A program for every stride.

At Aylmer Skating Centre, we offer programs for every stage of a skater’s journey — from first steps on the ice to advanced performance. Our PreCanSkate and CanSkate programs focus on safety, balance, and fun, giving beginners a strong foundation for future success. CanPowerSkate builds on those skills for hockey and ringette players, developing speed, quick starts, powerful stops, and strong edges. For skaters in CanSkate levels 4–6 and Star 1–2, Intermediate Star blends stroking, edge work, and synchronized skating skills for well-rounded development.

More advanced skaters can join our StarSkate programs (Junior, Senior, and Open) to refine jumps, spins, and performance quality, or take part in the Aylmer Ice Stars synchronized skating team, where precision and teamwork come together in exciting routines. Every program is led by certified Skate Canada coaches and supported by group activities that keep training engaging, interactive, and fun.

PreCanSkate /
CanSkate 1-3

CanSkate is Skate Canada's flagship learn-to-skate program, designed for beginners of all ages 3 and up. When you sign up for CanSkate you will be in a program that focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. You will earn badges and other incentives as you learn fundamental skating skills. Lessons are given in a group format and led by an NCCP certified professional coach. Professional coaches are assisted by trained Program Assistants. The coach to student ratio is a maximum of 1:10. Skaters progress at their own rate and coaches make sessions active using teaching aids, music and a wide variety of activities that create a fun environment and promote learning. CanSkate is the feeder program to all other Skate Canada Skating Programs.

Skaters must have turned 3 by start date. All skaters MUST wear a CSA approved hockey helmet at every session.

PrePower Program

This session is designed for those children who can already skate forwards, backwards and stop. In these classes the skaters develop better balance, power, agility, speed and endurance, using edges, crossovers, lateral moves and fast
forward/backward starts. No Hockey Sticks. Participants must be working on CanSkate level 3, must wear a CSA Certified hockey Helmet.

Advanced PowerSkate

Spring Only Program

The PowerSkate program is designed to develop 15 essential skills across three core areas: Balance, Control, and Agility. Since skating is a key foundation for hockey and ringette, this program offers focused skill development outside of games and practices. It allows flexible progression and intensity to match each skater’s level. Participants are assessed on a development scale indicating early, moderate, or advanced skills. The program’s primary goal is to teach and refine proper skating technique. Note: PowerSkate is not a learn-to-skate program.

All skaters must have completed Stage 4 of the CanSkate program or equivalent. Required equipment includes hockey skates, gloves, a stick, and a CSA-certified helmet. Full equipment is mandatory. Coaches may conduct assessments to confirm eligibility.

IntermediateStar

Canskate level 4, 5 &, Star 1& 2 (with lessons)

This program is an introduction to Figure Skating. All skaters must have passed CanSkate Stage 3. These sessions run with group instruction from a professional coach with help from Program Assistants. Canskate levels 4,5 & 6 will be taught with the use of circuits. StarSkaters will be working on Stroking, Skating Skills, Dance, Artistic, Synchro, and Freeskate. Skaters at this level may obtain a Professional Coach for private instruction (refer to Private lesson information and our Professional Coaching Staff information & contact page).

StarSkate 2-4

Spring Only Program

Skaters must be working on 2 or more Star 2 tests, but must not have passed more than 2 Star 5 tests.

Skaters MUST have a private lesson coach at this level.

Group instruction will be approximately 10-15 mins in length only and will vary in content. (refer to Private lesson information and our Professional Coaching Staff information & contact page).

Guest Skate is available for out of club skaters. Please check with your coach in order to do so. Payment can be made to fees@aylmerskatingcentre.ca. Fee: $25.

Star 5+

Spring Only Program

Skaters must have passed 2 or more Star 5 tests. Skaters MUST have a private coach at this level.

No group lesson offered at this level (refer to Private lesson information and our Professional Coaching Staff information and contact page).

Guest Skate is available for out of club skaters. Please check with your coach in order to do so. Payment can be made to fees@aylmerskatingcentre.ca. Fee: $25.

OpenStar

Skaters MUST be passed all of CanSkate (Level 6) and Skaters MUST have a private coach. Group instruction will be approximately 10-15 mins in length only and will vary in
content.

This session has skaters of varying skill levels and is an OPEN session, for all skaters practicing in the Star levels.

Guest Skate is available for out of club skaters. Please check with your coach in order to do so. Payment can be made to fees@aylmerskatingcentre.ca. Fee: $25.

BallSk8

The workshop is facilitated by Sherry Ball, a former Olympic and World-level competitor, bringing elite experience to the program. Using a full group instruction approach, the workshop follows a skill-development-focused model designed to engage skaters of all levels. Emphasis is placed on inclusion and fun, creating an encouraging environment for participants.

Skate times will vary based on each skater's level, with schedules provided accordingly. Please note that workshops are non-refundable and have limited spaces available. Full payment is required prior to the first skate session.

Synchronized Skating

Aylmer Ice Stars

Synchronized Skating, also known as “Synchro,” is a fast-growing discipline that blends figure skating skills with teamwork and choreography. The Aylmer Ice Stars program helps skaters develop precision, timing, and group coordination while performing exciting routines to music.

Synchro builds confidence, camaraderie, and competitive spirit, making it a fun and rewarding option for skaters who enjoy being part of a team.

Off-Ice Program

Available for Intermediate Star, Open Star, Star 2-4 and 5+ skaters. This program is designed to teach jump technique, flexibility and strength that complements on-ice instruction.

Off-Ice training is essential to all skaters' development.

Be a Program Assistant

Our enthusiastic and friendly Program Assistants work with the club's PreCanSkate, CanSkate and Intermediate star skaters weekly. If they are high school age - we will sign their Community Volunteer hours sheet - they must keep track of their hours.

Being part of the PA Program at Aylmer Skating Centre is an incredibly rewarding experience in leadership and community involvement, and it looks great on resumés and on school applications. Skaters who commit to a regular PA session at the start of the season will receive a gift card at the end of the season.

Commitment: Show up on time, and stay for the full session (including warm-up, cool-down and clean-up)
Positivity: Always be positive and encouraging when working with skaters
Support: Always be proactive, helpful, supportive and attentive when working with coaches
Identification: Wear their PA vest at all times during the session
Communication: Let your supervisor know if you will be absent
Qualification: In order to be a PA on our Intermediate start sessions, you must be at a Star 4 level or higher
Contact: Please contact Cheryl or info@aylmerskatingcentre.ca

Assessment Days

Skaters have the opportunity to take Skate Canada Assessment through a nationally standardized assessment system. Assessments for Star 1-5 happen during the regular session. Assessment for Star 6 and up take place on assigned Assessment Days. If you have any questions about Assessments, please talk to your coach. Aylmer Skating Centre will be hosting the following Assessment Days during the 2025/2026 Season:

➝ Dec 6 - 1:10-2:40 pm
➝ Wed March 18 - 6:40-7:50 pm

Assessment Days provide great opportunities for getting involved at the club and earning volunteer hours for high school students - with easy work such as:

➝ Runner - collecting test sheets from judges, giving to test recorder and delivering results to coaches
➝ Gate Keeper - taking attendance and directing skaters on to the ice at their designated times
➝ Music Organizer - announcing skaters and running music (must attend Info Session to be eligible)

If you're interested in volunteering, simply contact us at info@aylmerskatingcentre.ca.

Ice Show

The Year End Ice Show is a special event where all skaters are placed into groups, dressed in costumes, and perform a choreographed two-minute routine to music. It’s a fun opportunity for skaters to showcase the skills they’ve learned throughout the season while celebrating their progress with family and friends.

Practices - Practices begin about three weeks before the Ice Show, giving skaters time to learn their group routine and feel confident with the choreography. Regular attendance helps everyone be ready for the big day.
Timing - The Ice Show happens near the end of the season but not usually on the final day. The date changes yearly, so check schedules carefully and watch for updates with key details.
Participation - If your skater can’t take part, please let Coach Cheryl know right away. Skaters may still join practices to continue learning, even if they don’t perform in the final show.
Costumes - Skaters are loaned a costume for dress rehearsal and the show, which stays at the arena. Families may need to provide simple pieces like tights, pants, or a plain shirt.
Photos - Photo Day includes group and individual pictures in costume. Families can order photos, which are usually ready for pickup on the day of the Ice Show.
Showtime - On Ice Show Day, skaters arrive 30 minutes early to get ready. Volunteers guide groups to and from the ice, while parents remain in the audience to enjoy the show.

Skating Programs