2026 Summer Registration Is Now Open
2026/27 season registration opens August 1, 2026.
Equipment Overview
Participants must provide their own equipment for all skating lessons. Skaters may not be permitted on the ice if they do not have proper items. Quality equipment that fits well makes a huge difference in a skater's enjoyment of their lessons and promotes progressive skill development.
CanSkate Programs
Skates
-
Hockey or Figure Skates
-
Blades must be sharpened before first use. Sharpen every 2 months.
-
Skates should fit well, lace to the top, and provide strong ankle support.
-
Not recommended: Plastic skates with buckles or adjustable sizing.
-
Note: STAR Prep require figure skates.
Helmet
-
Skaters will not be allowed on the ice without a proper CSA-approved hockey helmet.
-
CSA-Certified Hockey Helmet
- Mandatory for all CanSkate programs.
- Bicycle helmets are not permitted.
Clothing
-
Gloves, Jacket, Athletic Pants
-
Avoid bulky snow pants. They restrict movement and cause overheating.
-
Clothing should allow easy movement.
-
Gloves must be worn to protect fingers.
Skate Guards
-
Hard guards protect blades and preserve sharpening.
-
Recommended but optional for CanSkate.
-
Always dry blades after class and store with soft guards to prevent rusting.
Equipment Rental
The Yellowknife Skating Club offers a limited equipment rental program to help make participation in our learn-to-skate programs more accessible for families.
Rental skates and helmets are available to skaters registered in Pre-CanSkate, CanSkate and STAR Prep who are in good standing with the Club. Availability is limited and cannot be guaranteed.
Equipment available for rental includes:
- One pair of skates
- One pair of hard guards
- One pair of soft guards
- One CSA-approved hockey helmet
The rental fee is $50 per session, plus a $50 damage deposit. The rental fee and damage deposit must be paid in full before equipment is issued. The damage deposit may be refunded when all equipment is returned in acceptable condition.
Parents and guardians are responsible for the care, maintenance, and return of all rented equipment. Rental skates must be used on indoor ice only. Skates, helmets, hard guards, and soft guards must be returned immediately following the final class of the session.
Equipment is assigned based on available size and type. Submitting a request does not guarantee that equipment will be available.
Request Rental Equipment
Families wishing to request rental equipment must complete the form below. A member of the Yellowknife Skating Club Board will review the request and contact you within five business days regarding availability and next steps.
Complete the YKSC Equipment Rental Request Form
Please review the full policy before submitting your request.
STARSkate Program
Figure Skates – Required
- Recreational skates are not permitted.
Skate Guards – Hard & Soft
-
Hard guards are required for walking off-ice.
-
Dry blades after each use and store with soft guards to prevent rust.
Clothing – Athletic Attire for On & Off Ice
-
Must allow coaches to clearly see body lines.
-
No hoods. Suggested: skating tights, dresses, fitted pants, gloves.
-
Hair must be tied back neatly.
-
Running shoes and water bottle are required for off-ice training.
Where to Buy Skates
We recommend purchasing skates in-store to ensure a proper fit. Skate sizes differ from shoe sizes — bring your skater to be measured properly.
When purchasing locally, look for Jackson figure skates or CCM/Bauer hockey skates.
ProSkate (Edmonton)
Remote fittings available: info@proskate.com
16972–111 Avenue NW, Edmonton
(780) 481–5532
Overlander Sports (Yellowknife)
4909 50th Street, Yellowknife
(867) 873–2474
Canadian Tire (Yellowknife)
328 Old Airport Road, Yellowknife
Skate Sharpening
NorthRock Sharpening
Located at the Yellowknife Multiplex
Call: (867) 446–1266
Email: northrockyk@gmail.com
Check their Facebook page for hours and updates.