when can i start making a backyard hockey rink?

Question

i know how to do it and all, but when is a good time to start it? i live in buffalo, and lately its been mid 30s-mid 40s.

Answer 1

This depends on how elaborate you want to build the rink. If you wish to keep it simple (basic boards, no fence) then
usually beginning of December is a good time to start building the rink when temperatures hover around the freezing point. If you plan on building 3feet boards with a fence on top, then November is better. You should lay down your liner no later that the beginning of December.

You should wait before flooding until you are sure that temperatures are going to remain consistently below the freezing point. Otherwise you will have a nice pond in you back yard.

For more info check: www.3on3backyardhockey.com

Answer 2

In Minneapolis, I use to wait until mid-December - but the last several years its been late december or early January. Been to warm. One recent year I didnt even bother, as it was a week into January before any of the outdoor rinks got flooded.

On a positive note, our golf season has regularily been extended well into November. Thanks W!

Answer 3

You need to wait until the frost is driven into the ground. Even if the air temp is very cold, it won't work if you build the rink on ground that is not well frozen.