Mike L., Minnesota YardRink Owner Since 2024

Hockey’s always been part of my life. My dad got me into it when I was young, and now I’m watching the same thing happen with my own kids - which is pretty special. 

I tried a few times to build a backyard rink on my own. Honestly, it didn’t go well or hold up the way I would expect a rink to. So this year, I decided to do it right. 

Finding the Right Backyard Rink Kit

An elevated view through a window of a glowing, oval-shaped backyard ice rink at night, lined with decorative string lights and surrounded by a light dusting of snow.

After researching rink kits, YardRink stood out immediately. The reviews were strong, but what really caught my attention was how it is designed to play like a real ice rink. 

With the curved boards and the liner on the outside of the rink, it truly feels like you're playing hockey. I love the way the puck whips cleanly all the way around the rink. Also, not only does filling the boards with water help the ice stay frozen, but the sound of the puck hitting the boards has that solid, satisfying crack you’d expect at a real rink. 

Winter Fun for the Whole Family 

The best part isn’t the setup, it’s the joy it’s brought our family. 

Most nights, my wife and I can look out the window and see our kids skating, laughing and running drills on their own. My eight-year-old is out there constantly working on his shot, and my youngest is starting to grab a stick and join in. 

Two young boys wearing hockey helmets and gear pose together on an illuminated backyard ice rink at night.

Instead of being inside on screens, they’re outside all winter, burning energy and building something they love.

I knew this was the right rink for our family, as it would be the most similar to what a hockey rink would be like. When I find something that works, I stick with it. YardRink delivered exactly what we were looking for. 

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A man and little boy standing across from each other on a backyard ice rink at night.

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A young child wearing a hockey helmet and a light blue "Timbits" jersey shoots a puck on a snow-bordered backyard ice rink.

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