Photo submitted by Nicole Johnson

By Alex McCuaig

Backyard rinks easier to build than you might think

Dec 14, 2020 | 5:14 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – With many group winter social activities put on hold over the holiday season Hatters are going old-school by installing their own ice rinks with one sports store sold out of its kits to turn backyards into mini-arenas.

But Source for Sports owner Matt Brassard says supplies to make your own rink can be found at just about any hardware store.

“If you are uncertain or you’re not overly handy, it’s pretty minimal skill level to build your own,” said Brassard. “It looks more intimidating that it actually is.”

Brassard says there are kits on the market but creating your own rink but it can be as simple as making sure you have a liner to protect the grass and a water source which won’t freeze – something which a plumber can help with by turning an outdoor valve into a frost-free faucet.

And with parents’ now freed up from the rigours of taking their kids to ringette, figure skating and hockey practices, there is certainly time to get a rink in over the holiday season.

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“Any of those hockey parents that are used to the hustle of what the season might bring, building your own rink is just a fraction of a commitment to a regular hockey season,” said Brassard.