Building My First Backyard Rink!

November 20, 2011.

I spent the morning like any Sunday, first to Church then in the basement ripping shots at the net. After watching some football, I had to go outside and rake the ton of leaves that had fallen in the last week.  It occurred to me when I finished raking and saw the open space of the backyard that I remembered my childhood dreams in the winter time of skating on a backyard rink.  I love shooting pucks in the basement but it is off of a rug and in a limited space.  This  "poor mans" shooting gallery has helped my shot tremendously, but what would happen if I could shoot any time I wanted, on a regulation net off of a large ice surface? The possibilities are endless. Not long ago I watched the documentary film Pond Hockey. The Canadians and northern states in America allow the players months of practice out on ponds and backyard rinks.  This practice proves invaluable for skating and stick handling skills.  I simply cannot wait for this winter and the ability to wake up and start playing the game I love at any hour I choose.