Official Calgary Outdoor rink thread

[speedog]

Rosemont's two ice on grass surfaces are up and going as well.

[xnvy]

There was. There isn't anymore

EDIT: Didn't see Speedog's post

[speedog]

Just stopped at Highwood, few bare spots along north side (south facing boards) but 95% of rink is still usable. No puddles any where.

The reason ODR's survive weather like we've seen this week is no wind plus the sun just isn't that strong this time of year. If you can get ice down in November over 4 or 5 days, then you're usually good into late March. Last night there was shinny at Highwood, could hear the pucks hitting the boards from my house.

[nicknolte]

Originally posted by r3ccOs
how is there ODR ice anywhere?

Ice plants

I've heard that Cranston's will keep the ice solid as long as the temperature stays under 10 degrees

[speedog]

ODR's - the trick is to get ice down early and then keep getting it down. Highwood ice guys flooded last night, entire rink is almost like glass this morning - ODR's just need really committed ice people.

[Canucks3322]

Here's a question... Any rinks actually consistently have goalies?..I just find it boring having to play posts, not only that its really hard lol...

[speedog]

Originally posted by Canucks3322
Here's a question... Any rinks actually consistently have goalies?..I just find it boring having to play posts, not only that its really hard lol...

Thursday or Saturday evenings at Highwood over the past 4-5 years has consistently seen 2-4 suited goalies. One of the Highwood ice guys is a goalie who regularly comes out.

[r3ccOs]

anyone know any rinks down south?

[speedog]

An update on Highwood's outdoor rink - the community association had decided in the recent past not to replace their ODR because of all the red tape to get such done. But I found out that they are now planning to refurbish their ODR to the tune of $150,000 via monies and grants they have in hand - I called the head rink guy and he said refurbishment would consist of a new pavement layer over top of the old pavement/concrete surface, landscaping including possibly a fire pit, a change/maintenance shack and new boards (plastic puck boards) and the intention is to curve the corners as opposed to what they have now. Not sure if the chain link will be replaced (probably) and he didn't say anything about the lighting although it is quite good for an ODR.. Current plans are for this to be done the summer of 2016.. Surface size should remain the same - 180' x 85'.. Hopefully, a standpipe is part of the deal for flooding as the current hose that's run from the community hall makes for quite a slow flood of the whole rink.

[403snow]

I wonder when Inglewood is going to start turning on the lights!!

[Moonracer]

Speedog....do you usually go on thurs or sat? Or just whenever you can get out?
I usually end up going to highwood as well, hoping to run into you sometime or maybe we did already last year and didn't know lol

[speedog]

Originally posted by Moonracer
Speedog....do you usually go on thurs or sat? Or just whenever you can get out?
I usually end up going to highwood as well, hoping to run into you sometime or maybe we did already last year and didn't know lol

Old guy here who doesn't skate well but am still fairly in tune with what goes on in the community he's lived in for 20 years. Maybe I'll pop by this Thursday, can I assume you've met Justin the ice guy then?

[Moonracer]

Originally posted by speedog

Old guy here who doesn't skate well but am still fairly in tune with what goes on in the community he's lived in for 20 years. Maybe I'll pop by this Thursday, can I assume you've met Justin the ice guy then?

I believe so probly last year or the year before I played goal for one of the big shinny days. I usually play out though.
I doubt I'll make it out thurs cause I have a xmas eve afternoon shinny to go to but likely sometime over xmas weekend. I either wear a red Toews jersey or if I'm in an old school mood I'll wear my white Bossy jersey.

[speedog]

Late start to the season for regular unrefrigerated outdoor rinks. First ice went down at Highwood last night, if weather holds it should be skate able by the weekend. No signs of ice down at Cambrian, Mount Pleasant or Rosemont as of last night.

[Thaco]

can anybody recommend a place to rent skates for a day? took the kids skating for the first time at the oval for the family day last year, they really enjoyed it but it was a mad house, would rather just rent some skates and hit a community rink or lake one weekend. (not worth buying them to use them once or twice and they are outgrown)

[OU812]

Originally posted by speedog
Late start to the season for regular unrefrigerated outdoor rinks. First ice went down at Highwood last night, if weather holds it should be skate able by the weekend. No signs of ice down at Cambrian, Mount Pleasant or Rosemont as of last night.

Did all that reno work get done?

[speedog]

Originally posted by OU812


Did all that reno work get done?

Nope, politics and bureaucracy still holding things up - the amount of red tape and bullshit is ridiculous. Such a busy rink - hats off to the core group of people who keep it going, it is a thankless job at times.

[asp integra]

I heard the Springbank ODR is open but I have not been there myself to confirm. Im hoping all of the rinks get going asap! Pray for cold!

[r3ccOs]

dumb question... any ODR with chillers that are accessible (even if you have to donate say 5 bucks a go)?

[asp integra]

drove by Glendale odr yesterday and people were out skating on it.