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Brandon Wheat Kings

Backyard Rink Contest Returns

November 26, 2015 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, MB. - The Home Depot, in association with the Brandon Wheat Kings is pleased to announce the return of the Western Hockey League club's Annual Backyard Rink Contest.

The Contest, which officially begins this week with the arrival of the first snow of the season to western Manitoba, will close on Sunday, February 21st at midnight, with the winner to be announced on Wednesday, March 2nd when the Wheat Kings play host to the Saskatoon Blades at Westman Communications Place.

Starting Thursday, November 26th, fans can enter online http://homedepotbackyardrink.com/ballot.asp?x=brandon or by filling out a ballot at BDO Fan Services at all Wheat Kings' home games, beginning Friday, December 4th when the Regina Pats pay a visit to Brandon.

While some fans have already started preparations on their backyard ice palace, many more will begin over the course of the next month with the holiday season right around the corner.

All materials needed to build a gorgeous backyard rink are available at The Home Depot, located in Brandon at 801 18th Street North.

For more information on how to build your own backyard rink, be sure to speak with the experts at The Home Depot. Following are some tips to consider when planning to build yours and enter this year's contest.

TIPS ON HOW TO BUILD YOUR BACKYARD RINK:

Tip #1: When thickening your ice, create thin layers at a time (0.5cm). If you flood the rink with too much water at a time the thick layer of ice could crack.

Tip #2: Fill the cracks in the ice with snow rather than water. This prevents the water from seeping through the cracks and thawing the surface underneath resulting in shell ice.

Tip #3: Place your rink on a shaded, flat surface, close to a source of water and a source of light for night skating.

Tip #4: Sweep the ice around the perimeter with a corn brook to prevent a ridge from developing.

Tip #5: The warmer the weather, the finer the spray and the less water you should use. If you overwater in warm weather you will have a thin layer of ice over water commonly known as shell ice.

Tip #6: For warmer climates with less snow and the potential risk of rain, it is best to use a vapour barrier (plastic tarp) over a base of flat packed snow.

Tip #7: To clean the surface of your rink, scrape the ice with a sharp steel flat edge on a wide snow pusher.

Tip #8: When using a tarp under your ice surface, it should be approximately 2 ft. longer and 2 ft. wider than the actual size of your rink.

Tip #9: First make your ice after three days of temperatures below 10C to ensure the ground is frozen. Ensure there is enough snow for a strong foundation or if using a tarp ensure the ice is 3 inches thick before you stand on it.

Tip #10: A plastic tarp helps protect grass from ice damage; gives a flatter rink in less time and helps contain the water during a substantial thaw. Also, 2" by 6" or 8" pressure-treated perimeter boards will help maintain your ice during a thaw.

The Home Depot is a proud supporter of over 30 Major Junior teams across Canada. The Home Depot has been a valuable Wheat Kings' partner for twelve years and in addition to the Backyard Rink Contest, The Home Depot presents the Annual Family Skate Night.

This year's Family Skate Night is Saturday, January 9th when the Wheat Kings host the Swift Current Broncos.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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