Sports stats

WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

The Home Depot Backyard Rink Contest Returns

November 25, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, MB. - Are you thinking of building an outdoor rink this winter? If so, The Home Depot and the Brandon Wheat Kings are teaming up to offer outdoor rink makers the opportunity to face off against members of the Western Hockey League club in what will undoubtedly be the biggest game on the block this season - and it'll 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 homedepotbackyardrink.com and clicking on the Wheat King Crown logo or at BDO Fan Services at Wheat King home games, beginning Friday night when the Winnipeg ICE pay a visit to Westoba Place.

"This is an excellent contest that anyone with a backyard rink in western Manitoba can enter," says Wheat Kings Director of Business Operations Rick Dillabough. "As Manitobans, we've all built and played on backyard rinks growing up. There's something to be said about playing with your friends in the great outdoors."

"I know that this is a contest that our players really look forward to," he went on to say.

Anybody with a hose can make a frozen pond in their yard but it does take time, creativity and often times a lot of hot cocoa breaks to create your backyard ice palace. In conjunction with the supplies available at The Home Depot, the Wheat Kings are pleased to provide tips and ideas for the creation of your own backyard rink this winter.

One entry per person is permitted. Contest closes at 12 p.m. Sunday, February 16th.

Materials needed to build your Home Depot Backyard Rink

12" spikes

1 1/2" galvanized drew screws

2" x 6" pressure treated wood boards (8' or 10' in length)

Cordless drill

Circular saw

Hammer

Stapler

Wide snow pusher

Lawn hose with fine spray nozzle

Measuring string

Plastic white tarp (should be 2' longer and wider than actual size of rink)

Measuring tape

Optimal Temperature for Making Ice

To make ice, you need a THREE -DAY STRETCH of cold with night temperatures approximately -10° C to -15° C and day temperatures below freezing. The colder the better.

How to Build Your Own Backyard Rink

Step One - Find a shaded (if possible), flat surface, close to a source of water and light to build your rink - Plan to build your rink after three consecutive days of -5 C to -10 C minimum temperature - Mark out the dimensions of your rink on the ground with string and spikes

Step Two - Measure, cut and assemble your wood framework for the rink using the 2" x 6" boards as a base, screwed together with two foot pieces of framing wood - Number your 2" x 6" framework boards for easier assembly next year. - Lay down the tarp and secure it around the framework using staples (overlapping on all sides, to ensure water remains in the rink)

Step Three - It is best to start your rink with thin layers of water using a fine spray nozzle - Spray 0.5 cm layers of water at a time and let them freeze in between layers - Be patient, this process could take 2 to 3 days and several layers to build a good rink base. - Fill any cracks in the ice surface with snow rather than water.

Step Four - To Maintain Your Rink - To clean the surface of your rink, scrape the ice with a sharp steel flat edge on a wide snow pusher. 􀁸 Sweep the ice around the perimeter with a bristled broom to prevent a high ridge from developing - Keep your rink smooth by spraying a fine mist of water every couple of days as needed.

Tickets to Friday's game against the ICE are on sale at the Keystone Centre box office, by calling (204) 726-3555 or online at keystonecentre.com.

Check out the Brandon Wheat Kings Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from November 25, 2019


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.

Other Recent Brandon Wheat Kings Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central