Welcome to the Guelph Minor Hockey Association (GMHA) Skating School Program in partnership with Janet Gibson.
GMHA is currently working through details on our 2022-23 Skating School Registration. We hope to keep things similar to our previous season, but some details may change. See below for our 2021-22 Skating School information, and we will hope to have our 2022-23 information available by May.
Skating School Information
Program Cost
Session #1 (October to December - 10 weeks)
- $208
Registration is open
Sessions #2 (January to March - 9 weeks)
- $187
Registration opens late-November
Program Options
The GMHA Skating School offers three levels of learning to skate programs for skaters/players:
Each level is geared toward progressive development, building from one program to the next, to ensure each player continues to develop by being in the most appropriate skating/hockey environment. Details on each level are provided below.
Session Format
There will be two 50 minute sessions available to enroll in, with all lessons on Saturday mornings in the following time slots:
1. 8:00AM
2. 9:00AM
Within each of these three 50 minute sessions, all three levels of programs will be offered.
All sessions will take place at the University of Guelph - Red Rink.
Program Details
This Skating program will focus on the development of hockey skating skills that are necessary to allow participants to transition into the GMHA Skills Development Program. Skaters will learn how to be more proficient and agile on the ice. All elements will be taught without a puck. Skaters will be assessed on Day 1 and assigned a level based on their initial ability.
These skills are divided into 3 levels.
1. Level A: Beginners (skated less than 1 year), or first time skaters, will be in Level A.
2. Level B: Skaters who are able to skate the width of the ice forward, perform some basic skills and stop without the use of the boards will be in Level B.
3. Level C: Skaters who can skate the length of the ice in forward stride, the width of the ice backward, and can stop on command will be in Level C.
Within each level there are 3 fundamental areas: Balance, Control and Agility. Fundamental skating skills will also be taught and will need to be accomplished and assessed for a natural progression into the GMHA Skills Development Program. Recognizing that skating is the foundational skill for hockey, and other on-ice sports, this program allows participants the opportunity to focus on skating skills outside of any games or practices that they may have. This program will allow flexibility for progression or an increase in intensity as needed to cater to the level of the participants in the program. Skaters will be assessed based on a continuum of development. Teaching and developing the proper skating technique is the main focus of this program.
Recommended Equipment
Level A
Skaters in Level A (Beginners) will be asked to wear warm clothing but nothing too bulky that will restrict movement (no snowsuits, scarves) Splash pants over warm pants are recommended. A jacket and gloves or mittens are recommended. A CSA approved helmet MUST be worn. Facemask is recommended for beginners.
Level B & C
Skaters in Level B and C, are encouraged to wear full hockey equipment which includes gloves, stick, knee pads, elbow pads and a CSA approved helmet.
Prior to registering, please follow the instructions here:
New Registrations to Guelph Minor Hockey and Hockey Canada
