As usual, your tutorials rock!

Donnie

Very cool video, definitely thought provoking. I’ve actually been doing some similar exercises lately. I’m developing a new stickhandling course that uses more game-like drills and will also incorporate game-like foot work. Using the legs and getting lower is part of it.

My boards are 36″ at the highest point, but no brackets, since I have 2×4 framing. I put wooden stakes in every 2′ or so, to secure the bottom, and a bunch of braces that are secured to more wooden posts, to secure the top. Now that it has been cold a while, my concerns about water puddles have gone away — no puddles, and it’s solid as a rock. I’m going to try a bigger rink next year, which means an even bigger slope, but I know what’s involved now.

Would the same exercise program and type of diet also apply to female players who would be putting forth the same physical exertion as males?

Have to wonder what all the carbs would be like for a diabetic, or for someone who is truly gluten sensitive, not someone saying s/he is because it’s the affliction-of-the-month.

Dietitians do say complex carbs are the best for everyone, not just athletes.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Boards are 4′ high NHL rink is 200′ x 88′ and the corners are 28′ radius Olympic rink is 200′ x 100′

Allie, I would advise to do some resurfacing when it’s cold so that you can skate, however if it’s going to be +9C/48F, I wouldn’t put a whole lot of effort into it, as you will get some melt during the days for sure. You won’t lose your ice, but it will become to soft to skate, and you’ll have water underneath. (Assuming you’re using a liner) If it melts enough around the edges so that the ice is not stuck to the edges of the liner, then that would be a good time to drop in the hose under the ice and fill it to 4″ minimum only the shallow side to get yourself a thicker base ice. Once it gets cold that will refreeze and you’ll then have thicker ice without the need to go out and layer it all up. Jim

Eric, I would definitely try and remove as much of the snow as possible. There are two problems with not removing the snow. 1) The snow can actually suspend the liner and subsequently the liner/ice above the ground surface leaving an air gap under between the liner and the hard ground. Then when an adult skater and/or group of younger players skate over that area, the ice “could” crack and drop under the weight pressure of the skaters. 2) If the snow has melted and refroze, that ice could break under the liner when filling from the water pressure and create sharp edges of ice under the liner and possibly cut or puncture your liner.

Perfect answer Jeremy.

Paul, shoot me an email jim@nicerink.com and we’ll see if we can get this figured of out for you.

Just have to leave a comment to say how much I enjoy your website and the videos. I have passed allot of your tips onto my players over the last few months and I have to say they have improved 10fold!!

Keep up the good work matey!!

Cheers
Jim