There is no better way for kids to have fun learning how to skate than with everybody’s favorite mascot: Sparty!

The Sparty Learn 2 Skate program features:

  • Qualified skating instructors with the expertise needed to coach your child through the program’s six levels
    • Level One starts with falling down & getting up, balancing on two feet, turning on the spot, and skating forwards (walking)
    • Level Six progresses all the way to two-foot side stops and crossovers
      • See below for a full breakdown of the program’s levels.
  • Children will have the opportunity to skate with their friend Spartacat. He will visit the class once per season to demonstrate drills, assist participants, and, most of all, have fun.
  • Each participant will receive a Sparty Certificate at the completion of the session to celebrate the new skills that they have learned.
  • A 12-week session with 50 minutes per class (plus an off-ice warm up).
  • PLEASE NOTE: Parents do not go on the ice with the children.

Please see the dates and time for all groups listed below.

  • Ages 3 to 8 years old

Please note that sessions at the Richcraft Sensplex are powered by the Ottawa Senators Hockey Programs and as such feature Ottawa Senators Hockey Programs instructors (vs. “Skating only” instructors) helping with the Sparty Learn 2 Skate program.​

Program Dates and Times

Winter 2023

BELL Sensplex (5 sessions available!)

  • Monday, January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 27, March 6, 20, 27, April 3
  • Saturday, January 7*, 14, 28*, February 4, 11, 18*, 25, March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8*
    • Group 1 at 2 p.m. — CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
    • Group 2 at 3 p.m. — CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
    • Group 3 at 4 p.m. — CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
    • **PLEASE NOTE The sessions on January 7 will run at 2:45, 3:45 & 4:45**
    • **PLEASE NOTE The sessions on January 28 will run at 1:45, 2:45 & 3:45**
    • **PLEASE NOTE The sessions on February 18 will run at 3:00, 4:00 & 5:00**
    • **PLEASE NOTE The sessions on April 8 will run at 2:15, 3:15 & 4:15**

RICHCRAFT Sensplex (2 sessions available!)

  • Saturday, January 7*, 14*, 21, 28*, February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, 25, & April 1
    • Group 1 at 11:15 a.m. — CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
    • Group 2 at 12:15 p.m. — CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
    • *PLEASE NOTE The sessions on January 7 will run at 11:30 and 12:30*
    • *PLEASE NOTE The sessions on January 14 will run at 10:15 and 11:15*
    • *PLEASE NOTE The sessions on January 28 will run at 11:30 and 12:30*

Spring 2023

BELL Sensplex (4 sessions available!)

  • Monday, April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26
  • Saturday, April 22, 29, May 13*, 27, June 3*, 10, 17, 24*
    • Group 1 at 2 p.m. — CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
    • Group 2 at 3 p.m. — CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
    • **PLEASE NOTE The sessions on May 13 will run at 2:15, 3:15**
    • **PLEASE NOTE The sessions on June 3 will run at 1:45, 2:45 & 3:45**
    • **PLEASE NOTE The sessions on June 24 will run at 3:00, 4:00 & 5:00**

RICHCRAFT Sensplex (2 sessions available!)

  • Saturday, April 15, 22*, 29*, May 6*, 13*, 27, June 3, 17, 24
    • Group 1 at 11:15 a.m. — CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
    • Group 2 at 12:15 p.m. — CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
    • *PLEASE NOTE The sessions on April 22 will run at 11:45 and 12:45*
    • *PLEASE NOTE The sessions on April 29 will run at 11:45 and 12:45*
    • *PLEASE NOTE The sessions on May 6 will run at 11:30 and 12:30*
    • *PLEASE NOTE The sessions on May 13 will run at 11:30 and 12:30*
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Levels

If your child is finishing up with our current learn to skate program or a similar program elsewhere, it’s time to think about moving them to the next level. There are six levels to achieve in the Sparty Learn 2 Skate program. These levels are outlined below. Once a child graduates from, or reaches the upper levels of the Sparty Learn 2 Skate program, they are encouraged to take the next step which is to join the Ottawa Senators Intro 2 Hockey Program, which takes place at the Bell Sensplex & Richcraft Sensplex. The Intro 2 Hockey program is quite simply the best way to introduce little ones to the world’s greatest game!

Note: Parents register based on time slots only, not by level. Each session is further divided up by level.

Please call (613) 599-0222 to register by phone.

SPARTY LEARN TO SKATE LEVELS

LEVEL 1

  • Falling down
  • Getting up
  • Balancing on two feet
  • Turning on the spot
  • Skating forwards (walking)

LEVEL 2

  • Forward 2 foot glide
  • Forward sculling (bubbles)
  • Forward sliding touching toes
  • Backward skating (walking)
  • Forward stopping (snowplow, 1/2 snowplow)

LEVEL 3

  • Backward sculling (bubbles)
  • 2 foot turn, forward to backwards
  • Forward 1 foot glide (both feet)
  • Backward stopping (snowplow, 1/2 snowplow)
  • Skating forwards – 2 foot jump

LEVEL 4

  • 5 consecutive crossovers
  • 2 foot glide to 1 foot
  • 2 foot jump (forward-backward & backward-forward)
  • Backward skating
  • Forward to backward skating on circle

LEVEL 5

  • Back crossovers (walking)
  • 5 consecutive crossovers
  • Forward to backward sculling
  • 2 foot jump (forward – back & back to forward)
  • 2 foot turning on a curve

LEVEL 6

  • 2 foot side stop both ways
  • Slalom forward and backward
  • Backward gliding on curve (1 foot)
  • Inside edges forward
  • Consecutive back crossovers

Equipment Needed

  • Skates
  • CSA approved helmet with full cage is mandatory
  • Gloves are mandatory
  • Long pants and long sleeves are mandatory
  • Athletic pants are recommended *Please note, most new skaters tend to fall down multiple times, it is suggested to use older athletic jacket/pants incase they get wornout or dirty.

Refund Policy: Read our Refund & Cancellation Policy.