It’s no secret that Toronto is Canada’s most populous city, boasting over 2.8 million inhabitants. With a population this size, you’d expect there to be at least one ice rink per hockey-loving city-dweller. But just how much does it cost to rent a hockey rink in Toronto?’I’d say between $5,000 and $7,000 a month,’ answered Steve Groff, President of Rink Management Company.
Although there is only one official NHL team in Toronto (the Toronto Maple Leafs), the city is home to a vibrant minor hockey community, boasting over 100 registered hockey leagues and 300 teams across the city. With the popularity of hockey in Toronto, you’d expect there to be plenty of opportunities for aspiring hockey players to hone their skills and pursue a career in the NHL. However, even professional hockey stars can’t do much without a decent hockey rink. Therefore, it’s important to find a way to finance your hockey-related expenses, such as:
- Rent
- Insurance
- Catering
- Private Ice Rink
- Private Pool
- Dress Rehearsal Rinks
- Hockey Training Camps
- Hockey Camps
- Tryouts
- Traveling Sticks
- Hockey Helmets
- Hockey Pucks
- Jigs
- Puckett’s Peaches
- Donuts
- And More!
The cost of running a hockey rink doesn’t just cover the above items. You’ll also need to budget for monthly fees such as:
- Spectator Fee
- Entry Fee
- Locker Room Fee
- Gym Fee
- Cleaning Fee
- Equipment Rental
- Food And Beverage Service
- Sundry Fees
So, how much does it cost to rent a hockey rink in Toronto?’I’d say probably around $10,000 a month,’ answered Mike DeGregorio, Salesperson for BlueIce Inns & Leagues. Even with some of these fees implemented, it’s still probably cheaper to lease a used rink than build one from scratch.’I build rinks for a living. Unfortunately, the building process is not for the faint-hearted. It takes a lot of time, especially if you want to do things right.’
The Lease Is Everything
The lease for the above mentioned rink starts at around $400 a month, plus utilities. The lease also includes everything else discussed above, plus:
- Rink Lighting
- Rink Maintenance
- Snow Removal
- And More!
The above mentioned rink is located in Forest Hill, a suburb of Toronto. The location is appropriate, as the Forest Hill branch of the Rexdale Library is just across the street. It’s a great place to study, or even just to relax. The neighbourhood is very quiet, except for the occasional rumble of a car or freight train passing through.
Despite its proximity to a library, the hockey rink is well-secured by security cameras, bomb-sniffing dogs, and a night watchman. It would be a shame to have a valuable asset like this, situated in a place with such vulnerable properties.
Other Considerations
It’s also important to take into account other considerations, such as the size of the team you’re trying to register, and whether you’ll be using a public or private ice-maker.
- Number Of Guests
- Game Schedule
- And More!
As the owner of a hockey rink, you’ll be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the property. This includes painting the walls and floors as necessary, cleaning the ice, taking out the trash, repairing any damaged property, and stocking the freezer and fridge with food and drink. You’ll also need to budget for snow removal, in case there’s a major weather event that prevents you from closing the rink for a while.
What If I Want To Play In The NHL?
If playing in the NHL is your ultimate goal, you’ll need to take some time to prepare. To do this, you’ll first need to secure a spot on a professional team. This could be difficult, as there are only a handful of teams that regularly play in the NHL, and the rest of the league is dominated by superstar players, who are notoriously difficult to recruit. If this is becoming too much pressure, then perhaps you should consider pursuing a career in the minors. There’s also the possibility of being drafted to the NHL, however, this is highly unlikely, unless you’re a professional hockey player, and even then, not all teams are willing to take a chance on an unproven rookie.
Other Places To Play Hockey
In addition to the rinks discussed above, Toronto is also home to a number of smaller rinks, which are open to the public. These rinks are a great place for kids to learn the basics of hockey, as well as for adults who want to keep their mind active. It’s also possible to find a hockey league in your area, which you can join for a team. It’s a good idea to contact your local library, or recreation centre, to see if they can give you any information about leagues, or if they know of any hockey-related clubs or groups in your area.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into putting together a hockey rink. You’ll need to plan carefully, and do your research before committing. If you follow these guidelines, it’s possible to put together a package that’ll suit your needs. For more information, or if you want to rent a rink for a special event, like a birthday party or anniversary,’ then feel free to contact us – we’d be happy to help!