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WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Backyard Rink Contest Is Back

November 24, 2008 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, Manitoba -- Thinking of building an outdoor rink this winter. The The Depot and the Brandon Wheat Kings are teaming up to offer outdoor rink makers the chance to face off against members of western Manitoba's Western Hockey League game in a special game of shinny - and it will take place right in your own backyard!

If you or a family member is planning on building a backyard rink, be sure to enter to win a chance to play a game of shinny on your backyard rink against members of the Wheat Kings.

To enter, simply fill out a ballot online, at your local Home Depot store or by visiting BDO Dunwoody Fan Services at any Wheat Kings' home game at Westman Place.

The contest deadline is Wednesday, February 25th at 12 p.m. The winner will then be announced during the Wheat Kings game against the visiting Saskatoon Blades on Saturday, February 28th.

For more information on The Home Depot Backyard Rink Contest, visit your local Home Depot or by visiting the Wheat Kings' official website - www.wheatkings.com

All materials needed to build a backyard rink are available at your local The Home Depot store.

TIPS ON HOW TO BUILD YOUR BACKYARD RINK

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

Tip #2: Fill in 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 broom 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 over-water 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 ink, 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 feet longer and 2 feet 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 that there is enough snow for a strong foundation or if using a tarp ensure the ice is three 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 to contain the water during a substantial thaw. Also, 2 inch by 6 inch (or 8 inch) pressure-treated perimeter boards will help maintain your ice during a thaw.

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