The City of Oshawa offers skating lessons, a men's hockey league, a variety of hockey and skating programs, and leisure skates including stick and puck and shinny for all ages and abilities.
A beginners guide to skating and hockey
Fitting skates |
|
Purchasing skates |
- Remove the insole from the skate and ask the child to stand on it.
- Make sure the heel is properly aligned with the heel of the insole.
- The big toes should almost reach the front edge of the insole, with no more than half an inch of space to allow for growth during the skating season.
|
Skating tips |
C.S.A. approved hockey helmets are required for all participants registered in City ice programs and full face masks are recommended for young children.
Wear loose, comfortable, warm clothing and mitts while skating.
Bend your knees in a 3-point position (shoulder over knees and toes), distance your feet hip width apart and have both skate blades facing the same direction.
Your blade has three edges:
The "Flat": this is what you'll use when standing on the ice. It's the entire centre length of the blade.
The "Inside Edge": when looking down at your blades, the inside edge is the part closest to your big toe and runs the length of the blade. Relax your ankles and drop them slightly toward each other and you'll be balancing on the outside edge.
The "Outside Edge": when looking down at your blades, the outside edge is the part closest to your little toe and runs the length of the blade. Stiffen your ankles and splay your feet like a duck leaning out and you'll be balancing on the outside edge.
Skating forward:
- Use your inside edges to push your flats to glide forward.
- Keep your arms out to the side for balance and bend your knees.
- Most of all have fun!
|
Fitting hockey equipment
Proper fitting hockey equipment is vital to your child's safety and enjoyment of the game of hockey. The following are some important tips to ensure your child is comfortable and protected on the ice this hockey season.
Helmet |
- Should rest half-an-inch above the eyebrow.
- Every helmet should be C.S.A. approved and be easily adjustable.
- Chin strap should fit snugly under the chin, if more than one finger fits between the strap and the chin, the chin strap is too loose.
|
Shoulder Pads |
- Protective caps should be positioned on top of the shoulders and should completely cover the shoulders, upper back, chest and upper arms to the elbow pad; the back of the shoulder pads should overlap slightly with the pants.
- Test the fit by lifting arms over shoulders; make sure there is full range of motion and the pads don't dig into the neck area.
|
Elbow Pads |
- The elbow should fit comfortably into the centre of the elbow pad cup and should leave no exposed skin between the shoulder pad and the glove.
- The elbow pad should not restrict movement but should fit firmly and not slide up or down the arm.
|
Gloves |
- Should not overlap the elbow pads and the fingers should extend into the glove like a loose winter glove.
- Fingers should not go completely to the end of the glove as this could expose them to injury.
- Test gloves for comfort, weight, flexibility and movement by using a hockey stick.
|
Hockey Pants |
- Should come down to within an inch of the cap on the shin pad.
- Suspenders should be used for a young child in order to ensure that the hockey pants do not slide down during skating.
|
Shin Pads |
- The cap of the shin pad should be centred on the kneecap, with the pad above the kneecap and overlapping the pants by 2 inches.
- The shin guard should extend to about one inch above the foot without restricting skate movement.
|
Hockey Stick |
- As a rule of thumb, the butt end of the stick should rest at the height of the chin when wearing skates. Tape the butt end of the stick for grip and the blade for puck control.
|