Few sports are as challenging or as rewarding as ice hockey. Considered the ultimate team sport, players on both teams work together to beat the other team. If you’ve always dreamed about playing ice hockey, but never thought it was feasible, then this article is for you. We will teach you how to build an indoor hockey rink that you and your friends can enjoy for years to come!
Table of Contents
The Different Types Of Ice
Before we begin, it is important to note that not all ice is created equal. There are several different types of ice, each with its perks and quirks. Below we will discuss the types of ice you’ll need to know about so that you can choose wisely when buying the equipment. Also, because ice can be so tricky to maintain, always make sure to follow the instructions on how to properly store and prepare it before using it (hint: separate it by depth or thin it with water).
Deep Ice
This is the most common type of ice, typically found in hockey arenas and large commercial kitchens. It is also the most popular because it is the easiest to use and maintain. The only downside to deep ice is that it takes a lot of space, so if you are looking for an indoor hockey rink that you can fit in your garage, then you might need to look elsewhere.
Shallow Ice
Also known as “smear ice” or “dirty ice,” shallow ice is slightly thinner than deep ice. This makes it more slippery, which in turn makes it more challenging to handle. The best thing about shallow ice is that it doesn’t take up much room, which is great for garage rinks. However, because it is thicker than deep ice, it requires more effort to move around in it, which can be tiresome for certain activities like hockey.
Chilled Ice
This type of ice is completely different from the others because it has been directly exposed to the heat of the sun for several hours before being used. The result is a type of ice that is both thick and smooth, making it perfect for carving and for sliding around on. Unfortunately, because it is so easy to leave uncleaned ice out in the open air for too long, this type of ice can become very slippery, which can lead to serious injuries. Make sure to always remove this type of ice from direct sunlight, and store it in a cold, dark place if you are not using it immediately.
Frozen Ice
More commonly known as “block ice” or “ice with blocks” in North America, the key difference between this and other types of ice is that it has been frozen solid for several days, which gives it a very low water content. This makes it extremely dense, so if you are planning to do a lot of hitting or punching, then you should get this type of ice instead. The downside to frozen ice is that it requires a lot of space to store, and it needs to be kept frozen at all times, which makes it more difficult to transport and use at certain times of the year. Also, because it is so dense, when it is melted, it can be extremely hot, so make sure to wear protective gear when handling this type of ice (helmet, gloves, and protective clothing).
Treat Young Ice With Caution
You should always follow the instructions that come with the product you are using to prepare and store your ice. Some products have additives that prevent them from freezing solid at certain temperatures, so make sure to check the specifications of the product you’re buying before using it. Also, never put alcohol in your ice maker’s water tank, as this can cause serious damage to your appliance and void its warranty. And finally, after using the ice maker, dry the parts that were in contact with the ice with towels to avoid any germs or bacteria growth.
Above we discussed the various types of ice you might encounter in a hockey rink. Now that you are equipped with the basics of what constitutes ice and how to prepare it, it is time to move on to discussing how to build an indoor hockey rink. We will begin by explaining the various pieces of equipment you may need, starting with the basics and working our way up. We’ll also discuss where to purchase each piece of equipment as well as how much you may need to spend.
Indoor Rink Build Basics
In order to construct an indoor hockey rink, you will need to have at least four walls and a roof to provide shape and protection from the elements (rain, snow, sun, etc.). Additionally, you will need to have two hockey goals, two sets of hockey lines, and a pair of hockey sticks (the latter two are optional depending on the skill level of the players). To further enhance the experience, consider using accessories like ping pong balls, bean bags, or pillows to create different types of barriers and goals (see photo below). Also, if you are feeling extra creative, you could build a third wall (the “floor”) to make it an indoor-outdoor rink! Finally, for safety reasons, you should have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an accident.
Below is a comprehensive list of the items you may need to build an indoor rink:
- Four Walls
- A Roof
- Two Hockey Goals
- Optional: Two Sets Of Hockey Lines
- A Pair Of Hockey Sticks
- Ping Pong Balls
- Bouncy Balls (Honeycomb Beds Or Ping Pong Beds)
- Pillow For Each Player
- Mullets For Hair
- Tropical Fruits For Scent
- A Large Jar Of Sunscreen
- A Fire Extinguisher (for safety)
How Much Does It Cost To Build An Indoor Rink?
The cost to build an indoor rink varies depending on the size, but we have collated some ballpark prices below (in US Dollars):
- $12,000 – $15,000 For A Small Rink
- $18,000 – $22,000 For A Medium Rink
- $25,000 – $30,000 For A Large Rink
As you can see, the cost can vary widely. The price is mostly dependent on the type of ice used and the number of players. If you are looking to have a small hockey rink in your garage, then it may be cheaper to rent a small ice rink than to build one yourself. Do your research and see what is available before making a decision.
Where Can I Buy All Of This In My Area?
If you are located in the United States, then the best place to start is the local hockey rink. They will often have equipment that is more than suitable for beginners like yourself, and they can also provide you with advice on how to use it effectively (safety first!). Additionally, if you contact the rink directly they may be able to provide you with a special offer or discount!
Another place you can get all of this is online stores that cater to gamers. These websites often have competitive prices and reputable delivery services, so if you’re looking for a deal then you may find it here.
Delivery Of All Of This
When buying all of this individually it will be quite pricey. However, if you are looking to build a larger rink then consider getting a pallet or multiple pallets from the local warehouse. This will make it much easier to transport the equipment to your home (and home to a warehouse!). Additionally, shipping may be able to provide you with some discounts if you are buying a lot of equipment at once!
When Should I Build My Indoor Rink?
This depends on where you are located and the climate. In the northern states, it is best to build your rink in the spring or summer, as it gets very cold and damp outside, which could damage the equipment.
In the southern regions, you may want to build it in the winter, as the temperatures are more pleasant and it is a great opportunity to practice outdoors. If you are located in a mild region, then you can build it anytime – it just depends on whether you want to have it indoors or outdoors.
Once you have constructed your rink, whether it is indoor or outdoor, make sure to practice on it every day. This will help you improve your skills and become more confident in your ability to control the puck (or ball)!