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Brandon Wheat Kings

Home Depot Backyard Rink Contest Returns

November 19, 2018 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, MB. - The Home Depot has an important message for western Manitoba hockey fans - Build it and they might come.

The Home Depot, in association with the Brandon Wheat Kings is pleased to announce the return of the Western Hockey League club's Annual Backyard Rink Contest. Some lucky fan will have a chance to meet members of the WHL club in a special game on their backyard rink later this season.

The contest, which officially begins this week due to the early onslaught of winter, will close on Saturday, February 23rd.

Fans can enter online at www.homedepotbackyardrink.com or fill out a ballot at BDO Fan Services at all Wheat Kings' home games, beginning this Wednesday, November 21st when the Wheat Kings take on the Edmonton Oil Kings at Westoba Place.

While some fans have already started preparations on their backyard ice palace, many more will begin over the course of the next month with the holiday season right around the corner.

All materials needed to build a gorgeous backyard rink are available at The Home Depot, located in the Corral Centre at 801 18th Street North.

For more information on how to build your own backyard rink, be sure to speak with the experts at The Home Depot.

Following are some tips to consider when planning to build yours and enter this year's contest.

TIPS ON HOW TO BUILD YOUR BACKYARD RINK:

Tip #1: When thickening your ice, create thin layers at a time (0.5cm). If you flood the rink with two much water at a time, the thick layer of ice could crack.

Tip #2: Fill the cracks in the ice with snow rather than water. This prevents the water from seeping through the cracks and thawing the surface underneath resulting in shell ice.

Tip #3: Place your ink on a shaded, flat surface, close to a source of water and a source of light for night skating.

Tip #4: Sweep the ice around the perimeter with a corn broom to prevent a ridge from developing.

Tip #5: The warmer the weather, the finer the spray and the less water you should use.

Tip #6: For warmer climates with less snow and the potential risk of rain, it is best to use vapor barrier (plastic tarp) over a base of flat packed snow.

Tip #7: To clean the surface of your rink, scrape the ice with a sharp steel flat edge on a wide snow pusher.

Tip #8: When using a tarp under your ice surface, it should be approximately 2 ft. long and 2 ft. wider than the actual size of your ink.

Tip #9: First make your ice after three days of temperatures below 10C to ensure the ground is frozen. Ensure there is enough snow for a strong foundation or if using a tarp, ensure the ice is 3 inches thick before you stand on it.

Tip #10: A plastic tarp helps protect grass from ice damage; gives a flatter rink in less time and helps to contain the water during a substantial thaw. Also, 2" by 6" or 8" pressure - treated perimeter boards will help to maintain your ice during a thaw.

The Home Depot is a proud supporter of over 30 Major Junior teams across Canada. The Home Depot has been a valuable Wheat Kings' partner for twelve years and in addition to the Backyard Rink Contest, The Home Depot presents the hockey club's Annual Family Skate Night.

This year's Family Skate Night is Friday, January 4th when the Wheat Kings play host to the visiting Seattle Thunderbirds.

In the meantime, this Wednesday is Rain Check Night, which means any unused 2018-19 ticket can be exchanged at the box office for a free ticket to this game (regular box office agency fees apply). Brandon will then close out its season high 6-game home stand on Friday night when they play host to the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

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