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OHL Oshawa Generals

Home Depot Backyard Rink Contest Launches

January 16, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Oshawa Generals News Release


Have you ever dreamed of having the Oshawa Generals skate in your very own backyard? You're in luck as the Oshawa Generals have partnered with the Home Depot for our Backyard Rink Contest. We invite local residents to build your own backyard rink and enter to win the chance to play Entry into the backyard rink contest is quick and easy; enter by clicking here. The winner will be randomly selected

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 Oshawa Generals hockey team. All materials needed to build a backyard rink are available at your local The Home Depot store. One entry per person is permitted.

To read about last year's contest and winner, click here.

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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