Mike D., Wyoming YardRink Owner Since 2023
This winter, there was a transformation in our backyard thanks to the soft glow of the lights hung around the ice of our YardRink inviting us to step onto its frozen surface. This backyard hockey rink isn’t just a patch of ice – it’s a source of shared joy, especially for my son.
It’s the place where he hones his hockey skills with unwavering dedication. From the crisp sound of his skates carving through the ice to the satisfying thud of his slap shots against the boards, every moment spent on the rink is a testament to his passion for the game.
Making the Right Backyard Rink Decision
I first started thinking about setting up an outdoor rink last year, driven by my family’s love for skating. It didn’t hurt that Wyoming winters are typically long and cold, ensuring we would have ice. Recognizing that the 2023-2024 winter was our year to set up a rink, we started shopping in early November to get it set up before the ground froze and made sure that the slope was not a problem by leveling the yard in preparation for a rink.
When selecting the best rink for our family, I researched all the available options. Pricing and value were the most important considerations of this process. There were multiple reasons why I selected Yardrink. For one, I liked the competitive pricing and what was being offered with the rink. YardRink also seemed like a newer, but competitive company with a lot to offer its customers.
After watching endless YouTube videos of people setting up their backyard rinks, I had a clear sense of what I wanted. A key selling point of YardRink was its tarp on the outside of the rink and the puck retention nets. The thought of not having to worry about chasing pucks around the yard or road, or breaking a window, would be appealing to any dad. I’m pleased with my decision to purchase a YardRink and my son couldn’t wait to get out on the ice once the rink was frozen.
Providing Backyard Fun for All
My son is a hockey player and he uses the rink to work on his hockey skills, from puck handling and skating to working on his slap shots. Not only does he use the rink alone to practice, but it’s been great to see him having his friends over and having fun outside. I even bought skates for myself for the first time in years so I can get on the ice when I want!
In addition to the benefits of having ice to skate on, I’ve been enjoying the project of setting up the YardRink. To me, it’s been fun to set up the rink and figure out how to take care of it – I built my own Zamboni and figured out a DIY way to roll my snow blower directly on the ice to clear any snow by removing a side panel once the rink is fully frozen. I also set up lights around the rink so we could skate at night. YardRink’s resources and customer service team (shoutout to Johanna!) have been a pleasure to work with, from my initial research to any follow-ups on technical matters. The season isn’t even over yet and I’m already looking forward to what next year will bring!
