Community Corner
Video Viewfinder: Backyard Rink Brings Home Ice to Another Level
Sure, they're popping up all over. But this backyard rink boasts a roster that includes the whole neighborhood.
What happens when a kid-at-heart, hockey-loving Dad, with three boys ages 3, 4 and 6 stares down another long Minnesota winter cooped up in the house? Rather than spend the rest of his life spackling holes in walls from his three young sons jumping off sofas – he decides to build a hockey rink in his backyard so those rambunctious boys “can burn off some serious energy!”
That’s exactly what former hockey player and busy Dad, Eddy Rogalski did a few winters ago – built himself a hockey rink right between his fire pit and his playfort. If you build it – they will come. And they do….virtually all of the nineteen boys ages three through twelve that live on Kalberg Court, have had the thrill of skating on Eddy’s rink. No skates – no problem! Winter boots work just fine. No hockey stick – no problem! A short shovel will do the job in keeping mini mites upright. Much like swimming holes and tire swings – this is old fashioned fun at its best.
But making the rink took planning and patience.
“There’s definitely a process involved – so that you get smooth ice. The surface is much nicer now than my first winter because I’m more sophisticated in my process. I was also pleasantly surprised to see my lawn did come back the next summer. Well as much as a lawn where dogs and kids play all day can come back.” Eddy explains with a smile.
Assembling the rink starts by finding a flat, oval shaped area in his backyard. It’s not Olympic size by any means, but it’s just the right size for little guys who still need Mom to lace up their skates.
“After the boards are up, and the tarp down, I basically let the hose run for 24 hours. I have to wait until there is no snow in the forecast for several days. Snow means pits in the ice…”
“…and pits in the ice mean face plants!” the neighbor boys cut in.
Eddy, a former STMA volunteer firefighter and hockey coach, loves to see the rink full of kids having fun.
“This is what life is about….kids having a great time, being outside, playing games and enjoying winter.” Eddy explains.
Eddy’s wife Becky readily agrees, “I love it too. We all are out there together just goofing around and having fun. Even Rogy (our dog) is out with us. It doesn’t get any better than that!”
Cul de sac neighbor Michele Dinh adds, “It’s so nice for the kids to have an ice rink so close to home to play on. Eddy does such a great job every year.”
Michele’s 4th grade son Ethan agrees, “It’s fun to have a place to skate and play!”
The oldest Rogalski son, Will - age 6 - sums of the benefits of a rink in your own backyard, “Well it’s not as big as my regular hockey rink but here I get to have my dog Rogy right by me, and all my friends come and play with me, and if you fall down and get hurt(ed) – you can just go inside and watch a video. That never happens at hockey practice.” Will explains as he skates off to chase his younger brothers Wyatt and Ben around the rink.
Much like fish houses, Eddy’s rink goes up in mid December and comes back down in March, but the memories he makes with his kids last all year long.