Learn to Play Hockey FAQ's

At Paramount Ice, we offer a Learn to Skate program that players should take first. Developing good skating skills is crucial for playing hockey, so you'll likely spend time improving your balance, stopping, and turning on the ice.

The time varies depending on your age, experience, and how often you practice. For younger players, it can take a few seasons to become proficient in basic skills like skating, stickhandling, and shooting. Adults can also learn, but progress might depend on their dedication and previous skating ability.

Hockey can be more expensive than some other sports due to the cost of equipment, rink fees, and team registration. Second-hand gear is also a good way to reduce costs when starting.

There's no age limit for learning hockey. Paramount Ice's programs cater to both kids and adults. While starting young is more accessible, our adult hockey leagues and beginner clinics are available for all ages.

The stick should ideally come up to your chin when standing upright while wearing skates. If you're not wearing skates, it should reach between your nose and chin. The stick's length impacts control and shooting, so choosing one that suits your size and playing style is essential.

At the beginner level, focus on learning the fundamentals like offside, icing, and penalties like high sticking and tripping. As you progress, you'll learn more about positioning, line changes, and team play.

Skating is the foundation of hockey. Once you're comfortable on the ice, stickhandling, passing, shooting, and positioning become critical skills to develop. Balance, agility, and learning to stop on skates are particularly important early on.

Start by focusing on accuracy rather than power. Practice wrist, slap, and backhand shots by aiming for different net parts. Off-ice training, such as practicing with a shooting pad or stickhandling ball, can also help.

In your first game, expect fast-paced action, lots of movement, and a learning curve. You'll get a feel for your team's positioning and how to communicate on the ice. Mistakes are part of the learning process, so focus on having fun and improving each time.

Endurance is key in hockey due to its fast-paced nature. Off-ice conditioning like running, cycling, or interval training can help build stamina. On the ice, practicing quick sprints and drills that mimic game conditions will improve your endurance.

Absolutely! Hockey is a sport for everyone, and at Paramount Ice, we offer co-ed youth and adult Learn to Play Hockey programs. Women's hockey continues to grow, with opportunities at every level, from youth to adult.

Basic drills focus on skating (crossovers, stopping, and tight turns), puck control (stickhandling while moving), and shooting (accuracy drills). You can practice passing drills with teammates and positioning during scrimmages as you progress.

Falling is a natural part of learning to skate and play hockey. Start by learning to fall safely (e.g., landing on your side or using your pads) and practice getting up quickly. You'll gain confidence and fall less often as your skating skills improve.

Consistency and practice are key. Attend skating and stickhandling clinics, play as much as possible, and watch hockey games to learn positioning and strategies. Off-ice training, including strength and endurance exercises, will accelerate your progress.

 

With practice and proper instruction, anyone can become comfortable on the ice and enjoy playing hockey!

Learn to Skate FAQ's

When Learning to Skate at Paramount Ice,
new skaters often have questions about the process, equipment, and what to expect.

No prior skating experience is needed. Paramount Ice offers lessons for beginners of all ages, including those who have never been on the ice. Coaches will guide you through the basics, starting with balance and moving forward.

You will need ice skates and a helmet. For children under 10, a helmet with a face cage is recommended for safety. Paramount Ice also provides skate rentals and helmet rentals if needed. Gloves, knee, and elbow pads are optional but can offer extra protection.

Paramount Ice offers skating lessons for children as young as 3 years old. The programs are designed to be fun and engaging, introducing skating in a safe and supportive environment. Adult programs are also available for anyone looking to learn later in life.

The time it takes to learn to skate varies depending on the individual's commitment, frequency of lessons, and comfort on the ice. For most beginners, noticeable improvement in balance and basic movements occurs after a few sessions. Regular practice will lead to faster progress.

At Paramount Ice, parents are welcome to watch from the sidelines, but during lessons, the instructors focus on the children in the class.

It's common for children to feel nervous about skating. Instructors at Paramount Ice are experienced in working with first-time skaters and will help ease those nerves through encouragement and fun activities on the ice. Starting with short, positive experiences can help build confidence over time.

Unfortunately, Paramount Ice does not rent skates.

Paramount Ice offers various skating programs based on age and skill level. The Learn-to-Skate programs are a great starting point if you or your child are new to skating. As skaters improve, they can progress to more advanced levels, including figure skating or hockey skills programs.

If you miss a lesson, it's best to check with Paramount Ice's customer service to see if there are options for a make-up class. Some programs allow make-ups based on availability, while others follow a schedule without make-up options.

Paramount Ice offers a positive, supportive environment with professional coaches who are experienced in working with skaters of all levels. The facility is well-maintained, and lessons are structured to ensure progression while having fun. Whether aiming for recreational skating or looking to join hockey or figure skating programs, Paramount Ice provides the foundation needed to succeed.

Register for skating lessons online through the Paramount Ice website or by contacting their customer service team. Sessions are offered throughout the year, and booking early is advisable as classes can fill up quickly.

Yes! Paramount Ice offers adult beginner skating lessons for those who want to learn how to skate later in life. These classes are tailored to adult learners and focus on balance, coordination, and building confidence on the ice.

Hockey or recreational skates are recommended for young beginners, as they provide ankle support and stability. Avoid figure skates with toe picks for young beginners, as they can make it harder to learn basic balance. Paramount Ice staff can help you choose the right skates for your child.

In the first lesson, expect to focus on basic skills like standing up, balancing, and marching on the ice. The instructor will likely start with off-ice instruction before moving onto the ice. The goal of the first class is to build comfort and familiarity with skating.

 

These FAQs help provide a clearer understanding of what to expect when learning to skate at Paramount Ice. Whether a child is starting or an adult is learning for the first time, the structured programs and professional instruction make the experience enjoyable for all.

Rink Rental FAQ's

When renting ice rinks at Paramount Ice, customers often have several questions about availability, costs, and what to expect. Here are some common questions and answers about ice rink rentals at Paramount Ice:

The rental rates vary depending on the time and day of the week. Prime hours (evenings and weekends) generally have higher rates than non-prime hours (early mornings and weekdays). For the most accurate pricing, it's best to contact Paramount Ice or check their website for specific rates and availability.

Ice rink rentals are typically booked in one-hour blocks, though you may be able to reserve for longer if additional time is available. It's recommended that you arrive early to make the most of your scheduled time.

The rinks at Paramount Ice can be rented for various activities, including hockey games or practices, figure skating, public or private skating events, birthday parties, and team-building exercises. It is best to discuss your specific request with the facility beforehand.

Yes, you must bring your skates, sticks, pucks, and any other equipment required for your activity. Paramount Ice does not provide rental gear for private rink bookings. For larger events, special arrangements can be made in advance.

It's a good idea to book as far in advance as possible, especially during peak seasons like winter or around holidays. Prime times can get booked quickly, so if you have a specific date or time, early booking is recommended to secure your spot.

Yes, Paramount Ice offers rink rentals for special events such as birthday parties, corporate events, or family gatherings. We also have party packages that include ice time and access to a private room for food and celebrations. You can inquire about package details when booking.

Refund and cancellation policies vary, so it's best to check directly with Paramount Ice when booking. Typically, there are cancellation fees if you cancel within a certain period, and full refunds may not be available for last-minute cancellations.

Yes, locker rooms are included with ice rink rentals for teams or groups. These rooms provide space for changing and storing equipment during your rental period.

There are no specific age limits for renting a rink, but adult supervision is required for minors during any ice time.

Yes, many renters bring their music to play over the rink's sound system during their rental period. Be sure to check with the Paramount Ice staff to arrange this in advance and ensure compatibility with their system.

Food and drinks are generally not allowed on the ice or in the rink area, but they are permitted in designated areas such as the lobby or party rooms. If you're hosting an event, you can reserve space for food and drinks before or after your ice time.

For some private bookings, particularly for larger groups or events, you may be required to provide proof of liability insurance. It's best to check with Paramount Ice when you book to see if this applies to your rental.

If additional ice time is available and there are no other bookings after your session, you may be able to extend your rental. However, it's best to plan ahead and reserve the amount of time you need to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Yes, many teams and groups reserve ice on a recurring basis for practices, games, or other activities. Paramount Ice offers regular time slots for teams or organizations looking for ongoing rentals, and you can inquire about discounts for long-term bookings.

Paramount Ice follows all local health regulations and guidelines. This may include mask-wearing in common areas, limits on the number of participants, and sanitation protocols. You can check our current COVID-19 policies at the time of booking to ensure compliance.

Paramount Ice has seating areas for spectators to watch events from the sidelines. Depending on your group's size and the event's nature, you may want to inquire about additional seating or accommodations for larger audiences.

Paramount Ice is equipped to host tournaments and large-scale events. We can provide multiple rental slots, locker rooms, and coordination for tournament scheduling. It's advisable to contact the Paramount Ice staff well in advance to arrange tournament logistics.

 

Whether you're renting for a private event, team practice, or a special occasion, Paramount Ice is happy to help with all your needs.

BOOK A RINK AT PARAMOUNT ICE

For more information, please fill in this contact form. You can also reach us by phone at 416.551.5306 or fill out the form.

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