There is no better way for kids to have fun learning how to skate than with everybody’s favorite mascot: Sparty!
The program is led by qualified skating instructors who will guide the children through the programs “Four Paw” tier system, beginning with Paw 1, which focuses on fundamentals such as falling and getting up, two-foot balance and forward skating, and culminating in Paw 4, the graduate level where skaters develop skills like two-foot side stops and cross overs. A full breakdown of each level is provided below.
Dates, Times, and Cost
Bell Sensplex
| Age Group | Dates | Time | Cost | Registration Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years old to 10 years old | Monday: April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 25, June 1, 8, 15 & 22 | 4 pm to 4:50 pm | $360 | REGISTER (Kanata) |
| 3 years old to 10 years old | Monday: April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 25, June 1, 8, 15 & 22 | 5 pm to 5:50 pm | $360 | SOLD OUT |
| 3 years old to 10 years old | Saturday: April *4, *11, 18, *25, May 2, *9, *23, 30, June *13, *20 & 27 | 2 pm to 2:50 pm | $360 | REGISTER (Kanata) |
| 3 years old to 10 years old | Saturday: April *4, *11, 18, *25, May 2, *9, *23, 30, June *13, *20 & 27 | 3 pm to 3:50 pm | $360 | REGISTER (Kanata) |
| 3 years old to 10 years old | Saturday: April *4, *11, 18, *25, May 2, *9, *23, 30, June *13, *20 & 27 | 4 pm to 4:50 pm | $360 | REGISTER (Kanata) |
| 3years old to 10 years old | Monday July 6, 13, 20, 27, Aug 10, 17 & 24 | 5 pm to 5:50 pm | $252 | REGISTER (Kanata) |
*Footnote:The Sessions on April 4, 11, May 9, June 13 & 20 will run on the 15 of the hour (2:15-5:15 pm)
*Footnote:The sessions on April 25 will run on the half hour (2:30-5:30 pm)
*Footnote:The session on May 23 will run 1 hour early (1-4 pm)
Richcraft Sensplex
| Age Group | Dates | Time | Cost | Registration Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years old to 10 years old | Saturday: April 4, 11, 18, *25, May *2, *9, *23, 30, June 13, 20 & 27 | 11:15 am to 12:05 pm | $396 | REGISTER (Gloucester) |
| 3 years old to 10 years old | Saturday: April 4, 11, 18, *25, May *2, *9, *23, 30, June 13, 20 & 27 | 12:15 pm to 1:05 pm | $396 | REGISTER (Gloucester) |
*Footnote:The sessions on April 25, May 2, 9 & 23 will run on the 45 of the hour (11:45-1:45 pm)
*Footnote:The session on May 9 will run 1 hour early (1-4 pm)
Participants will also have the chance to skate with Ottawa’s favourite mascot: Spartacat, who visits the class once per season to demonstrate drills, assist skaters and add to the fun. Each child receives a Sparty Certificate at the end of the session to celebrate their progress and new skills.
Please note that parents do not go on the ice with the children and are asked to remain off the benches unless called over by staff, as this helps minimize distractions during the session.
Sessions at the Richcraft Sensplex are powered by the Ottawa Senators Hockey Programs and as such feature Ottawa Senators Hockey Program instructors (vs. “Skating Only” instructors) helping with the Sparty Learn 2 Skate program.
Paws System
PAW 1 - Beginner (Purple or Pink)
Purple Paws will be awarded to immediate beginners while Pink Paws will be awarded to beginners who have a bit more comfortability on the ice. To achieve Paw 2, the required skills needed to complete include:
- Falling down and getting back up
- Balancing on two feet
- Turning on the spot
- Skating forwards (walking)
- Basic edge work and forward stopping
PAW 2 - INTERMEDIATE (Green or Orange)
Green Paws will be awarded to skaters who are new to the intermediate group while Orange Paws will be awarded to skaters who have shown advanced development for some of the skills listed below. To achieve Paw 3, skaters must be able to exhibit and complete all skills listed below with ease:
- Forward 2-foot and 1-foot glide
- Forward sculling (bubbles)
- Forward sliding touching toes
- Backward skating (walking)
- Forward stopping (snowplow, 1/2 snowplow)
- 2-foot turns
- Basic backwards stopping
- Basic edgework (Stepovers)
- Crossovers
- 2-foot glide, into 1 foot glide
- Ability to turn both ways with two feet
PAW 3 - ADVANCED (Red)
Red Paw’s will be awarded to skaters who are new to the Advanced group. At this level, skaters will be granted permission to join our hockey/ringette stream or continue with the skating stream. The Hockey/Ringette Stream will allow skaters to wear full equipment on the ice to get them used to skating with all of the gear on and prepare them for the next step! Sticks and Pucks are NOT permitted. To achieve graduation status and receive Paw 4, skaters must be able to exhibit and complete all skills listed below with ease:
- Backwards crossovers
- Pivoting
- 2-foot jumps
- Stopping on both sides
- Backwards gliding
- Inside and outside edges (forward)
- Consecutive backwards crossovers
- Backward sculling (bubbles)
PAW 4 - GRADUATE (Gold)
Congratulations! Your skater is officially a Sparty Learn 2 Skate graduate!
The Gold Paw symbolizes your skaters ability to master all of the skills listed above and are encouraged to take the next step which is to join the Intro 2 Hockey Program, which takes place at the Bell Sensplex and Richcraft Sensplex. The Intro 2 Hockey program is quite simply the best way to introduce little ones to the world’s greatest game! Please reach out to us to see if you qualify to register in an upcoming session!
Equipment Needed
Sparty Learn 2 Skate participants are expected to have skaters, CSA approved helmet with full cage, gloves are mandatory, long pants and long sleeves are mandatory. Athletic pants that allow for movement are recommended.
Please note: most new skaters tend to fall down multiple times, it is suggested to use older athletic jackets/pants in case they get worn out or dirty.
Information
Full program details will be provided to registered families one week prior to the start date of the program. If you have questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact our team at senshockeyprograms@sensplex.ca, or give us a call at (613) 599-0222.
Refund and Cancellation Policy
All Sensplex programs and camps are planned based on enrollment numbers well in advance of the program start date. As such, cancellations and refunds are generally not permitted, except in cases of medical necessity.
If a participant is unable to attend a camp or program due to medical reasons and provides notice prior to the start date, they will receive a credit for the full amount paid, less a $35 administration fee. This credit may be applied to any Sensplex camp or program occurring within the next one (1) full calendar year.
A doctor’s note is required to validate medical cancellations and must be submitted within one week of notification. Please note that all credits issued are non-transferable.
We appreciate your understanding and support of our programs.
Presented by eQ Homes
The Sparty Learn 2 Skate program is proudly presented by eQ Homes!
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Sparty Learn 2 Skate
There is no better way for kids to have fun learning how to skate than with everybody's favourite mascot: Sparty!