Monday, December 19, 2011

How to build the perfect outdoor rink (Winter Classic edition)

The countdown to the Winter Classic on January 2nd in Philadelphia is under way.

The NHL website outlined some of the background on what it takes to turn a baseball stadium into a shinny rink in a short period of time, complete with live streaming video of the transformation of Citizen's Bank park.

And while it's a little more daunting we imagine than just flooding the back yard and hoping for a cold snap, the process of that transformation should give hope to all North American parents that they too can recreate the perfect outdoor hockey experience.

Unless of course should you live in the southern USA or coastal British Columbia, where the prospect of an outdoor rink is but a fanciful thing, unless of course you want to pony up the change for an ice plant.

Follow the live streaming progress of the NHL's Facilities Operations Director Dan Craig here.

NHL.com has a dedicated page to the Winter Classic which you can find here.

We'll update further developments from other sources below:

January 1-- Winter classic game moved to 3 p. m. start
January 1-- Bryzgalov: Bobrovsky to start in Winter Classic
January 1-- Flyers all business for Monday's classic
January 1-- Bryzgalov drops 2012 bombshell
January 1-- Jagr not thrilled to be playing outdoors
January 1-- How the Winter Classic snowballed
December 31-- Clarke emotional over fans' reaction
December 31-- Five memorable moments in Flyers-Rangers rivalry
December 31-- An ice atmosphere
December 31-- Flyers fans give Lindros warm greeting
December 31-- Bobrovsky's play may push Bryzgalov out of the Flyers net for Winter Classic
December 31-- Fans psyched for a special day
December 31-- An always intense rivalry
December 31-- Parent steals show as Flyers beat Rangers in alumni game
December 31-- Hot ticket for a cool event
December 30-- Winter Classic Alumni game start time could be moved
December 30-- Mark Messier ready to lead the NY Rangers' squad against the Philadelphia Flyers...
December 30-- Bob or Bryz: Who should get Winter Classic nod?
December 30-- Rangers try to avoid cracking
December 30-- Go west, Winter Classic, go west
December 30-- 5 things Winter Classic edition
December 30-- Former Flyer Bill Barber keeping it basic for alumni game
December 30-- Flyers  - Rangers rivalry spices NHL's fifth Winter Classic
December 30-- The Winter Classic Should Live Up to its name
December 30-- Winter Classic a chance to market Philadelphia tourism
December 30-- NBC airplane cam-ready for takeoff
December 30-- Flyers' greats prepare for alumni game
December 29-- The 7 best Winter Classic jerseys
December 29-- Winter Classic
December 29-- NHL embraces new signature event
December 29-- Real Hockey is Rugged 24/7
December 29-- NHL continues to dream bigger when it comes to taking games outside
December 29--  Flyers Need to Start Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Rangers
December 29-- Classic celebrates hockey's purest form
December 29-- Eric Lindros ready for return to Philadelphia
December 29-- Flyers win EA Sports NHL 12 Classic simulation
December 29-- NHL Network goes live from 2012 Winter Classic
December 29-- Phillies excited with Classic around the corner
December 28-- Versus, CBC to Provide National coverage of NHL Alumni Game...
December 28-- Winter Classic! NHL ready for its big chill
December 28-- NHL readies for big chill in Philly
December 28-- Winter Classic means business
December 28-- Alterations to Classic sweaters proving to be a hit
December 28-- Laviolette steals the show in this week's 24/7
December 28-- Flyers trying for a normal 24/7
December 27-- Past is past for former Flyer Lindros
December 27-- Smorgasbord of food options set for Winter Classic
December 27-- Empire State building to light with Rangers and Flyers colours...
December 27-- Weather not stopping work at Citizen's Bank Park
December 27-- Winter Classic: 'Truly a hockey holiday'
December 27-- HBO turning Brygalov into a 'universal' star
December 19-- Craig's team of ice builders allow for confidence
December 19-- Truck arrives in Philly, and Craig's crew gets to work
December 19-- Looking good- Winter Classic forecast
December 19-- Preparation for spectacle takes shape
December 18-- Flyers and Rangers going skating at Citizens' Bank Park

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