Hockey training at home? 

On a rink at home? 

Sounds like a dream, right?  

Well, it's more doable than you might think.  

With some creativity and the right setup, you can turn your garage or backyard into a mini rink.  

How do we know this? 

With synthetic ice tiles and panels, we’ve helped hundreds of hockey players of all levels create their at-home training havens.  

Whether you're working on your skating or practicing puck control, home training can give you that extra edge.  

It’s also a great way to stay in shape and keep your skills sharp without hitting the rink every day.  

We’re going to show you how to bring the rink home and help you develop a simple training plan so you can have the edge on the competition and build the foundation for a solid career in hockey.  

Benefits of an At-Home Rink 

Getting a rink sounds like something for a rich and famous but it’s achievable and it also has some fantastic benefits. 

For starters, you don’t have to rely on heading to your community rink to practice. Sometimes, rinks are booked, and you can struggle to get quality time to train.  

An at-home rink saves you time while maximizing your training on the ice.  

You can customize the size and shape of your rink based on your budget and space. Home rinks now rely on synthetic ice; interconnecting tiles that perform as good as real ice.  

While there may be an initial investment in building an ice rink, it can save money over time by eliminating the need for admission fees at public rinks and rental costs.

And best of all, everyone can benefit.

Your family, friends, and teammates can use an at-home ice rink for training, recreational skating, figure skating, and fun on the ice.   

Part 1: Bringing The Rink Home With Synthetic Ice 

So why build your own ice rink? You can do it with a few steps and a bit of an investment.  

As mentioned before, the initial investment pays for itself over time and its value shows almost immediately.  

First, you should decide what type of ice rink you want to build.  

You can do a natural ice rink that depends on the elements, but that limits the time you can use it to a few months out of the year.

The same goes for a refrigerated ice rink. 

While you get the identical feel as a community ice rink, it’s expensive to maintain and if it’s outdoors, it’s only available for a few months out of the year.  

A synthetic ice rink is the best bet as you get an amazing skating experience while having far more benefits. 

Why Your Rink Should Be Synthetic 

A synthetic ice rink uses high-density polyethylene tiles combined with a slip surface agent to give them skating quality.

Combine enough of these tiles by their dovetail sides and you can create an ice rink of your design. Some benefits include: 

Now that you’re set, you need to know where to set it up.  

Choosing the Right Space for Your Rink 

Where are you going to set up your rink?

With synthetic ice, the world (or your home) is your oyster. 

You can choose an indoor space – like a garage, basement, or spare room – or an outdoor space. It has to be a flat surface.

If the surface is uneven, you’ll need to place some flooring first such as plywood.  

Outdoor spaces include your driveway or deck, but if you want a larger rink, a backyard or side yard is the best bet.  

Measure your spot as it will help you determine how many synthetic ice tiles you will need. 

Once you get your tiles, it’s as simple as laying them down on the space.

Connect the tiles and use a soft mallet to connect and install the rink.

It should not take you more than an hour to get your rink going! 

Essential Equipment for Home Training 

Before lacing up your skates, get the other essentials you’ll need for your rink.

Here are some examples you’ll need for your rink: 

Now that you’re done setting up, you can use the rink to help you become the best player you can be.  

Part 2: Becoming The Best Team Player (At-Home) 

Your at-home rink is set up and you’re ready to go. It’s time to put your master plan in place to get in extra hockey training sessions. 

The biggest advantage is having a space where you can get better, experiment, get stronger, and take your game to the next level.  

Take your training seriously, and schedule skating a few days per week.

Each day, focus on a particular skill. 

On the first day, spend time improving your skating techniques.

Focus on stride length, balance drills, and edge work. Use cones to slalom, and practice turns and stops.  

Your second day should be all about puck handling.

Focus on controlling through tight spaces, balance, and collecting the puck at different angles from the rebounder.  

Your third day is all about shooting.

Place targets in the goal (top corner, bottom right, and so on) and work on hitting them from different distances on the ice.  

Spend another day practicing with a friend, freestyling, or finding ways to be creative on the ice.  

Repeat this routine while looking for ways to increase the intensity each week.   

Off-Ice Training for Hockey Players 

Excellent hockey players are athletes and the best athletes are strong and fit.

Some of your time should be spent on off-ice training. 

Strength and conditioning exercises, for instance, can help you navigate long, intense periods on the ice.

Ice skating can help you build muscle and endurance, but you should focus on the following: 

Agility and Balance Drills 

Along with strength and conditioning, your next goal is to build your agility, helping you to change direction.  

Endurance Building Workouts 

Endurance is what keeps you going in the third period when everyone else is gassed.

Off-ice endurance training can be as simple as going for a run or as complex as interval training.

Here's a quick list to get started: 

Never underestimate the power of a solid off-ice training routine.

Strength, power, and endurance are the backbone of a well-rounded hockey player. 

Consider incorporating USA Hockey's Dryland Exercises into your routine for a balanced approach to training.  

These exercises are designed to enhance agility, balance, and strength, ensuring you're well-prepared for any on-ice challenge. 

 Incorporating Fun and Creativity into Training 

Why have an at-home rink without a little fun? 

Training can get a little boring at times.

If you’re a young athlete, you want a little variety in your training to challenge you.

This could come in the form of games, adding a little fun and creativity to your development as a well-rounded player.  

Conclusion

Now is a great time to invest in your hockey training at home. 

Max out your stats by setting up a home rink. 

You don’t need an expensive refrigerator system but a durable, versatile synthetic ice rink.  

Set it up in a space of your choosing, then work on each skill daily.  

Don’t forget to mix in off-ice training to become a better athlete. 

You’ll see a noticeable difference among your peers as you have more time on the rink to hone your skills.  

Whether training by yourself, with a coach, or with a group of teammates, bringing the rink home can be a game changer.