The Canskate Excel session runs for 60 minutes.  Each group visits four different coaches during the hour, spending 15 minutes with each coach.  During each 15 minutes, the group concentrates on a specific fundamental movement, for example "forward movement".  The group works on the elements for the level they are currently working on and, more importantly, they are challenged to practice the skills on the levels above.  The coach who teaches the forward elements one week will work on a different set of elements the following week.  The four sets of movements practiced each week include forward/stop, backward/stop, turn, jump/spin.  It has been shown over the last two seasons that skaters in the Canskate Excel program accelerate at a faster rate than those in a regular Canskate session.

Parents are not allowed on the ice but must stay in the arena while the child is on the ice. There is a heated viewing area for parents.

CSA-approved hockey helmets are mandatory for the child to be allowed on the ice. Most children, especially the younger ones, wear snowpants or splash pants to remain warm and dry. Waterproof mitts or gloves are required.