Where Confidence on Ice Begins

LEARN TO SKATE PROGRAM

Our Learn to Skate program helps skaters of all ages build strong fundamentals in a safe, supportive environment. Whether it’s a first step on the ice or the start of a hockey journey, our progressive coaching builds confidence, balance, and a love for skating.

Beginner to Intermediate Skating and Learn to Play Hockey

Learn to Skate Programs in Burlington

Whether you are stepping on the ice for the first time or polishing your skills for hockey, ringette, or figure skating, our progressive programs make learning safe, supportive, and fun. Small class sizes, experienced coaches, and a step-by-step approach help skaters build confidence fast.

Session Times + Registration Info

Children playing ice hockey in a rink. One child is standing and holding a hockey stick, and others are on the ice, with some fallen. Spectators are watching from behind the glass barrier.

learn to skate

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Program Overview

A young boy and an adult on an indoor ice rink, both wearing helmets and skating gear. The boy is holding a skating aid and smiling at the adult.

Beginner
Learn to Skate

Ages 3+. Perfect for first-time skaters who want a strong foundation and a love for the ice.

Young children playing ice hockey on an indoor rink, dressed in hockey gear and jerseys with 'Tim Hortons' logos, approaching a red bucket on the ice.

Intermediate
Learn to Skate

Ages 5+. For skaters who can move independently without on-ice support

Children playing hockey on an ice rink, wearing helmets and hockey gear, with spectators watching behind the glass.

Learn to
Play Hockey

For new players who already have basic skating skills and want a fun, structured path into hockey.

Where Every Skater’s Journey Begins

Beginner Learn to Skate

Welcome to our premier Beginner Program, where the joy of skating begins.

We create a fun and supportive environment for first strides on the ice. Our expert-designed curriculum builds the foundation for a lifetime of skating confidence.

You Will Learn:

  • Balance and Posture: Find your center and a proper skating stance

  • Basic Strides: Push and glide with control

  • Stopping: Learn safe, reliable stops

  • Turning: Change direction with confidence

Who It’s For:

  • True beginners with no experience

  • Ages 3 and up

  • All ages and levels share the ice in clearly organized groups

Our Promise:

  • Small class sizes

  • Experienced coaches

  • Personalized guidance for quick and safe progress

Path Forward:

  • Clear skill progression

  • Prepares skaters for the Intermediate Learn to Skate program

A young boy and an adult ice skating together at an ice rink. The boy is smiling and wearing a black helmet, black jacket, gray sweatpants, and ice skates. The adult is wearing a white helmet, red jacket, black pants, and is holding an orange skating aid to help the boy.

Learn to Skate Intermediate

Take your skating to the next level.

This progressive program develops the core skills needed for ice sports like hockey, ringette, and figure skating. We focus on power, control, and confidence.

You Will Learn:

  • Power and Confidence: Forward and backward technique

  • Controlled Stopping: Stop with precision and single-leg balance

  • Agility and Turns: Introductory turns and crossovers in both directions

  • Skill Foundation: Edges and introductory jumps that support advanced maneuvers

Who It’s For:

  • Ages 5 and up

  • Skaters who can move independently without on-ice support

Our Promise:

  • Small class sizes

  • Experienced coaches

  • Personalized guidance for steady progress

Path Forward:

  • Clear skill progression

  • Prepares for next levels such as figure skating, hockey, ringette, or recreational skating

Four young children in ice hockey gear, including helmets, jerseys, and skates, are grouped on an ice rink. Three children are wearing white jerseys while the fourth is in a blue jersey. An orange bucket is in the foreground, likely used for holding equipment or water.

Learn to Play Hockey

Your journey starts here.

Designed for new players who already have basic skating skills, this program introduces the fundamentals of hockey in a friendly, high-energy format.

You Will Learn:

  • Stickhandling and Puck Control

  • Passing and Shooting Fundamentals

  • Edge Work, Balance, and Agility with the Puck

  • Spatial Awareness and Game Concepts

Session Format:

  • Skill-Building Drills (40 min): Focused instruction on puck control, edges, balance, passing, and shooting

  • Friendly Scrimmage (10 min): Apply new skills in a fun, low-pressure mini game

  • The Perfect Balance: Learn through play with structure, skill, and fun

Who It’s For:

  • Skaters ages 4+ who are proficient in forward and backward skating

Children playing ice hockey on an ice rink, wearing helmets and jerseys, with some kneeling and others standing, surrounded by a protective glass barrier.

What to Bring

  • CSA-approved helmet with full face cage for all youth skaters

  • Winter or hockey gloves

  • Skates that fit snugly and are sharpened

  • For Learn to Play Hockey: hockey stick, shin pads, elbow pads, and hockey pants recommended

Why Families Choose Shield

  1. Small groups for maximum reps and coaching time

  2. Positive, encouraging environment

  3. Clear milestones and communication with families

  4. Coaches who prioritize safety, progress, and fun

Take Your Game Further

Train with purpose. Perform with confidence

For questions or more information, contact us at info@shieldperformance.ca or call 905-319-9659.