At Skate Sister, we welcome anyone who comes with a great attitude and is ready to learn and have fun. However, if you can't yet balance on hockey skates or move in a forward direction with reasonable speed, please take time to learn these skills in a skating program or on the outdoor ice this winter and come back to us once you've mastered these basic skills. Our players range from beginners to strong intermediate recreational players.  If you are in your 20s or early 30s and have a competitive hockey background, this probably isn't the program for you.  Not sure if you fit in? Email us and we'll figure it out.

Beginner - you have basic skating skills (can skate forward with reasonable speed) OR you have a skating background (former figure skater, ringette player) but have not really played hockey before and want to learn the sport. You have limited puck handling, shooting or positional play skills. If you fit this description, join a Level I Class and you'll soon be ready to join the scrimmages and 4 on 4 league.

Low Level Recreational - competent but slower skaters who have a general knowledge of the game, and are working on improving skills such as puck handling, shooting, and positional hockey play.  If you fit this description you are welcome to join a Level I or II skills class, the Level I scrimmage and the 4 on 4 League.

Intermediate Level Recreational - higher level skaters who have progressed their speed and skills, you may have played some school hockey or ringette back in the day.  Join our Level II skills class, Level II scrimmage and the 4 on 4 League.

Think maybe you are too good for this league... well maybe you are but we welcome higher level players who are keen to come out and play for fun, take a little something off their shot and pass a lot to make others around them better too.

Most of our players are in their 30s, 40s and 50s - we welcome players of all ages as long as you are eager to be coached and have fun, in a friendly and respectful way.

Still not sure?  Email us and we'll figure it out.

Skate Sister's 4 on 4 format gives players more space on the ice to skate hard, carry the puck and get more shots on net.  We've tweaked some of the rules to keep players skating continuously and minimize standing around setting up for face-offs. Our small teams mean less time on the bench and more time skating hard.  Our players rave about this format - for the fun, the skill development and the workout.

For cardio power skating class full equipment is optional (but recommended).  You need full hockey equipment including neck protector and full facial coverage to play in Skate Sister 4 on 4 league or any of our skills classes.  Click here for more details on what you need.

A picture is worth a thousand words - click here to see what you need.

You can get a full set of gear from any hockey store - we recommend Just Hockey.  You can get a starter set at Canadian Tire or go for used equipment at Play it Again Sports.  Even borrow from your teenage son (if you can stand the smell!).  A full new set of equipment including skates will cost around $500 - it's a big investment but worth it once you fall in love with the sport.  Used or borrowed equipment can be a good option too.  Just make sure the stuff fits well.

We offer a Monday evening instructional scrimmage in the summer.  In the fall we offer an 8:30AM class at UCC that allows some players to get a class in before work. For now, we can't run the league or skills classes in the evening as, if you know anything about ice time in Toronto, you'll know that evening ice usually means really late, really expensive and really far away from your 'hood.  Join our email list and we'll let you know when we find new times to play.

New skater? It's amazing what all that padding can do to protect you if you fall and give you confidence to go for it.  Don't believe us? We'll give you a few drills on the first day to get you throwing yourself onto the ice like a kid.

The scrimmage and league play is non-contact with an emphasis on fun and collegial play rather than an overly aggressive style.

For cancellations made more than 6 weeks prior to the start of the league or skills class, a full refund will be provided minus a $40.00 administration fee. NO REFUNDS OR CREDITS for cancellations received less than 6 weeks prior to a scheduled start of the league or skills class. If accompanied by a doctor’s note, a refund will be given only if your spot can be filled by another participant. The refund is pro-rated on the date the new participant starts the program minus a $40 administration fee.

NO REFUNDS OR CREDITS for sessions missed due to illness, holidays, PA Day or other conflicts, or injuries. You are responsible for knowing the schedule for the league and skills classes.  Whether you participate or not, your hours are considered used. Hours are non-transferrable from one participant to another.