Rink Requirements for New League Operators
Here’s the great thing about street hockey—it can be played on many surfaces. It doesn’t matter if you’re outside or inside, at a tennis court or in a gym. As long as the playing surface is flat and smooth, you can set up shop.
We’ve outlined some guidelines for new operators to help you find the right playing surface for your league.
Identifying the proper play surface
The main focus when identifying a play surface should be ensuring the surface is level and as smooth as possible. Keep in mind that minor cracks will not impact game play, but your playing area should be clear of any debris. Popular playing surfaces we often see are:
- Concrete
- Blacktop/asphalt
- Sport court
- Tile
- Hardwood
So for example, you may find potential venues at:
- Basketball courts – both indoor and outdoor
- Tennis courts – both indoor and outdoor
- Parking lots
- Existing ball/deck hockey rink
Rink dimensions
Now that you’ve identified your playing surface, let’s set up your rink. NHL STREET offers flexibility here. Playing 3 on 3? You probably want a smaller rink. Got a division with older kids? Maybe you need more space. As long as your rink is at least 60’x30’ and no larger than 95’x50’, you can set it up as you like. Here are some examples:
Dashers for your rink
The last factor to take into consideration when establishing your rink is dashers. Dashers stop the ball from going out of play, which keeps the game fast-paced and engaging. At a minimum, you want dashers behind each net, but if you want to surround the whole rink, you can do that as well. Here are some examples:
Thanks to our partnership with Franklin Sports, NHL STREET league operators can purchase NHL STREET branded dashers directly through their account.
