WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

The Home Depot Backyard Rink Contest Returns

Published on December 6, 2012 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, MB. - Remember the 1989 motion picture "Field of Dreams" when corn farmer Kevin Costner hears a voice that instructs him to plow under his crop, build a baseball diamond and "He will Come!"

While The Home Depot and the Brandon Wheat Kings don't want western Manitoba hockey fans to go that far, they are inviting them to build an outdoor rink this winter, in the hopes that members of the Western Hockey League club will come and invade their backyard later this season for a special game of shinny.

If you or a family member is planning on building a backyard rink, the Wheat Kings and Home Depot want you to enter their annual "Backyard Rink Contest" for a chance to meet the Wheat Kings. To enter, simply fill out a ballot online or by visiting BDO Fan Services at any Wheat Kings' regular season home game at Westman Communications Group Place. The contest deadline is 12 pm Saturday, February 25th. The winner will be randomly selected the following day and will be announced on www.wheatkings.com

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.

The Wheat Kings return to action Friday night when they play host to the Spokane Chiefs. Game time is 7:30 pm.Tickets are on sale at the Keystone Centre box office, by calling 726-3555 or online at keystonecentre.com.

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Western Hockey League Stories from December 6, 2012


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