Drop-In Ice Skate & Ice Sports

Skate & Family Skate

• Skate rentals and helmets are available for loan during drop in skating times for a fee of $3 + HST for U of T students and $5 + HST for non-U of T students. Skate sharpening is available for a fee $5 + HST for U of T students and $8 + HST for non-U of T students. 
• We offer adult hockey skate rentals only. Figure skates and child-sized skates/helmets are not available for rent.

Figure Skate

•  Figure skaters must bring their own skates. Skate rentals and sharpening is unavailable during drop-in figure skating. 

Stick n' Puck & Shinny

• Skate rentals, CSA approved helmets, and limited sticks are available for loan (free of charge) and required for participation. Although participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment if possible. Groin and neck protection is recommended for drop-in shinny. No other equipment is permitted. 
• Skate sharpening (for personal skates) is available for a fee of $5 + HST for U of T students and $8 + HST for non-U of T students. 
• Participants are asked to wear comfortable athletic attire while joining in drop-in activities.

Drop-In Hockey

• Full equipment (gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin pads, hockey pants) under hockey socks and jersey; including CSA approved helmet and full face mask is required. Pads must be worn under clothing. Mouth guard, hockey pants, and jock are strongly recommended. 
• Goalies should be protected with proper fitting equipment. Goalies must wear a C.S.A. approved helmet, throat protector, and mask, gloves, gut pad, arm and shoulder pads and leg pads.
• Sharing of equipment between two players in the same session is not permitted. Each player must have their own equipment to ensure proper fit, protection, and hygiene.
• Skate sharpening is available for a fee of $5 + HST for U of T students and $8 + HST for non-U of T students. Equipment rentals (skates, helmets, sticks) may not be available during drop-in hockey hours. 

• Please review the Varsity Centre Arena Rights and Responsibilities before participating in drop-in programs

Drop-In Skating

Activities that are not permitted on the ice during these sessions:

• Speed skating
• Power skating
• Figure skating and figure skating skills
• Coaching (including virtual)
• Foul language or inappropriate behaviour
• Bringing food or drinks onto the ice
• Use of headphones, phones, or handheld devices while on the ice
• Rough play or multiplayer games such as tag and races

Please follow the rules:

• Respect staff at all times
• Only students and members wearing skates are allowed on the rink
• The middle of the ice not for footwork or skill practicing. Staff may use this space to stand still and oversee the ice.
• Hockey pucks and sticks are not permitted during skating sessions
• Skate forwards at a sensible and safe speed in the same direction as other skaters

Drop-In Figure Skating

Activities that are not permitted on the ice during these sessions: 

• Toe-picking jumps: stag jumps, toe loop, flip and lutz jumps
• No hockey skates - all participants should be in figure skates
• Full routine practices 
• This is not a time for beginner skaters - only for experienced figure skaters
• Use of headphones, phones, or handheld devices while on the ice

Please follow the rules:

• Respect staff at all times
• Only students and members wearing skates are allowed on the rink
• Hockey pucks and sticks are not permitted during skating sessions
• Skate backwards or forwards at a sensible speed 
• Practice of skating skills, freestyle (footwork, spins, spirals, and non-toe pick jumps) and stroking elements 

Drop-In Family Skating 

Activities that are not permitted on the ice during these sessions:

• Holding children (including in carriers)
• Speed skating
• Power skating
• Figure skating and figure skating skills
• Coaching (including virtual)
• Foul language or inappropriate behaviour
• Bringing food or drinks onto the ice
• Use of headphones, phones, or handheld devices while on the ice
• Rough play or multiplayer games such as tag and races

Please follow the rules:

• Respect staff at all times
• Only students and members wearing skates are allowed on the rink
• The middle of the ice not for footwork or skill practicing. Staff may use this space to stand still and oversee the ice.
• Hockey pucks and sticks are not permitted during skating sessions
• Skate forwards at a sensible and safe speed in the same direction as other skaters
• CSA-approved hockey helmets are mandatory for people 17 and under and strongly recommended for beginner adults. 
• There are no child sized skates or helmets available for loan - they must be provided for each child
• Beginner skaters 17 and under and children 12 and under must be accompanied on the ice by an adult wearing skate
• Current U of T students and Sport & Rec members can bring up to three children during family skate. Partners/spouses/guests must purchase a day pass.
• Non-students/members with children can purchase a family pass (two adults and maximum four children)
• There will be Sport & Rec program staff on site monitoring and managing capacity as needed, there are capacity maximums and if reached no further drop-in participants will be allowed to enter the arena.
• Space on the ice and skate rentals are limited. 

Stick 'n Puck:

• Pick-up games are not permitted
• No slap shots on the boards or the nets and the puck must remain on the ice at all times
• Hockey stick blade should not leave the ice surface
• Body checking or engaging in aggressive play is not permitted
• Participants must stay clear of the ice until the Zamboni doors are closed
• Participants must clear the ice at the end of scheduled time or as directed by arena monitor
• No food, drinks, or gum on the ice
• No headphones on ice

Drop-In Shinny:

• Equipment required: hockey skates, helmet, hockey stick. Recommended: groin and neck protection. No other equipment is allowed on the ice during shinny.
• A player must play the puck and not another player. Body contact is not allowed. This includes boarding, charging, elbowing, punching, and interference in front of the goal.
• No goalies during shinny
• Foam pucks and small nets will be used during this time
• Players are not permitted to use a slapshot.
• Participants must stay clear of the ice until the Zamboni doors are closed
• Participants must clear the ice at the end of scheduled time or as directed by arena monitor
• No food, drinks, or gum on the ice
• No headphones on ice

Drop-In Hockey:

• Full Equipment (gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin pads, hockey pants) under hockey socks and jersey; including CSA approved helmet and full face mask is required. Pads must be worn under clothing. Mouth guard, hockey pants, and jock are strongly recommended. 
• Goalies should be protected with proper fitting equipment. Goalies must wear a C.S.A. approved helmet, throat protector, and mask, gloves, gut pad, arm and shoulder pads and leg pads.
• Sharing of equipment between two players in the same session is not permitted. Each player must have their own equipment to ensure proper fit, protection, and hygiene.
• A player must play the puck and not another player. Deliberate body checking shall not be allowed. This shall include boarding, charging, elbowing, punching, and interference in front of the goal
• Players are not permitted to use a slapshot
• Participants must stay clear of the ice until the Zamboni doors are closed
• Participants must clear the ice at the end of scheduled time or as directed by arena monitor
• No food, drinks, or gum on the ice
• No headphones on ice

Please review the Varsity Centre Arena Rights and Responsibilities before participating in drop-in programs.