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Learn to Skate

Learn to Skate 2024-2025 information

all skaters must register with USA Hockey prior to registering with CYH.  USA Hockey and CYH registration links are at the bottom of this page.

Ages:
Skaters must be born in 2020 and prior to participate

Purpose:
The Learn to Skate program is designed to introduce girls and boys to skating and hockey at their own pace.  First timers, as well as those with some skating experience will benefit. 

Schedule:
The program takes place every Saturday starting on November 2nd and ends on Saturday, March 8th at the Metropolis / Ponkapoag rink in Canton at 9 a.m and 10 a.m. 

The 9 o’clock hour is for those skaters with some experience (completed Learn to Skate for beginners in the ’23-’24 season or did a program elsewhere).  The 10 o’clock hour is for those skaters who are out there for the first time with no experience.  You will receive an email prior to season starting regarding which hour you’ll be assigned.

We will conclude the season with a hockey jamboree for the kids.

Focus:
The focus is to teach skating and eventually to introduce hockey fundamentals, not to play in competitive games.  Playing competitively before learning how to skate is counterproductive.  Hockey sticks are not needed until the coaches decide the group is ready, so we’ll keep you posted.  Remember, these children are young and learning to skate is not easy, so it will take some time.  If they need a week off, take a week off.  Please do not leave the rink area and be available if your child needs you, and try to have them ready by their assigned time. Most kids spend two years in our learn to skate program before progressing to Mighty Mites.

Equipment:

  • Hockey helmet with face shield/cage is mandatory
  • Hockey jersey - Canton Youth Hockey will provide
  • Skates - should fit comfortably (laces tight, but shouldn’t be painfully tight)
  • Knee pads - of any kind-the kids fall quite a bit, usually on their knees.
  • Gloves - their hands get cold. First timers can start with regular winter gloves and hockey gloves are recommended when sticks are introduced.
  • Warm clothing - the rink is not extremely cold, but it is cold in the winter.  
  • Hockey Stick - Not yet, but we’ll let you know when to bring a stick. Note: Straight bladed sticks work best for beginners since it is very hard to determine a right-handed player from a left-handed player.  Hockey players often hold their stick opposite of their dominant hand.  Let them get comfortable.

USA Hockey:
All skaters must register with USA Hockey prior to registering with the CYH Learn to Skate program.  USA Hockey registration link is at the bottom of this page.

Volunteers:
On and off-ice volunteers are needed to assist the instructors since little ones need some help staying focused and organized.  We also need help each week with the set-up and breakdown of the equipment we use.  The number needed on ice will be determined by the number of sign-ups: we only have room for about 15 volunteers. Too many makes it too confusing.  We want your help, but for obvious reasons...we must have all volunteers register with us.  We need to know who is on the ice.  Do not go on the ice or send an older sibling to help unless they have registered and personally checked with a CYH board member.