We offer skating lessons for ages 3 and up. Skating is a sport for all ages, but we recommend that skaters be at least 3 years old to begin our Pre-CanSkate program.

We offer skating lessons at the Stewart Hurley Arena on the East side of Saint John on Wednesdays and the Peter Murray Arena on the West side of Saint John on Mondays and Saturdays. Skaters are welcome to register for lessons at either or both locations.

Our skating season runs from October to March. We accept registrations throughout the season, so even if you miss the start in October, you’re still welcome to join! Skaters will begin at the level that matches their skill, and registration fees are prorated based on the number of sessions remaining.

We offer programming for skaters interested in figure skating, hockey, ringette, or recreational skating. Our programs follow different development paths depending on your goals, so there’s something for everyone!

You can register online here.

If you don’t already have an Uplifter account from a previous season, you’ll need to create one. If you are a parent registering a skater, please start by creating a parent account first. Then add your skater(s) to your family profile under the “Participants” section.

Once your skater(s) are listed as participants, you can proceed to register them for specific programs.

Please be sure to register each skater in the program level that best matches their current skill level. For help choosing the right level, see the next question or view our program descriptions.

Here’s a quick overview to help you choose the right program:

• PreCanSkate is ideal for skaters aged 3+ who have no prior skating experience and are not yet able to stand or move around confidently on skates.
• CanSkate is for skaters aged 6 and up, or for younger skaters who already have some skating experience and can move independently on skates.

Our coaches regularly assess all skaters and will move them to the next level when they’re ready. So if you’re unsure whether your child is ready for CanSkate, it’s perfectly fine to start in PreCanSkate. Our coaches will ensure each skater is placed where they’ll thrive.

If a skater is interested in developing skills for hockey or ringette, they can transition to PowerSkate after completing Stage 4 of CanSkate. Alternatively, skaters can continue through CanSkate and Advanced CanSkate to complete all 6 stages before moving on to StarSkate.

View our program descriptions for a more detailed explanation of each program.

You can choose to register yourself or your skater for one, two, or three days a week. However, we recommend at least two days per week to allow enough practice time for faster progress and skill development.

Yes! We accept registrations throughout the season, up until February. Registration fees are prorated based on the number of sessions remaining in the season.

Yes, please do! If the program you’re interested in is currently full, signing up for the waiting list is the best way to secure a spot. We regularly add new skaters from the wait lists as others move up to the next level. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at info@sjsc.ca or on Facebook.

Payment can be made by credit card during the registration process through Uplifter. We also accept e-transfers to registration@sjsc.ca. Please use the word “registration” as your e-transfer security answer.

We are not able to accept cash or cheque payments at this time.

Yes. During the registration process, you can select a payment plan option. Fees will be split into three installments, billed in October, November, and December.

If you need a different arrangement, please contact us at registration@sjsc.ca to discuss other options.

Families can apply for financial support to help cover registration costs through organizations such as KidSport New Brunswick, Canadian Tire Jump Start Program and P.R.O. Kids Saint John. Please visit their websites for more information and to apply for sponsorship.

Please note:
Sponsorships may not cover the full cost of your registration. You will be responsible for paying any remaining balance.

For example: If your program costs $350 for the full year and PRO Kids provides up to $250 per season, you would need to reapply for winter funding to cover the remaining cost. This can help cover the full cost across multiple seasons.

All skaters are required to have skates and a helmet. Skates can be either hockey skates or figure skates, depending on your preference.

For skaters in PreCanSkate, CanSkate, and Advanced CanSkate, a CSA-certified hockey helmet is mandatory. A face cage is optional, but highly recommended for younger skaters.

In addition to the required skates and CSA-approved helmet, we recommend that younger skaters in PreCanSkate and CanSkate dress warmly. This includes snow pants, a winter jacket, and mittens or gloves that stay securely on their hands.

Since beginner skaters will spend some time on the ice as they learn, it’s important to keep them warm and dry. As skaters progress and become more confident, they may prefer to wear lighter layers to allow for greater freedom of movement.

Skates and a CSA-approved helmet can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. You may also find quality second-hand skates through options like Facebook Marketplace or local buy-and-sell groups.

Be sure that skates fit properly and provide good ankle support. A snug fit helps skaters learn more comfortably and safely.

Skates:

• Snug fit: Skates should fit snugly but not painfully tight. Your skater’s toes should just touch the front of the boot when standing but not be curled.
• Good ankle support: The skate should hold the ankle firmly in place to help with balance and prevent injury. If you can bend the boot easily with your hands, it may not provide enough support.
• Laces: Laces should be snug around the ankle and looser around the toes. Avoid over-tightening to the point of discomfort.
• No room to “grow into”: Skates that are too big make it harder to learn and increase the risk of falling. It’s better to buy properly fitting skates second-hand than new ones that are too large.

Helmet:

• CSA-approved: Helmets must be CSA-approved for ice sports. Look for the CSA sticker on the back.
• Snug and level: The helmet should sit level on the head and cover the forehead. It should be snug but comfortable, with minimal shifting when the head moves.
• Straps: Adjust chin straps so they’re snug under the chin — you should be able to fit one finger between the strap and the chin.
• No bike helmets: Only CSA-certified helmets designed for ice sports are permitted on the ice.