The Adult/Synchro Seminar scheduled for October 25 in Martensville has been cancelled due to low registration. However, we will proceed with a Club/Coach Development Opportunity with Heather McMahon (Skate Canada Senior Manager – Skating Programs).
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
9:00 – 9:15 AM WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS
9:15 – 9:45 AM SESSION 1: CANSKATE
9:45 - 10:15 AM SESSION 2: STARSKATE
10:15 - 10:30 AM BREAK
10:30 - 11:00 AM SESSION 3: SYNCHRONIZED SKATING
11:00 - 11:45 AM SESSION 4: CLUB & COACH DEVELOPMENT
11:45 AM -12:00 PM WRAP-UP
SESSION 1: CANSKATE
- Lesson structure: warm-ups, circuits, cool-downs, and station flow.
- Maximizing ice usage and managing coach-to-skater ratios.
- Role and responsibilities of Program Assistants.
- Meeting Skate Canada standards.
- Recruiting and retaining young skaters with an interest in hockey.
- Motivating skaters, building long-term engagement, and retention strategies.
SESSION 2: STARSKATE
- Goal-setting strategies for different levels of STARSkate.
- Efficient use of ice time, effective training techniques, and programming strategies.
- Supporting multi-discipline development (freeskate, dance, skills, artistic, synchro).
- Off-ice integration:
- Benefits of off-ice training (strength, flexibility, injury prevention).
- How to include off-ice training in regular programming with limited space or resources.
- Making off-ice training engaging and age-appropriate.
- Understanding rules and regulations.
- Encouraging long-term participation beyond competition.Questions:
SESSION 3: SYNCHRONIZED SKATING
- Building a strong synchro foundation at the grassroots level.
- Skater development: elements, unison, transitions, and teamwork.
- Lesson planning: progressions, inclusion, choreography, and program structure.
- Coaching synchro effectively with limited practice ice.
- Creating synchro pathways within the club and beyond.
SESSION 4: CLUB & COACH DEVELOPMENT
- Volunteer and board retention - how to attract, engage, and keep volunteers involved long-term.
- Fundraising ideas that align with Skate Canada programs.
- Building community presence and visibility.
- Encouraging professional development and Skate Canada training opportunities.
- Supporting coaches with mentorship, feedback, and recognition.
Online registration by 9:00 PM CST-SK on Sunday, October 19th, 2025
Please note there is an opportunity to have Heather McMahon visit your club on Friday or Saturday. Unfortunately, due to travel and ice times, we may not be able to accommodate all requests.