Latest rink update
- Thread starter Wannabe2
- Start date
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One thing that I read somewhere was that the ice would only be 35mm thick.
1) Is that thick enough to stop, either new skaters or just idiots from digging their blades into the ice to make a hole, which I find VERY annoying?
2) Do we think that the skate sharpeners will be adjusted to suit how hard the ice is. I know, I know, im being fussy about this, but if there is a big change to the ice conditions, we will need some adjustment to it(either pro, DCF or decent skaters)?
1) Is that thick enough to stop, either new skaters or just idiots from digging their blades into the ice to make a hole, which I find VERY annoying?
2) Do we think that the skate sharpeners will be adjusted to suit how hard the ice is. I know, I know, im being fussy about this, but if there is a big change to the ice conditions, we will need some adjustment to it(either pro, DCF or decent skaters)?
Ellis, that thickness is about perfect and is infact slightly thicker than what ice rinks in N America have, but they are maintained exceptionally well and are used for hockey and figure skating only. Public skating doesn't really exist. Even still, you'd have to really hack away with a heel to go deeper than 35mm, it's thicker than you think in terms of ice.
The thicker the ice the worse the quality and the softer it gets. Also it is probably worth noting that the new rink will be on a concrete rather than sand base which allows a better quality and shallower ice, unlike the BBT or WNIR.
As for sharpening; it's down to preference. Most players go with a 3/8" radius and then 1/2" follows close behind. If the ice is good and hard you can generally get away with having a deeper hollow. Soft ice with a deep hollow will slow you down a bit so in most rinks in the UK I personally would go with a shallower grind.
If you get an option at the moment though I would be amazed. Sharpening over here is awful, if you explain to the majority of staff in the BBT that you want a 1/2" grind they look at you as if you've spoken a foreign language. I hope that in the new rink they take time to train good staff on the ways to operate a rink and keep the ice in good condition, I include skate sharpening in that too. I don't doubt this will happen though, Greenbank from what I've seen so far seen a real quality outfit. But playing over in Canada even in local rinks really makes you realise how some really passionate people can get even the most run down rinks like a sheet of glass.
The thicker the ice the worse the quality and the softer it gets. Also it is probably worth noting that the new rink will be on a concrete rather than sand base which allows a better quality and shallower ice, unlike the BBT or WNIR.
As for sharpening; it's down to preference. Most players go with a 3/8" radius and then 1/2" follows close behind. If the ice is good and hard you can generally get away with having a deeper hollow. Soft ice with a deep hollow will slow you down a bit so in most rinks in the UK I personally would go with a shallower grind.
If you get an option at the moment though I would be amazed. Sharpening over here is awful, if you explain to the majority of staff in the BBT that you want a 1/2" grind they look at you as if you've spoken a foreign language. I hope that in the new rink they take time to train good staff on the ways to operate a rink and keep the ice in good condition, I include skate sharpening in that too. I don't doubt this will happen though, Greenbank from what I've seen so far seen a real quality outfit. But playing over in Canada even in local rinks really makes you realise how some really passionate people can get even the most run down rinks like a sheet of glass.
Gwynfor said:
You should post a picture next time! 
I think I heard some crackpot idea for a webcam feed for the new rink floating around somewhere.... do we all think that could/should happen?
:Banana
I think I heard some crackpot idea for a webcam feed for the new rink floating around somewhere.... do we all think that could/should happen?
:Banana
We've set up a Flikr account for Rink build photos.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/122778799@N03/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/122778799@N03/
Next Batch of shots is up on the Flikr thing https://www.flickr.com/photos/122778799@N03/
Not an expert at all, just good instincts and common sense really.
BAM announced on May 1st the start of ground works at Milton Keynes new Casino, Morrisons and Ice rink costing £20 million joint venture between Helical Bar and Abbeygate Developments is redeveloping the existing Leisure Plaza into a new 200,000 sq. ft. attraction. This will see BAM build a new casino, conference facilities and an 80,000 sq. ft. Morrisons supermarket, as well as extensively revamping the existing ice rink. The new plaza is expected to take around two years to build. Local firm Smith Construction Group has secured the groundwork’s package.
Its a much larger site, so lets Gocompare.
BAM announced on May 1st the start of ground works at Milton Keynes new Casino, Morrisons and Ice rink costing £20 million joint venture between Helical Bar and Abbeygate Developments is redeveloping the existing Leisure Plaza into a new 200,000 sq. ft. attraction. This will see BAM build a new casino, conference facilities and an 80,000 sq. ft. Morrisons supermarket, as well as extensively revamping the existing ice rink. The new plaza is expected to take around two years to build. Local firm Smith Construction Group has secured the groundwork’s package.
Its a much larger site, so lets Gocompare.
