Sparty Learn 2 Skate 

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 “Four Paw” tier system:
  
  • Paw 1 (Pink/Purple): Primary focus on falling down & getting up, balancing on two feet, turning on the spot, and skating forwards (walking)
  • Paw 4 (Gold): Is our graduate tier where eligible skaters should have progressed 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.
• 50 minutes of on-ice instruction per class, with 12 weeks of fun!
• PLEASE NOTE: Parents do not go on the ice with the children. We also ask that parents stay off the benches (unless called over by staff) while the skaters are on the ice! This can often distract them from the session.

This program is intended for beginner skaters between the ages of 3-8 years old. Please see the dates and time for all groups listed below.

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.​

Looking to attend a Sens Home Game this year?

The Ottawa Senators Hockey Programs are excited to announce a special OSHP Senators ticket rate for all our 2024 Fall program participants! By registering in all sessions of any Fall Weekly Skills Program, you’ll have the ability to add either 2 or 4 tickets to an Ottawa Senators home game this upcoming season at our special OSHP rate.

NOTE: Tickets are optional and at an additional cost and will be for tier 6 games throughout the season. Single session drop-in participants are not eligible .For more information on the ticket options, please click HERE!

Is the program you are looking for full? Join our Senators Hockey Program Waitlist

PROGRAM DATE AND TIMES

FALL 2024

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 4 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.

OTHER FEATURES

Paws System:

1. The Paws System is our newest skill progression system that will allow kids to earn their “Paw” stickers as their skating skills improve throughout the program
2. Skaters will be able to earn up to 4 Paws; at this time, they will be considered a Graduate of the program and an excellent skater!
3. A breakdown of our Paw levels and the required skills needed to complete is outlined in the section below

Off-Ice Warmup:

1. Skaters will be run through an off-ice warm up prior to the start of their ice time (5 minutes before starting)
2. This will include light stretching and some exercises to get them comfortable in their skates before going on the ice
3. This will be run by the session Lead and a few other staff members

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

SPARTY LEARN TO SKATE LEVELS- PAW SYSTEM

PAW 1- BEGINNER (Purple or Pink)

Please note- Purple Paw’s 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
• Getting up
• Balancing on two feet
• Turning on the spot
• Skating forwards (walking)
• Basic edge work
• Basic forward stopping

PAW 2- INTERMEDIATE (Green or Orange)

Please note- Green Paw’s 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 glide
• Forward 1 foot glide
• Forward sculling (bubbles)
• Forward sliding touching toes
• Backward skating (walking)
• Forward stopping (snowplow, 1/2 snowplow)
• 2-foot turn
• Basic backwards stopping
• Basic edgework (Stepovers)
• Crossovers
• 2-foot glide, into 1 foot
• Ability to turn both ways with two feet

PAW 3- ADVANCED (Red)

Please note- 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 for 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 edges (forward)
• 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. They are encouraged to register for our beginner hockey program (Intro 2 Hockey)- Ottawa Senators Intro 2 Hockey Program.

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.

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