3 focus on the fundamentals of skating, Levels 4 to 6 place additional focus on the acquisition of efficient technique, speed, agility, technical aspects of stride and acceleration and skating with the puck/ring. Skaters are evaluated on skill level and are timed as they perform a test involving skills in a course-like pattern. The skater receives a mark combining his skill performance plus test time. This determines whether the skater receives a Bronze, Silver or Gold award bar for that Level.