PreCanSkate is a fun and supportive program designed for our youngest beginners, offering a gentle introduction to the sport of skating. This program focuses on developing the basic skills needed to skate confidently, including how to stand, fall safely, get back up, find balance, and move forward on the ice. Through a playful and engaging approach, PreCanSkate helps skaters build strength, coordination, and confidence in a positive environment.

With the guidance of experienced, certified coaches, skaters are encouraged to take their first steps in skating, while building the foundational skills required for CanSkate and beyond, where they will refine these abilities and develop greater control. PreCanSkate is all about making learning enjoyable, creating the perfect foundation for a lifelong love of skating.

PreCanSkate is generally recommended for skaters aged 3 to 5 years. This age range ensures that participants are at an ideal developmental stage for the skills and activities introduced in the program.

PreCanSkate Requirements

All PreCanSkate participants must have their own skates and a CSA-certified hockey helmet, which is mandatory. Skaters may wear either hockey skates or figure skates, based on personal preference. A face cage is optional, but strongly recommended for younger skaters for added protection.

PreCanSkate Program

Our PreCanSkate program runs three days a week, with options on both the East and West sides of Saint John. The season runs from October through the end of March.

Where We Skate

• Peter Murray Arena — Monday evenings and Saturday mornings
• Stewart Hurley Arena — Wednesday evenings

Families can choose to register for one, two, or three days per week, depending on what works best for their schedule. Our coaches recommend attending at least two days per week, when possible, as regular participation helps skaters make greater progress throughout the season.

2026–2027 Season

Specific session times and registration dates will be posted once our 2026–2027 ice schedule has been finalized with the City of Saint John.

Registration Fees

Registration fees for the 2026–2027 season have not yet been finalized and will depend on the number of days per week you choose.

As a guide, the 2025–2026 fee for PreCanSkate one day per week for the full season was $296.30, plus $68.67 in annual Skate Canada and Skate New Brunswick fees. These annual fees are paid only once per skater, so they are not charged again if you register for another program or add another skating day during the same season.

We are working to keep any increase for the 2026–2027 season as small as possible. As a non-profit organization, we work to keep our program fees affordable while covering the costs of ice rentals, coaching, insurance, and program operations.

Final pricing will be posted as soon as it is available.