“Kids get direction all the time, and they need to have unstructured play, and that’s real play. And so they get out here, and they get to make up their own rules. They get to come up with their own games, and they have a lot of fun. They get a lot of touches on the puck!” – Ivan, Minnesota YardRink owner
In 2023, Ivan and his wife brought a YardRink home when their kids were just 4, 2, and a newborn. Right at the beginning of their family’s hockey journey! Now, three years later, what started as a simple way to step outside and skate together, instead of dragging gear to a park, quickly became a neighborhood hangout spot.
Since the rink was set up, the kids have gathered in the backyard to play hockey and have hot chocolate, while the parents can spend time together outside and watch the kids have fun. It’s gotten to a point where it's been hard to get the kids to come back inside once they're out on the ice.
For Ivan and his wife Jessica, seeing their children grow up out there, playing freely, building friendships, and just being kids, has made every moment on the ice worth it.
Watch the full segment on CBS News Minnesota.
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