Hockey and Skating

• Wear thin socks when trying on skates and measure the foot for proper skate sizing.

• Skates should fit snug, so start with skates at a half size smaller than your shoes.
• Your toes should slightly touch the toe of the boot and the heel should feel stable.
• Tap your heel on the floor several times to firmly set it into the back of the boot.
• Lace the skates firmly but comfortably for a snug fit. Choose the proper length laces. Laces should not be tied around the skate boot (ankles).
• If your toes are scrunched up, the skate is too small. If your foot has any room to move inside the boot, the skate is too big.
• If the skate feels too narrow, try the same size in a wider width boot.
• Every foot is different, try on several pairs of skates for the best comfort and stability.
• Sharpen new skates; leave the pick on figure skate blades; sharpen skates every 10 - 15 hours on the ice.

• 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.

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:

1. Use your inside edges to push your flats to glide forward.
2. Keep your arms out to the side for balance and bend your knees.
3. Most of all have fun!

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.