More Backyard Rinks Than Ever This Year Due to Lockdown

In Hockey, Local, Weather

There are many more backyard rinks popping up this year due to lockdown restrictions.

The winter of 2020/2021 will hopefully be a one-off, but COVID-19 has meant more family bonding with backyard rinks including this one in Cobourg.

Chris Dingman and his children, Brayden Baird-Dingman (age 7) and Myla Baird-Dingman (age 5) sprouting their Leafs jerseys are spending a lot of time skating on their backyard rink.

Dingman said it’s the families third year of having a backyard rink, “but this one was definitely motivated by COVID this year with the stay at home orders.”

Dingman and his children helped frame up the boards and level it out, then a tarp was put in, fill it with water and wait for the colder weather.

The rink is flooded it with a hand held “Zamboni” that hooks the garden hose directly to the hot water tap inside.

It took approximately about two hours to frame and set up and another day-and-a-half to fill.

“The kids hope is they can have their friends and classmates over once the lockdown restrictions ease in a week or so to enjoy the fresh air and their love of hockey – and the Toronto Maple Leafs

Pete Fisher
Author: Pete Fisher

Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love

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