Learn to Skate is for children who would like to learn the fundamentals of ice skating. The LTS program is designed to develop strong basic skating skills (balance, stride, edges and stopping) as an introductory program for children interested in learning how to skate and play hockey.
On ice skaters will be divided into three groups according to ability and age. During the sessions the groups will be working on developing various skills as they work their way through the curriculum.
Learn to Skate runs two (10) week session with the first session running October - December and the second session running January through February.
For more info on the program contact: gaslampgrille@gmail.com
Our learn to skate registration is full for the 2023-24 season. Travel program team placement evaluations will take place in the spring for 2024-2025. Details will be posted once confirmed. House program (House League, Mite Development and Learn to Skate) registration will open in September.
Session one runs 10/15 through December. We have two options. Select either Saturday OR Sunday when registering. We have limited spaces in each group. Please do not register for both.
Session 2, with same days/times, runs from the January through the end of February.
All options are from 8:00 - 8:50 AM at Portsmouth Abbey.
What do we need for equipment?
There are two pieces of equipment that we require of every skater on the ice and that is a hockey helmet with a cage, and a pair of hockey skates. Please tape your skaters first name on the front of their helmet.
We do highly recommend a pair of knee pads and gloves too. They do not necessarily have to be “hockey” pads but can be ordinary skateboard or bike knee pads and any old pair of gloves. Dress your skater to be comfortable while on the ice. Just because you are cold in the bleachers your skater is working up a sweat out on the ice.
If your skater brings a water bottle make sure their name is on it and it is of the squirt type so they can still use it with their helmet on. At the start of the practice the player can bring the water bottle to the players bench to be sued during practice so they do not need to get off the ice.
Equipment fit
A helmet or skates that are too tight can cause your skater to hate the sport. Prior to the start of the season make sure the helmet and skates are a good fit for your child.
What is a good age to start LTS?
We recommend that the minimum age be four, but we leave this up to the discretion of the parent. Some three year olds have had some success with LTS but this is not typically the case.
At the other end of the age spectrum we have had skaters as old as 12 join our program. Typically every session there are a handful of older skaters who progress very rapidly and who will usually start in the most advanced skating group regardless if they have zero previous experience on the ice.
Can my child use a “crate”?
Yes they can. If you feel your child will want to sue a crate they will need to bring their own. Two milk crates stacked on top of and zip tied to each other is a height that works well for children.
We will be continually encouraging your skater to work on skating without the crate and will always be making sure that they do not develop bad habits by putting their elbows on the crates and using them to support their weight.
What are the groups?
We divide the practices into three groups based on the skaters ability and sometimes age. As the season progresses the coaches will be evaluating the skaters progress and moving them up a group as they see fit.
Group 1 is for our most novice skaters. These would be children who have had little to no skating experience. Typically the youngest skaters are in this group but the very beginning of the season may have a few 5 and 6 year olds in this group who are skating for the first time.
Group 2 is our intermediate group. Theses skaters have progressed though the first group and have a good understanding of balance. Group 2 works a lot on developing stride, and edge control.
Group 3 is for our most advanced skaters where stride, balance, and edge control (stopping) are further developed.
What is the schedule?
Session one runs 10/15 through December. We have two options. Select either Saturday OR Sunday when registering. We have limited spaces in each group. Please do not register for both.
Session 2, with same days/times, runs from the January through the end of February.
All options are from 8:00 - 8:50 AM at Portsmouth Abbey.
