John Robertson, a youth hockey volunteer in Waterville, Maine, knew that they had to make a plan for the 5000+ underprivileged kids in their community.

Being in the midst of a pandemic makes it especially hard for youth hockey players to have ice time and SmartRink was pleased to be selected for such a noteworthy project.

“We had to come up with a plan for this winter to get kids on the ice, or in this case the synthetic ice, with everything that’s going on,” says Central Maine Youth Hockey volunteer John Robertson, “This was our best bang for our buck.”

And the really cool part is that its the first SmartRink synthetic ice community rink ever installed in Maine.

SmartRinks ProFast line is a unique German engineered skating surface with the perfect blend of high performance and durability. Our sinter pressed process allows us to use a higher molecular weight material that exhibits superior glide, but also no dusty residue – something is particularly important in a youth centre. The quality and durability of this product line was the perfect solution for a large multi purpose training centre. The durable ProFast panels always lie flat, ensuring a seamless feel when skating.

CEO Ken Walsh of the Alfond Youth & Community Centre says it well; “So even in the summer months, we could take it and put it outside in the parking lot and people could still skate. Isn’t that awesome, it’s a great part about this thing and you can place it anywhere.”

Their ultimate goal is to build a full size arena through fundraising. But for now this SmartRink is the ideal medium term solution.  They will be able to rent this surface out to community groups as part of their overall fundraising efforts while still providing needed access to the hockey club.

From all of us here at SmartRink, we want to congratulate the Central Maine Youth Hockey Association on a job well done! It is terrific to see communities come together and fill a need like this!

Like many 12 year old boys, Johnny loved hockey.  He would spend every waking moment on the ice if he could, and his parents were more than supportive given the amount of other kids who invest countless hours binge playing video games.

You can only imagine the devastation this boy, and many other kids in his community faced when the Covid lock down hit his hometown and the rink (which was really his second home) was closed down.  For a child who has spent much of his life, including many weeknights and every weekend on the ice, it is almost traumatizing to think about hockey and ice time coming to a complete stop, but there was no better time to seek out an alternative solution!

A home rink just made sense and for the Smith family.  It was a great project for Jonny’s father to take on, as you can imagine now working from home and also being on lock down was hard for the whole family.

We discussed products, size, a goal crease and we put together a package that arrived at his doorstep in less than 2 days! 

One product feature they appreciated was the option to stagger panels row to row – a unique design to SmartRinks products. The staggered or brick bond setup makes for a stronger joint pattern that is especially helpful when the floor under the material is not uniformly flat or level. In addition, this pattern can reduce otherwise wasted cut panels! For example, when cutting half of the panel off the end of one row, you can use the remaining piece for the beginning of the next.

We walked him through each step of the install and in no time at all Johnny was back on the ice again!

Did you know, SmartRink Synthetic ice has a worldwide distribution network bringing skating anywhere in the world!

Not only can we ship directly from our factory in Germany, but we have stocked warehouses around the globe that can provide fast, reasonably priced shipping of our products to any location.

In addition to our worldwide distribution capabilities, we offer start to finish support to our clients to ensure their final product not only meets, but exceeds their expectations.

Whether it be a backyard or community rink, a training centre, shopping mall or school, we have over 30 years of experience and can help with any project at any capacity.

Here are some of the services we provide:

• • Product Selection – From selecting the best product line and thickness, to determining rink size and custom features (creases/lines/perimeter barriers), we can help tailor your project to create the perfect set up! With our application specific product line, we offer a broader range of synthetic ice panel solutions, ensuring the best product for your unique project.
  • Logistics Support – Ensuring it gets from Point A to Point B, anywhere in the world!
  • Design – Build – Whether it’s helping plan out the right surface for your install, or being on site to install the product for you, our trained staff will ensure the process runs smoothly and is done with expertise.
  • Maintenance – Although synthetic ice is more sustainable and requires less maintenance then real ice, it still requires regular cleaning.  We will teach you how to maintain your product for long lasting results. 
  • Consulting – This is an especially helpful service for clients managing larger scale projects such as shopping malls and training centres. We offer consulting services, permit information, and health and safety training to ensure all aspects of the project are being reviewed and met with expertise and experience.
  • Operations Training – For some clients, synthetic ice or managing a community rink is a first time experience. SmartRink offers turn-key solutions that include training, rink management and additional products and services including skates, sharpeners, and anything you might require to run your rink, even skating lessons!
  • Warranty – At SmartRink, we believe in our products, and we know they are built to last. We have the best warranty in the business including our famous Forever USE Warranty on home rinks.

We would love the opportunity to offer you our expertise on your next project! Contact us today at info@smartrink.com

In the early 1960’s the idea of polyethylene plastic being used as a substitute for ice was born, with the world’s first commercially viable synthetic ice product launching in 1978.

The polymers used back then, although state of the art at the time, were not great for skaters. They could not glide smoothly on the surface without the regular application of a silicone compound or alternative lubricant. Even then, it did not have the smooth glide of regular ice.

Our subsidiary company history, NOICEONE, goes back to the 1980’s – the first full size synthetic skating rink was installed in Southport, UK introducing a patented interlocking panel made of a higher density polyethylene. It was truly revolutionary. The surface still needed to be sprayed regularly with a gliding fluid to be maintained, but advancements in panel connection systems and skateable materials were slowly being made.  

Into the 1990’s, NOICEONE was the worldwide front runner in manufacture, design and installation around the world, and is still working away today developing innovative new products and improving materials. SmartRink has had the direct benefit of both past achievements of NOICEONE and been directly involved in more recent engineering advancements of this product and want to share some of the things we have learned.

Most synthetic ice suppliers today are still using mass produced extruded polyethylene material. This product may have evolved over the years, however it certainly doesn’t meet the SmartRink quality standards for GLIDE, PERFORMANCE and DURABILITY.

Having over 40 years experience in the industry, we have been heavily involved with testing of various products on the market. Our German manufacturer (OKULEN) completes continuous in house research, development and engineering to maintain a world renowned product that is second to no other.

Here is a brief overview of accomplishments:

• First commercially viable product for sale in 1978
• Developed and patented the H-Tongue connection system
• Popularized the synthetic ice Home Rink Advantage selling rinks to homeowners in Canada and USA
• Sold and installed the world’s first permanent NHL size rink (still in operation).
• Installed the world’s largest backyard synthetic ice rink (we think it still has the record)
• Designed and patented the world’s first Hybrid-Lock(TM) connection system
• Developed in conjunction with our partners the only officially endorsed ice less curling system by the World Curling Federation
• Invented the world’s only inter-connected 2 sided goal crease
• Sold the first ever synthetic ice skating rink to Barbados
• Developed the world’s only true comparison measurement test tool : The Weighted Skate Test (TM)
• Developed our trademark Ice-Y-Blue700(TM) skating material

On to Today:

Our premium grade panel uses a Very High Molecular Weight Pe virgin resin as raw material and then is sinter pressed (a process that uses extreme hot and cold pressure to ensure an extremely dense material). Our Exclusive producer partner, OKULEN, has a meticulous DIN ISO9001 quality system in place, which consistently produces an exceptional skating panel every time! The process ensures no gaps or air pockets, only a solid homogeneous sheet. During the process the material is de-stressed so that it always lies flat.

Synthetic ice is used all over the world as a replacement for real ice.  Without the need for refrigeration, electricity or heavy equipment, the environmental impacts are substantial, offering an environmentally sustainable and eco-friendly alternative. At the end of the useful life of our material, it can even be ground up and reprocessed

Every hockey parent knows, your kid just can’t get enough ice time. But let’s face it, commuting an hour to the rink through rush hour traffic, getting up before the break of dawn, and juggling a multitude of practices and games, isn’t always easy for us either. Even though we race tirelessly to support our kids’ performance, training and development, is there a better way – to get better faster?

This was the challenge for one determined hockey parent who knew she had to go the extra mile to get her kid the ice time needed to advance and develop his skill. 

Some parents are willing to go that extra mile for their kids development, and this client of ours did just that!

After doing her research on synthetic ice and what products were available, she contacted us to help her install a home rink.  We were pretty impressed, because she knew her stuff and we were thrilled to help her get an inside rink geared up! 

Two big selling features for her were that SmartRink offered a Forever USE Warranty due to our incredible synthetic panel durability for hockey training.  She also loved that the ice had superior glide performance for hockey training due to our uncompromising attention to our engineered sinter pressed materials.

It was certainly a huge investment, but one that granted her kid unlimited ice time, while freeing up her own time! Some things are just priceless.

Imagine having a cup of coffee in your pajamas watching your kid practice, or working with them to do some one on one training..without having to leave your home or scrape off your car. 

A dream come true really, and one that this parent made into a reality.

We all can agree, investing in an ice rink can be a huge investment, so how do you create a community venue, like a skating rink, on a tight budget?

This was a real challenge for a local church in California. They had their hearts set on providing a skating rink for their members and locals to use, wanting to build a great atmosphere for families and their community to come together and enjoy.  How do you do that on a low budget?  How do you maintain or install products you know nothing about?  These were all real challenges for them to overcome and it all started with research.

The price point between synthetic ice and a real ice rink was the first big selling feature.  Synthetic ice is far more affordable, not to mention the maintenance is almost non existent in comparison to real ice.  We generally advise that synthetic ice surfaces are cleaned daily, however when compared to hourly for a refrigerated surface, it saves both money and time. Synthetic ice rinks do not require the use of electricity or water and therefore don’t require the use of chillers or heavy equipment for maintenance; perfect for venues where noise could change the atmosphere that is trying to be created.

There are certainly huge savings in the price point between the two, both for installing and maintaining synthetic ice versus real ice, however this church was still not able to fund a purchase.  Beyond that, they knew very little about synthetic skating material and when researching various companies online the information seemed confusing and it was hard to differentiate one firm from another.

When they reached out to us, we were more than happy to work with them and come up with an affordable rental package that fit their needs. We collaborated on installation resources and the church community showed up to lend a helping hand and did really tremendous work.

SmartRink is proud to support communities through positive experiences by creating cost effective community recreation spaces that can be enjoyed by all for years to come. This is the SmartRink difference.

After being a returning SmartRink rental package customer for two years and many thousands of happy skaters later, it was exciting to see this client attract some funding to purchase a SmartRink for their community to enjoy for years to come! We are not surprised they got funding, as they are among the nicest clients we have ever worked with!

The best decision SmartRink ever made was partnering with OKULEN as their exclusive synthetic ice production facility.

Based out of Ahaus, Germany, OKULEN is a world class synthetic ice manufacturer whose materials are engineered only for skating purposes. They complete in house research, development and engineering to maintain the worldwide reputation, that is in our opinion, definitely deserved!

There are many manufacturers throughout North America and worldwide who use a inferior, extruded polyethylene material that just doesn’t meet the Smartrink quality standards for GLIDE, PERFORMANCE and DURABILITY. As a result, consumers can be left disappointed with products that simply do not meet expectations.  

What’s so different about OKULEN?

OKULEN uses only premium grade Very High Molecular Weight Pe resin as raw material. Only SINTER pressing is capable of using grades of this quality.

What is Sinter pressing?

Sinter pressing is a process that uses extreme hot and cold pressure to ensure an extremely dense material. OKULEN has a meticulous DIN ISO9001 quality system in place, which consistently produces an exceptional skating panel every time! The process ensures no gaps or air pockets, only a solid homogeneous sheet. During the process the material is de-stressed so that it always lies flat.

Smartrink companies and OKULEN have been in partnership for almost 30 years. It is our opinion that they are the finest manufacturer of engineered plastic in the world. They do not compromise on quality. Ever.

We pride ourselves in delivering only the best products to our clients and we value the importance of educating them to make informative decisions, regardless of who they purchase from.  Therefore, we continue to partner with OKULEN, giving our clients the quality product they deserve and trust!

Synthetic Ice Goaltender Training

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJoxMZTjL-C/?taken-by=goaliecenter

Ask Dave Stathos how he is feeling about training more than 600 goalies on synthetic ice using SmartRink and he tell you that he’s been impressed.

According to Dave…”SmartRink has exceeded our expectations. Before we purchased SmartRink I skated on over 20 different types and this one had the best feeling. Also I don’t have to spray anything on it and it heals itself as you use it.”

Dave has a deep background as a goalie having played professionally in Finland as well as NCAA for Princeton University.

About a year ago Dave opened up Dave Stathos Goalie Development Center in Kanata Ontario – see www.davestathos.com. He has some of the most innovative goal training sessions available anywhere in terms of training goaltenders on synthetic ice or any kind of ice for that matter. Dave is a pro at what he does.

Dave was initially concerned about the wear and tear on the material having seen how other products wear down quickly especially with goalie skates stopping and pushing in the same spots.

“I have to say that after one year and 600 goalies there is no sign of it wearing down faster in any specific spots. And he goes on to add “I have yet to see any other setup that looks and feels better.”

Thanks Dave for the very kind endorsement.

Read more about what it is like skating on synthetic ice.

On his 30 foot x 40 foot setup Dave can train up to 6 goalies per session using up to 4 nets depending on the drills. He also uses video technology from various angles to further assist his students in reviewing drills to suggest further improvements.

It must be working for him as he has been non stop all summer doing hockey camps and individual training sessions.

Dave likes the product so much that he has offered for us to send anyone his way to discuss it with him.

Ask Dave Stathos how he is feeling about training more than 600 goalies on his SmartRink synthetic ice surface and he tell you that he’s been impressed.

According to Dave…”SmartRink has exceeded our expectations. Before we purchased SmartRink I skated on over 20 different types and this one had the best feeling. Also I don’t have to spray anything on it and it heals itself as you use it.”

Dave has a deep background as a goalie having played professionally in Finland as well as NCAA for Princeton University.

About a year ago Dave opened up Dave Stathos Goalie Development Center in Kanata Ontario – see www.davestathos.com .

Dave was initially concerned about the wear and tear on the material having seen how other products wear down quickly especially with goalie skates stopping and pushing in the same spots.

“I have to say that after one year and 600 goalies there is no sign of it wearing down faster in any specific spots. And he goes on to add “I have yet to see any other setup that looks and feels better.”

Thanks Dave for the very kind endorsement.

On his 30 foot x 40 foot setup Dave can train up to 6 goalies per session using up to 4 nets depending on the drills. He also uses video technology from various angles to further assist his students in reviewing drills to suggest further improvements.

It must be working for him as he has been non stop all summer doing hockey camps and individual training sessions.

Dave likes the product so much that he has offered for us to send anyone his way to discuss it with him. So if you have a young goalie at home and are considering synthetic ice we can put you in touch with Dave and get his expert thoughts on the matter.

The term “heavy duty synthetic ice” is misused, abused, over represented and generally not well understood by potential buyers and customers. This article is going to clear all that up for you (and probably my competitors as well).

Heavy duty synthetic ice is defined by the following characteristics:

1. The type of connection system
2. The strength of the connection system
3. The durability of the material
4. The panel thickness

You see the industry has this false idea that if a product is thicker then we can call it “heavy duty” without any regard to the other criteria listed above. A thicker product does not make it heavy duty. You can have a product 3/4″ thick but using a weak dovetail or jigsaw puzzle connection system where the joint is completely vulnerable to vertical separation. There is nothing heavy duty about that. Yet most competitors offer this. If the joint separates even a little vertically you have just created a very unsafe skating condition. And the larger the rink the bigger the potential problem can be because of expansion and contraction forces. Bad things can happen with temperature changes when the wrong connection system is used.

I have seen it and know of applications where hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent only to have the complete rink taken apart never to be used again.

In the image above it shows a connection system known as the H-Tongue or H-Spline system. My competitors hate it and scoff at it and call it old technology etc. The fact is this connection system has been around a while (30 years) and was even patented. But when it comes to connection strength this product is the “mother of all heavy duty synthetic ice” connection systems. Why? It can not be separated vertically or horizontally (unless you actually understand how to take it apart). Any monkey can take apart what most companies call a heavy duty system…not only that but they can easily be vandalized and even stolen if they are in outside public spaces (that’s happened too!).

We actually test and have lab verified results for the strength of our heavy duty synthetic ice connection systems. I would love to compare results with other companies…but the reality is that we also sell a jigsaw puzzle / dovetail system as well – but we are not so naive that we are going to call it “heavy duty” because we know better. The bottom line is that certain products are better suited for certain applications. There is no one size fits all in this business – so please don’t fall for that type of marketing or salesmanship.

If you are considering buying synthetic ice as a business operator, a hockey training center, a community public rink or something similar then you really should be concerned about panel joint separation. Not only could you prevent a potential safety issue but possibly even avoid potential liability concerns.  We have three “heavy duty synthetic ice” connection systems that can be discussed and we would consult with you about your intended application before we made a recommendation.

If you are serious about wanting to put in the best products to get the best results over the very long term then you owe it to yourself to consider a true heavy duty synthetic ice connection system. Read about how important it is to do your research when choosing the brand and type of synthetic ice rink for you.