Skater Group Overview
Our Skaters are divided into 4 ability groups. Please use the tabs below for more information
Group 1 – Learn to Skate
Tuesday and/or Thursday 5:50pm – 6:30pm
Intended for the youngest skaters and those just learning to skate.
Most skaters wear hockey or figure skates.
Sessions take place twice per week, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:50 pm to 6:30 pm.
Sessions are indoor for the full season at the Lions Arena.
See Group Calendars for specific start dates.
Group 2 – Learn to Speed Skate
Tuesday &/or Thursday 6:30pm – 7:15pm
Intended for skaters who have mastered skating backwards, crossovers and stopping. Skaters start on hockey or figure skates and transition to speed skates (rentals available).
Sessions are held twice per week, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 pm to 7:15 pm .
Sessions are indoor for the full season at the Lions Arena.
See Group Calendars for specific start dates.
Group 3 – Learn to Compete
Short Track:
Tuesday 7:25pm – 8:30pm and Thursday 4:45pm – 5:50pm
Optional Saturday 7:15am – 8:30am
Long Track: for January to early February
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Consists of skaters graduating from Group 2 as well as skaters from other disciplines, competent on skates and wanting to give speed skating a try.
Sessions take place Tuesday 7:25 pm – 8:30 pm and Thursday 4:45 pm – 5:50 pm with an optional Saturday morning session at 7:15 am, along with Group 4. Sessions are indoor October, November, part of December (depending on oval ice conditions) and March. During the long track season (December – February) skaters practice at Clarence Downey Oval – generally three times per week.
Off-ice (dryland) training takes place prior (45 min) to most on ice sessions.
See Group Calendars for specific start dates.
Group 4 – Advanced Competitive
Short Track:
Tuesday 4:45pm – 5:50pm and Thursday 7:25pm – 8:30pm
Wednesday 6:15am – 7:30am and Saturday 7:15am – 8:30am
Long Track: for January to early February
Monday to Thursday 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Consists of skaters competing at a higher level, with many competing on a national level.
These skaters practice Tuesday and Thursday evenings as well as Wednesday and Saturday mornings at Lions Arena. During the long track season (January – February) skaters practice at Clarence Downey Oval generally 4-5 times per week. Off-ice (dryland) training takes place prior (45 min) to most on ice sessions.
During the off-season, skaters can participate in weight training and other dry-land training activities.
See Group Calendars for specific start dates.