Minden Skating Club

Minden Skating Club We are a Non-profit volunteer association providing the community with an opportunity to develop a variety of disciplines and ability levels in skating.

The Minden Skating Club is a non-profit volunteer association dedicated to providing the community and surrounding area with an opportunity to develop a variety of disciplines and ability levels in skating. The Minden Skating Club is an affiliated member of Skate Canada. Minden Skating Club Location:
S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena
55 Parkside Street
Minden

COACHES
Head Coach: Jane Symons
Coach: Guy Gordon
CanSkate Co-ordinator: Jillian Mayhew
CanSkate Coach:
CanSkate Coach:

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
President:
Past President: Carolyn Lewis
Vice President:
Treasurer: Andrea Bull
Secretary:
Director: Kelly Allaire
Director: Erin Neimann
Director(Media Rep): Nicole Mee
Director: Kendra Kellett
Director: Amber Card
Director: Kristy Lafferty
Coaching Rep: Jane Symons

⛸️💜 Celebrating Our Incredible Coaches! 💜⛸️This National Coaches Week, we’re celebrating the amazing coaches who make th...
09/17/2026

⛸️💜 Celebrating Our Incredible Coaches! 💜⛸️

This National Coaches Week, we’re celebrating the amazing coaches who make the Minden Skating Club such a special place to learn, grow, and skate!

Our coaches are so much more than the people teaching skills on the ice. They are mentors, motivators, role models, cheerleaders, and confidence builders. They’re there for the first wobbly steps, the exciting new skills, the frustrating days, the big breakthroughs, and all the little victories in between.

From our youngest skaters learning to find their balance, to our hockey skaters building strong skating foundations, to our figure skaters working toward their next goal—our coaches encourage every skater to keep trying, believe in themselves, and be proud of their progress. ❤️

Coaching is about more than creating great skaters. It’s about teaching perseverance, confidence, courage, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a love of skating that can last a lifetime.

To all of our Minden Skating Club coaches: THANK YOU! Thank you for the hours you spend at the rink, the energy you bring to every session, the encouragement you give so freely, and the difference you make in the lives of our skaters.

We are incredibly grateful to have you as part of our skating family. 💜

✨ Coaches change lives—one skater, one lesson, and one encouraging word at a time. ✨

Happy National Coaches Week from the Minden Skating Club! ⛸️🏒💜

⛸️ STAR & SENIOR SKATERS — WE’RE BACK! 💜The wait is almost over! Skating returns Monday, September 21, and we’re so exci...
09/17/2026

⛸️ STAR & SENIOR SKATERS — WE’RE BACK! 💜

The wait is almost over! Skating returns Monday, September 21, and we’re so excited to welcome our Star & Senior skaters back to the ice! ✨

⭐ STAR: 4:00–5:15 PM
👑 SENIOR: 4:30–5:50 PM

🏆 STAR 1–4 Competition Reminder
Registration opens September 22! Please remember that pre-registration for STAR competitions is required, so make sure you’re prepared if your skater is planning to compete this season.

⛸️ A few things to remember for your first day back:

* Arrive early enough to get skates on and be ready for your scheduled ice time.
* Double-check that skates still fit properly after the break.
* Check your blades — starting the season with freshly sharpened skates can make a big difference! Dave Hollows offers skate sharpening at 705-457-0709.
* Pack hard guards, soft guards/soakers, gloves, a water bottle and any other skating essentials.
* Dress in comfortable layers that allow for movement.
* Bring a positive attitude — the first few sessions back are about finding your edges, rebuilding confidence and getting comfortable on the ice again. 💜
* Most importantly… have fun! We can’t wait to see everyone back at the rink.

✨ Same ice. Bigger dreams.
Practice • Progress • Achieve

See you on the ice! ⛸️💜

⛸️ HOW TO TIE YOUR FIGURE SKATES ⛸️Properly tied skates can make a BIG difference in comfort, support and confidence on ...
09/16/2026

⛸️ HOW TO TIE YOUR FIGURE SKATES ⛸️

Properly tied skates can make a BIG difference in comfort, support and confidence on the ice! 💜 The goal is to keep the foot secure while still allowing enough movement at the ankle to bend those knees.

Start at the bottom of the skate and work your way up, making sure the laces are even on both sides. Follow the guide in our photo for the right amount of tension:

💜 Relatively loose at the bottom — comfortable over the toes so they aren’t being squeezed.
💜 Firm through the lower boot — helps keep the foot secure.
💜 Tight around the ankle area — gives the heel and ankle good support.
💜 Firm as you move toward the hooks — snug and supportive without cutting off circulation.
💜 A little looser at the very top — allows the skater to bend their knees and ankles properly.

Once you reach the hooks, wrap the laces securely around each hook, going above the hook and hooking down and around the hook, then finish with a small, secure bow at the top. Make sure long loops or lace ends are tucked safely away so they can’t catch on the blade. 🎀

Your skates should feel snug and supportive, but never painful. If toes are numb, the foot is throbbing, or the skater can’t comfortably bend their knees, loosen them and try again.

And remember—if you’re unsure, ask one of our Minden Skating Club coaches for help! We’re always happy to show you. 💜⛸️

⛸️🏒 HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SKATES?One of the biggest questions we hear from new skating families is… “Should my child...
09/15/2026

⛸️🏒 HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SKATES?

One of the biggest questions we hear from new skating families is… “Should my child wear figure skates or hockey skates?” 💜

The answer really depends on your skater, their goals and what feels most comfortable!

⛸️ FIGURE SKATES have a longer blade with a toe pick at the front. They’re designed to help with edges, turns, footwork, spins and eventually jumps. If your skater is interested in figure skating, figure skates are the natural choice!

🏒 HOCKEY SKATES have a shorter, more curved blade with no toe pick. They’re designed for speed, agility and quick changes of direction. They’re a great choice for skaters interested in hockey or recreational skating.

💜 What about CanSkate?
Either one is okay! CanSkate is designed to teach the fundamentals of skating, and children can learn in properly fitted figure skates OR hockey skates.

⭐ The most important thing is FIT!
Skates should fit snugly and securely, with good support around the foot and ankle. Try not to buy skates several sizes too big to allow room to grow. Skates that are too large can make balancing and controlling the blade much more difficult.

When choosing skates, consider:
• What type of skating interests your child?
• Do the skates fit properly?
• Do they provide good ankle support?
• Is your child comfortable in them?
• What program will they be participating in?

And remember — you don’t have to figure it out alone! 💜 Our coaches are always happy to answer questions and help point you in the right direction.

Different skates. Different goals. Same love for the ice! ❄️⛸️🏒

📧 [email protected]

⛸️💜 HOW DOES CANSKATE WORK? 💜⛸️Wondering what your skater is actually doing during their 45 minutes on the ice? CanSkate...
09/14/2026

⛸️💜 HOW DOES CANSKATE WORK? 💜⛸️

Wondering what your skater is actually doing during their 45 minutes on the ice? CanSkate is designed to keep skaters moving, learning, building confidence, and—most importantly—having FUN! ❄️

We start with a 5-minute warm-up where everyone gets moving together and prepares for the session.

🔵🔴🟢 Skaters then work through three 10-minute stations:
🔵 Agility — speed, quickness, coordination & agility
🔴 Control — stopping, turning, changing direction & forward/backward skating
🟢 Balance — edges, gliding, balance & core strength

🟡 Our Pre-CanSkate group works in the middle at their own level, building those important first skating skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Between stations, it’s FAST TRACK time! 💨 Skaters use the outside of the ice to move to their next station, keeping everyone active and helping build endurance rather than standing around waiting.

We finish with an 8-minute group activity and cool down—a chance to bring everyone together, have some fun and finish the session on a positive note. 💜

The goal of CanSkate is simple: more skating, less waiting! 🙌 Every station helps your skater become stronger, more confident and more comfortable on the ice.

Because every lap, every station, every new skill—and even every little fall—is part of the journey. ⛸️❄️💜

Move. Learn. Have Fun.
✨ Stronger Skaters, Brighter Futures ✨

❤️ Meet Our PA’s! ❤️Personal Assistants — Skaters Helping Skaters ⛸️You may have noticed the skaters in the red jackets ...
09/13/2026

❤️ Meet Our PA’s! ❤️

Personal Assistants — Skaters Helping Skaters ⛸️

You may have noticed the skaters in the red jackets out on the ice during our learn-to-skate programs — these amazing skaters are our PA’s (Personal Assistants)!

Our PA’s are trained Minden Skating Club skaters who volunteer their time to help our younger and newer skaters learn, grow and feel confident on the ice. 🥰

From lending a helping hand after a tumble, to demonstrating skills, playing games and offering lots of encouragement, our PA’s play such an important role in creating a fun, welcoming and positive experience for every skater. 💜

One of the things we love most is seeing our experienced skaters give back to the same club they skate with — becoming role models and helping the next generation fall in love with skating. ⛸️✨

A HUGE thank you to all of our PA’s! Your time, patience, kindness and enthusiasm make such a difference. We are so lucky to have you! ❤️

Skaters helping skaters. A stronger club together. 💜⛸️

💜 A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS! 💜The Minden Skating Club is incredibly grateful for the generous support of ...
09/09/2026

💜 A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS! 💜

The Minden Skating Club is incredibly grateful for the generous support of our wonderful sponsors! ⛸️✨

Your contributions help make it possible for our skaters to learn, grow, build confidence, create memories, and continue doing what they love. From our littlest skaters taking their first steps on the ice to our more experienced athletes chasing their goals — your support makes a difference. 💜

It truly takes a community to make a skating club thrive, and we feel so fortunate to have such incredible local businesses and organizations cheering us on.

From all of our skaters, coaches, families, volunteers, and board members…

THANK YOU for believing in our club and investing in our skaters! 🫶⛸️❄️

We couldn’t do what we do without you! 💜

❄️ Why we don’t want to OVER-layer ❄️It may be chilly at the rink, but more clothing isn’t always better! Once our CanSk...
09/06/2026

❄️ Why we don’t want to OVER-layer ❄️

It may be chilly at the rink, but more clothing isn’t always better! Once our CanSkaters get moving, they warm up quickly. Too many heavy or bulky layers can cause them to overheat and sweat and can restrict the movement they need to bend their knees, balance, get up from the ice, and practise their skills.

The goal is warm, not bundled! 💜 Choose a few lightweight, fitted layers that can easily be removed if your skater gets too warm.

🌟🌟Dress for Success at CanSkate! 🌟🌟

Wearing the right clothing on the ice helps our CanSkaters stay warm, comfortable, safe, and ready to learn!

🪖 CSA-approved hockey helmet — An essential piece of safety equipment for beginner skaters. A properly fitted helmet helps protect their head as they learn new skills and gain confidence on the ice.

🧥 Fitted, warm layers — Choose lightweight layers such as a long-sleeve shirt or thermal top with a fitted fleece or jacket. Layers keep skaters warm while still allowing them to bend, stretch, and move freely.

🧤 Gloves or mittens — Little hands get cold quickly! Gloves or mittens (not fuzzy, as they absorb water) keep fingers warm and also provide some protection when skaters put their hands down on the ice.

👖 Flexible pants — Leggings, athletic pants, or other stretchy, fitted pants are perfect. Skaters need to be able to bend their knees and move their legs comfortably without bulky material getting in the way.

🧦 Thin socks — One pair of thin, comfortable socks is best. Thick socks or multiple pairs can make skates too tight, cause discomfort, and interfere with the proper fit of the skate.

⛸️ Properly fitted skates — Skates should fit snugly and provide good ankle support. Proper fit helps skaters feel more secure and gives them better control as they learn.

Warm + Comfortable + Flexible = Ready to Skate! ⛸️❄️

Safe skaters are happy skaters! 💜

Helmet Policy:* CSA approved hockey helmets with chip strap are mandatory for all skaters in Stages 1 - 5.* CSA approved...
09/05/2026

Helmet Policy:

* CSA approved hockey helmets with chip strap are mandatory for all skaters in Stages 1 - 5.
* CSA approved hockey helmets with chip strap are optional but highly recommended for skaters in Stage 6.
* Face masks (cages) are mandatory for skaters between 3 to 5 years old and are highly recommended for skaters who wear glasses.
* Parents of children 10 years and under in this program MUST remain on the premises during their child’s entire session

Skates:

Plastic molded skates are not useful for the CanSkate program because they fail to provide the proper ankle support, flexibility, and secure fit required for safe and effective ice skating development (according to Skate Canada)

Ankle Support and Stability:

* No structural stiffness: Plastic shells are rigid yet lack true internal support, causing a beginner’s ankles to lean inward or outward.
* Faulty closures: Buckles, snaps, and velcro can loosen or pop open when a child falls.
* No custom tightness: They lack laces, meaning they cannot be adjusted to lock the heel in place.

Flexibility and Movement:

* Blocked ankle bend: Skaters must bend their ankles forward to balance and push. Plastic boots remain stiff and block this vital range of motion.
* Slower learning: Without proper ankle flex, mastering edges, stopping, and speed becomes difficult and frustrating for young skaters.

Fit and Safety:

* Adjustable sizing flaws: Many plastic models are adjustable to “grow” with the child, which prevents a true, safe fit.
* Shifting feet: Loose internal spaces let the foot slide, increasing the risk of injury.

⛸️❄️⛸️❄️⛸️❄️⛸️❄️⛸️❄️

Did you know the Minden skating club has a wide selection of previously used figure skates and hockey skates in stock?

If you know your child’s/ skaters size, please email me if you’re interested in renting a pair of skates.

[email protected]

A deposit of $50 and we ask that you return them at the end of the season freshly sharpened.

If you’re unsure, of your child’s/ skaters skate size we recommend going down 1 size then your child’s/ skaters shoe size. So if your child/ skater is size 12Y shoes try a size 11Y skate.

Address

55 Parkside Street
Minden, ON
K0M2K0

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