Dominic Paoletti, New Jersey YardRink Street Owner Since 2024
I’ve always dreamed of having a backyard rink, especially since I grew up playing roller hockey. Now that my kids are six, seven, and eight – and starting to love sports, especially hockey – I knew it was the right time to invest in one.
Taking the Leap with YardRink Street
I started researching outdoor hockey rinks about a year and a half ago, determined to find the right fit for my family. I looked at several options, but many seemed flimsy and didn’t meet our expectations. Since we planned to set up the rink on our sport court – where we also play basketball and pickleball – I needed something sturdy that would provide a real rink experience. That’s when I discovered YardRink Street.
Originally, I had planned for it to be a Christmas surprise, but I underestimated how many boxes would arrive on the pallet! That surprise quickly turned into excitement, and everyone was eager to set up the rink right away.
Look and Feel of a Real Rink
The setup process was awesome, and the rink truly replicates the feel of playing on a real rink with rounded boards. While the wind can be unpredictable, it hasn’t stopped us from enjoying the rink when we can.
One of my favorite touches is the inclusion of NHL team logos and I think it would be cool for my kids to see all of the different mascots featured while they play. I’m enjoying the rink so much that I’m already starting to think about adding more panels to make it even bigger.
The puck retention nets are another game-changer. Not only do they keep stray pucks contained, but we quickly discovered an unexpected bonus: they keep basketball shots from also going out of the court. That’s been a huge help, especially with my younger kids.
Year-Round Fun for the Whole Family
While we primarily use the rink for street hockey, I’m excited to try converting it into an ice hockey rink for winter. The family thinks the rink is awesome, and the kids are having a blast outside – regardless of the temperature.
One core memory we’ve already made was right after the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl. The kids were so excited that they ran outside to play hockey in the rink – and fireworks lit up the sky in the background. It was an unforgettable moment.
YardRink is such a cool product, and it’s everything we wanted in a backyard rink.
