Learning to skate is a daunting prospect for anyone who has never been on skates. The anxiety is compounded when the pupils are young children and there is a language barrier. Earning the children’s trust and making the skating lessons a safe space have been crucial to making them a success, said Kraken Skating Director Chad Goodwin.
Goodwin and several coaches from within the IcePlex’s Learn to Skate and Learn to Play hockey programs had a steep learning curve the first year to make sure the kids had an enjoyable, fun experience.
“As much as you try to have a game plan, sometimes you just have to put it aside and change it up on the fly,” Goodwin said. “It’s a little crazy when we first start at the beginning of the year, but after a few weeks, they understand the process and the logistics. We have eight coaches from our Learn to Skate programs and youth hockey coaches are on the ice. We all work well together and have fun with the kids introducing them to skating and hockey.”
Not only does the program hope to create a lifelong love of skating within the children, but it brings about massive opportunities for learning and growth. The skaters are learning resiliency and the importance of getting back up and trying again, alongside emotional, social and motor skills. They improve their balance, coordination and communication skills in a welcoming and nurturing environment tailored to them.
Ten students who participated the first year returned this time to continue in the program, Goodwin said. Those students have taken a leadership role in welcoming new skaters and showing them the process. The program is meant to be a three-year cycle that sees the skaters advance and eventually move on to hockey or figure skating programs at the IcePlex. The cycle consists of three weeks of skating instruction and every fourth week, the coaches introduce hockey by bringing out sticks, pucks and nets.
