A hockey helmet with a cage is required to skate until they have passed Stage 5.  This protects the face, the upper part of the back of the neck and the side of the head better than a bicycle helmet.

Mittens or gloves are mandatory. If the skater wears a scarf, it must be tucked in at all times. Skaters should be warm and be able to move freely.  Snowsuits can make it difficult for the skaters to move (and get up).  Suitable attire for both boys and girls are warm leggings, a sweater and a jacket.  A dress or skirt for girls who progress is fine but warm tights are necessary to remain comfortable.

 

Only one pair of light cotton socks should be worn with skates.  Too many socks restrict circulation to the feet and can make the feet cold and uncomfortable.

Skates 

Figure or hockey skates are acceptable at the CanSkate level.  However, those working beyond the learning stage should wear figure skates.

 

Skates should fit like a shoe and not be too large.  Close foot-to-boot contact gives the skater more support and confidence.

 

Strong ankle support is very important.  If you buy used skates, make sure that the ankles are not broken down.  A good test for this is to grasp the top of the boot and try to bend it to the side - there should not be much sideway movement to the boot.

 

The best skate to buy is one made from leather.  Second hand leather skates are better than new vinyl skates – providing the leather boot has not been worn out/down.  If you are interested in buying used skates, contact a coach, your group representative or a member of the Gananoque Skating Club executive.

When skates are laced, the skater should flex his/her foot at the ankle as they are tightened.  Laces should not be too tight.  Never, ever, tie the extra laces around the skater’s ankle - cut the laces or go up and down the eyes of the skates once or twice.

Skate Sharpening 

Skaters should start the season with newly sharpened skates.  The skates should be sharpened at least every other month for beginners.  Figure skates should be sharpened by a reputable skate sharpener who is experienced with and has knowledge of figure skates.  Outdoor skating dulls the edges of the blades quicker and, therefore, more frequent sharpening is required.

 

Keep a pair of skate guards with skates at all times.  If the skater does not have skate guards on, he/she should NEVER walk on anything other than rubber mats.  After the skater has finished skating, be sure to dry the blades thoroughly to prevent rust.  Clean out the skate guards regularly as well.  Do not store skates (between practices) with the skate guards on.  Soft terry cloth towel covers are available to cover and protect blades while in the skate bag.  After practice, skates should be dried at room temperature (out of the skating bag) to ensure adequate drying and prevention from mold and mildew.

 

 Ice Rules

Chewing gum on the ice is not permitted at any time.

Parents are not permitted on the ice.  All coaches are first aid certified and will deal with occurrences that happen on the ice.  

 

We encourage all spectators (including parents) to watch the skaters from the stands.  Standing at the glass or at the entrance to the ice can distract the skaters and impede other skaters from entering the ice. 

 

Skaters are not permitted on the ice until their instruction time. 

Thank you for skating with us and we hope you have an enjoyable season.