Skates and a CSA-Approved Hockey Helmet are the required essentials that every skater needs before stepping onto the ice.

SKATES

For PreCanSkate, CanSkate, Advanced CanSkate and Adult & Teen Skate, skaters may wear either hockey skates or recreational figure skates, depending on their preference.

Hockey skates are required for PowerSkate. Figure skates are needed for StarSkate.

CSA-APPROVED HOCKEY HELMET

All skaters are required to wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet while on the ice.

For skaters in PreCanSkate, CanSkate, Advanced CanSkate, Adult & Teen Skate and PowerSkate, a CSA-approved hockey helmet is mandatory.

Important: Helmets designed for other sports, such as bike helmets and ski/snowboard helmets, are not permitted on the ice. Look for the CSA certification label on a hockey helmet designed for ice sports.

A face cage on a hockey helmet is optional, but we strongly recommend one for younger skaters.

For most of our skating programs, skaters can choose between hockey skates and recreational figure skates. Whichever style you choose, proper fit and support are important.

What should I look for?

Snug Fit

Skates should fit snugly without being painfully tight. Your skater’s toes may lightly touch the front of the boot when standing, but their toes should not be curled.

Good Ankle Support

A properly fitting skate should hold the ankle securely and provide the support needed for balance and control.

Properly Secured

Laces or fastening systems should hold the foot and ankle securely without causing discomfort. Avoid overtightening around the toes.

Don’t buy too large

It can be tempting to purchase skates several sizes too large so your child can “grow into them.” However, oversized skates can make it more difficult for a beginner to balance, control their movements and develop proper skating technique.

A properly fitting second-hand pair is often a better choice than a new pair that is too large.

Adjustable children’s skates that expand as your child grows can seem like a great option. They are inexpensive, can last through several shoe sizes and may appear to be a practical choice for growing children.

However, our skating coaches do not recommend this type of skate for learning to skate.

While adjustable skates can be convenient, many of these skates have features that can make learning more difficult:

Less Stability and Support

Many adjustable skates do not provide the same level of ankle support and stability as a properly fitted traditional skate. For a beginner who is learning to balance and control their movements, good support is important.

Lower-Quality Blades

The blades on many adjustable children’s skates are not comparable to those found on traditional hockey or recreational figure skates. A quality blade provides a better foundation for learning to glide, turn and stop.

Fastening Mechanisms

The buckles and adjustment mechanisms on some expandable skates can be difficult to operate and may become brittle or break in the cold temperatures of an ice rink.

Our Recommendation

We recommend purchasing a properly fitting pair of traditional hockey skates or recreational figure skates rather than adjustable “grow-with-you” skates.

They don’t need to be expensive or brand new. A good-quality, properly fitting second-hand pair can be an excellent option for a growing child.

A helmet is one of the most important pieces of equipment your skater will have, so it’s important to choose one specifically designed for ice sports.

Look for a CSA-Approved Hockey Helmet

Your skater’s helmet must be CSA-approved for ice sports. Look for the CSA certification label when purchasing a helmet.

The helmet should:

• Sit level on the head
• Cover the forehead
• Fit snugly without being uncomfortable
• Have minimal movement when the skater moves their head
• Have properly adjusted chin straps

The chin strap should sit securely under the chin without being overly tight.

Remember: Bike helmets and ski/snowboard helmets are not permitted.
Your skater needs a CSA-approved hockey helmet designed for ice sports.

What about a face cage?

A face cage is not required, but we strongly recommend one for younger skaters.

Young skaters are still developing their balance and learning how to fall safely. A face cage provides additional protection while they are learning.

The right clothing depends somewhat on your skater’s age, experience and confidence on the ice.

Younger & Beginner Skaters

For skaters in PreCanSkate and CanSkate, we recommend dressing warmly.

We recommend:

• Snow pants
• A winter jacket or warm sweater
• Warm layers
• Mittens or gloves that stay securely on their hands
• Comfortable clothing that allows them to move freely

Why snow pants?

Beginner skaters spend a lot of time sitting, kneeling and getting back up on the ice while they learn new skills.

Snow pants help keep young skaters warm and dry during this stage of learning.

As skaters become more confident and spend less time on the ice, they may find that lighter layers provide greater freedom of movement.

Tip: Avoid clothing that is overly bulky or restrictive. Skaters need to be able to bend their knees and move their arms and legs freely.

Skates and CSA-approved hockey helmets are available at most sporting goods stores.

Buying New

If you’re purchasing new equipment, look for a reputable sporting goods retailer where staff can help you determine the correct size and fit.

Within Saint John, Doiron Sports Excellence is a locally owned sporting goods business, while Cleve’s Source for Sports and Sport Chek are also available as additional options.

Buying Second-Hand

Second-hand equipment can be an excellent option, especially for younger children who may quickly outgrow their skates.

Local buy-and-sell groups and online marketplaces often have quality hockey and recreational figure skates available at a fraction of the cost of new equipment.

When buying second-hand, always check that:

• The skates fit properly
• The boots provide good ankle support
• The blades are in good condition
• Laces, buckles and other fastening systems are in good working order
• The helmet is in good condition and is the correct size

Equipment needs can change as skaters progress through our programs.

PreCanSkate

Required:

• Hockey or recreational figure skates
• CSA-approved hockey helmet

Recommended:

• Snow pants
• Warm jacket or sweater
• Mittens or gloves
• Face cage

CanSkate

Required:

• Hockey or recreational figure skates
• CSA-approved hockey helmet

Recommended:

• Snow pants for newer skaters
• Warm layers
• Mittens or gloves
• Face cage for younger skaters

Advanced CanSkate

Required:

• Hockey or recreational figure skates
• CSA-approved hockey helmet

Recommended:

• Comfortable layers that allow freedom of movement
• Mittens or gloves

Adult / Teen Skate

Required:

• Hockey or recreational figure skates
• CSA-approved hockey helmet

Recommended:

• Comfortable athletic clothing
• Layers appropriate for the rink
• Gloves or mittens

StarSkate

Equipment and clothing needs may change as skaters progress into figure skating.

Skaters should have properly fitting figure skates that provide appropriate support for their level and skating goals. Comfortable skating attire that allows freedom of movement is recommended.

PowerSkate

PowerSkate is designed for hockey and ringette players looking to develop skating skills, speed and power.

Skaters should have properly fitting hockey skates and the equipment required for their hockey or ringette participation.

Have questions about equipment for your specific program? Contact us at info@sjsc.ca and we would be happy to help!

Quick Equipment Check

• Properly fitting skates
• CSA-approved hockey helmet
• Warm clothing
• Snow pants for younger/beginner skaters
• Mittens or gloves
• Face cage for younger skaters (recommended)
• Water bottle
• Skates and helmet labelled with your skater’s name