The dimensions of a hockey rink are important, since it will dictate how much ice you can fit in there. It will also affect how wide and how long the rink is. Knowing these things will help you figure out how much space you need to get your skates ready, and how big a spot to put your beer garden.
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Width
The width of a hockey rink defines how much space you have along the side where the players are positioned. It can be as little as 20 feet, or as wide as 92 feet. The wider the rink the more room the players have to maneuver and make plays. If your team is good you will usually need at least one line to go from one goal to the other, otherwise you will have a hard time getting the puck out of your zone.
Length
The length of the rink determines how far the other lines can roam. The longer the rink the more room there is to move around and the more opportunity for open ice. If you play on a diamond (as in two-on-two play) then the length of the rink can be even more important, because it defines how wide the trap (or defensive) zone is. The longer the rink, the wider the trap zone, giving you more room to spread out and make play. If a team has the puck they can really move around and create some chances, so it is always a good thing to have the puck in your possession while being at the other end of the rink.
Depth
The depth of a hockey rink is a measurement that represents how far back the seats are from the action. The deeper the seats the more room there is for fans, which is a good thing, especially if your team is on a winning streak and you have a lot of support. The deeper the seats the more room there is to see all the action and not get your feet wet. Another advantage of having a deeper seating section is that those watching from the stands can better see the ice, since they are closer to it.
Height
The height of a hockey rink is simply how high the ceiling is. The higher the ceiling the better, since it indicates there is room for more seating. If your team is on a winning streak and you are at a point where more fans are coming to the games then it might be a good idea to invest in a higher-ceilinged rink so you can accommodate the crowd.
Location
Where the rink is located is important, since it will dictate how accessible it is to the public. The closer it is to the highway the more people can come watch the games, which is great if your team is winning or even if you are just playing for fun. If the rink is located in a mall or some other commercial area then it might not be as accessible to the general public, especially if it is during the day when the mall is busy. In that case consider putting up a sign in the window to let people know the rink is open, and encouraging those who live in the area to come down and watch the games.
Style
The style of a hockey rink is something you have to consider, since the look and feel of the place will affect how much fun you have there. For example, if you play on ice with a black and white checkerboard pattern on the ice then there will be no mistaking where you are when you walk in.
Shade
Where the field is shaded is important, since it will dictate how much sun exposure you get. If the place is not shaded then you will be outside for most of the game, which can be nice in the summer but not so great in the winter. Even if it is still sunny outside having the sun directly overhead will make you sweat more and affect your game. If possible get a roof built over the rink so you don’t have to worry about the weather conditions at all.
Shelves
The number of shelves available is important, since it will dictate how many refreshments you can serve. The more shelves the more places where you can put your soda and beer dispensers, as well as ice cream and food trucks. If your goal is to have a fun time with your family and friends then you should get a place with plenty of seating and a place for fans to sit and enjoy the game as well. Ensure that there are enough seats so everyone who wants to can be comfortable and have fun, but don’t get so many that you end up with cramped legs from sitting too long.
Usable Floor Space
The usable floor space of a hockey rink is everything you can actually use, aside from the ice. This includes the space above the ice, such as the rafters and ductwork that runs above the ceiling. If your team is on a winning streak and regularly clears out all the boards and gets all the pucks out of the zone then you might want to invest in a bigger place, since you will have more floor space to work with. This is also important if your team is located in a smaller city and there are not a lot of buildings big enough to have a hockey rink in them. Having more floor space gives you more room for activities, whether you want to have a cooking demonstration by one of your chef’s or want to set up a dunk tank for the fans to shoot at.
Number Of Ice Rinks
The number of ice rinks is important, since it will determine how much ice time your team will get. If there is only one rink in your area then your team will have to make the most of it. There are ways to get more ice, such as having ice skating rinks as well, which is what the Cleveland Browns did in 2016. Having more ice will give you the chance to develop your skaters and have some fun in the process.
Type Of Ice
The type of ice is also important, since it will affect how you play. For example, if your team is located in an area where the ice is really bad then you will not be able to play on it, and vice versa. Check with your local rink manager or hockey operations staff to find out what type of ice is available. If possible have them tell you what type of ice will be used in your draft, so you can get the best possible match for your team.
Livestreaming
Whether you watch the game live or on television the number of viewers is important, since it will determine how successful the broadcast was. The higher the number of viewers the better, since it means more people are interested in your team or league. A good place to promote your team is through social media, particularly since younger generations are more likely to be using it than watching television.
Temperature
The temperature of the ice is also important, since it will affect how you play. If the ice is too warm or too cold then it will be difficult to maneuver and put in your best performance. Check with your local rink manager or hockey operations staff to find out what temperature the ice is at, and ensure that it is at the right level for your body. The type of clothing you will need will also depend on the temperature of the ice, so keep that in mind when planning your summer wardrobe (and vice versa for winter clothing).
Time Of Game
The time of game is also important, since it will affect how much time you have to kill between periods. For instance, if the game is at 4 pm then you will only have a couple of hours to kill between shifts. If the game is later then you will have more time, but will also have to prepare for bed sooner which is usually a bad idea (unless you want to win at all costs). The earlier the better, since you will have more time to kill and be more relaxed before the game starts (and vice versa).
Overall Feel
The overall feel of the place is something you have to consider, since the atmosphere will affect how much you have fun there. For example, if there is no feel of community then you will not have anywhere to go after the game other than your hotel, which is usually the case in the NHL. If you are looking for a place that is nice then you should look for a smaller rink, which tends to be a little cozier and more comfortable. Bigger rinks tend to be a little more chaotic which is probably why they are bigger.
Hopefully, this was helpful.