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Washington Capitals & Riley Manufacturing announce completion of 6 new rink refurbishments in DC area

9/25/2019

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ARLINGTON, Va. - The Washington Capitals announced today the completion of six street hockey rink refurbishments across Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, marking 10 area rinks refurbished by the Capitals. In addition, the team will execute an additional 5 rink refurbishments during the 2019-20 season.
In conjunction with each rink's grand opening, children ages 8-14 are invited to participate in the Washington Capitals Street Hockey Clinic Series. All participants will receive a free street hockey stick. For more information and to register for the free clinics, click here.  

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​The Capitals used funding from the National Hockey League's Industry Growth Fund (IGF) to renovate the rinks. $1,900,000 was awarded to initiatives focusing the growth and ball and street hockey. Another $894,000 was focused on diversity, which the Capitals utilized to launch a district-wide street hockey curriculum across DC Public Schools, Montgomery County Public Schools and Baltimore City Public Schools. The Capitals contributed an additional $799,000 toward the growth of youth hockey in support of the project. The projects were completed with the support of Capital One.
To further encourage the growth of the game, the Capitals Youth Hockey Development staff will hold clinics throughout the season in conjunction with the refurbishment of each rink
Newly refurbished rink locations include:

The Capitals renovated the Alexandria rink at Hammond Middle School by replacing the boards with new Riley manufactured boards and by adding both a Mateflex flooring system and a branded Daktronics scoreboard featuring the Capitals logo.
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The Capitals announced that they have completed 6 new rink refurbishments in the DC area. The cities that got updated hockey rinks include Alexandria and Fredericksburg in Virginia; Germantown and Silver Spring in Maryland; and Martinsburg, West Virginia. The Capitals also announced that Frederick, MD, will be getting three refurbished rinks during the 2019-20 season while Virginia rinks in Reston and Winchester have also won funding. (? ? via @capitals)

A post shared by RMNB (@rmnb_blog) on Sep 24, 2019 at 8:43am PDT

​Newly refurbished rink locations include:

Virginia

Seminary Road Roller Rink
4646 Seminary Road
Alexandria, VA 22304
The Capitals renovated the Alexandria rink at Hammond Middle School by replacing the boards with new Riley Manufacturing boards and by adding both a Mateflex flooring system and a branded Daktronics scoreboard featuring the Capitals logo.

Dixon Park
1300 Dixon St
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
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The rink in Fredericksburg Virginia is a new build that includes a custom Riley Manufactured board system and a NOVA Play II flooring surface featuring the Capitals logo. The rink also features a Daktronics scoreboard with the Capitals logo.


​Maryland
Ridge Road Recreational Park
21155 N. Frederick Rd
Germantown, MD 20876

Ridge Road is an existing rink refurbished by the Capitals. The old boards were removed, and the existing metal frame was used. The bench area and doors were adjusted to be ADA compliant by Riley Manufacturing, who then installed their board system. A new Daktronics scoreboard and Mateflex flooring system was installed featuring the Capitals logo.
Media Note: Ridge Road will host a ribbon-cutting and clinic with Montgomery County Parks and Rec on Saturday, Sept. 28.
10-11 a.m.: Press Event and Ribbon Cutting
11 a.m.-Noon: Clinic
Dewey Park
11720 Dewey Road
Silver Spring, MD 20906

The Dewey Park rink is a brand-new build and included a custom Riley Manufactured board system and a Mateflex floor featuring the Capitals logo. The rink will also receive a Daktronics scoreboard featuring the Capitals logo this fall.
West Virginia

Oatesdale Park (2 rinks)
Baltimore St & William Street
Martinsburg, WV 25401

The park in West Virginia includes the complete rebuild of two existing rinks that we removed and replaced. Both rinks include a custom ProWall board system from Sports Resource Group, one white and one red, along with a Mateflex flooring system featuring the Capitals logo.
Media Note: Oatsdale Park will host a ribbon cutting and clinic on Sunday, Sept. 29.
12-12:30 p.m.: Press Event and Ribbon Cutting
12:45-1:45 p.m.-Noon: Clinic
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SUMMER DEALS ARE HERE!

7/11/2019

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Riley and the Sweet Spot Squad!

7/8/2019

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Riley Manufacturing partnered up with the boys from the Sweet Spot Squad, to assist in this epic Hockey Prank.
For those of you who are not familiar with who these guys are, you should be. They are Canadian YouTube stars that have over a 1/4 million subscribers that tune in weekly to see their amazing trick shot videos.

Check out this prank, where they turned one of the guys houses into a hockey rink!
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Tillsonburg Hockey Moms Tyke Jamboree

1/14/2019

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Riley Manufacturing was proudly represented this past weekend at the Tillsonburg Hockey Mom's Tyke Jamboree Tournament. In co-operation with 3E Power Services Ltd. who sponsored the purchase of the rink dividers for Tillsonburg Minor Hockey.

This tournament was great success for all 17 teams competing. Thank you to all the organizers for putting such a great event together for everyone!
A big shout out to Ken Edwards from 3E who was instrumental in stick handling the purchase, delivery and set up of the dividers! We at Riley hope that they are well used by Tillsonburg Minor Hockey for many years to come!

Look for For more information on the Riley "R-Cross" Rink Divider System, contact Ian Simpson at isimpson@rileymfg.com. or visit us at https://www.rileysportsequipment.com/rink-dividerscross-ice-hockey.html

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Cross Ice - The confusion is in the implementation - Where to Start?

9/18/2018

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By Ian Simpson

​The game of hockey in Canada was forever changed with the initiation program mandate by Hockey Canada in 2017. The decision to move tyke and novice aged children has been met with some trepidation over the past year. Not necessarily for the concept or reasoning behind it. Many people will agree with the statistics proving that cross ice hockey helps our youngest hockey players develop faster and makes the game more fun for them. No one can argue with the results, when USA Hockey has had a similar model for the past decade. Developing generational NHL players, in non traditional hockey markets like Arizona and Auston Matthews. In an article written by CBC Sports, he was quoted with saying;

"It definitely helped me growing up, It helps you process the game a lot faster. There's more action, you have to be aware. It's a lot more fun than being a six-year-old hauling down 200 feet of ice."

There is no doubting the system when some of the games best players are out there promoting the importance of it. 

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      So why has there been such an uproar over the implementation of what seemingly has nothing but a positive impact on our beloved game. The majority of issues stem from the direction from Hockey Canada, or lack there of, on where to start.  From the beginning Hockey Associations have been tasked to divide the ice to accommodate cross-ice. This resulted in many different iterations, some as seemingly silly as using pylons and fire hoses...(Yes I have actually seen the fire hose in use.) Now that people are coming to the realization that this mandate is not going away (For obviously very good reasons) they are now shopping for a more proper divider system. However some are still lost as to where to turn. Hockey clubs have never been responsible for really anything more than providing jerseys, socks, trophies and other small miscellaneous items. They have never had to purchase Hockey goal frames, or maintain the arena dasher board system, or replace sections of glass. This responsibility always fell on the qualified staff at the rink. Since the organizations have never had to purchase any type of major equipment required for on ice use, where do they start their shopping? Up till now they just rented the ice time, and all the stuff needed was there waiting for them. This is the easiest problem of them all...comparison shopping. Once of course you figure out where to shop. Thank goodness for Alexa and google!  However fast forward ....the organization has found the divider system they are looking for. But wait...Hold on...there are many other different things that they are realizing must be considered.

  • Will the municipal rink allow them to be used? (I.E. Some heritage rinks will only allow certain kinds in order to meet a specific fire code protecting the building)
  • Who will store them?
  • Which arena will our cross Ice programs be running out of? (Larger cities have multiple facilities that house their Mite, Tyke, & Novice programming.)
  • Who will set them up?
  • How much more ice time will be required to purchase for set up and tear down?
  • Will the municipality allow arena staff to set up or not?
  • Will volunteers be needed for set up and dismantling?
  • Will that require additional insurance?
  • ......and more

As you can see there is a lot more to consider for every association out there, and I have heard almost all of them. Eventually there will come a time when all of this will be common practice, but that is quite a few years away and until then each organization will have to continue to do their due diligence as to what works best for them.
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Here at Riley we strive to provide each organization, with not only the best divider option out there, we make sure that we will assist with any and all questions to help make this transition period easier.

Here are just some of organizations who have recently purchased our rink divider system and experienced the Riley Difference ....

Lindsey Minor Hockey
Stephenville Minor Hockey
St. Bonafice Minor Hockey Association
Bradford Minor Hockey Association
Owen Sound Minor Hockey Group
Caledonia & District Minor Hockey Association (CDMHA)
Aylmer Minor Hockey Association
Pelham Minor Hockey Association
West London Minor Hockey Association
Elmvale Hockey
Wasaga Minor Hockey Association
Blyth Brussels Minor Hockey Association
Don Mills Civitan Hockey League
Peterborough Memorial Centre
Belmont Minor Hockey
Orono Amateur Athletic Association
Stanley Stick Hockey Association (Guelph)
Banff Minor Hockey Association
Indus Minor Hockey Association
Melita Minor Hockey Association
Listowel Minor Hockey Association
New Tecumseth Minor Hockey Association
Port Dover Minor Hockey Association
Municipality of Clarington
Grandview Gardens Arena
Brock Arena (British Columbia)
Salmon Arm Minor Hockey
Ted Reeve Hockey Association
Assinaboine Minor Hockey Association
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APPLEBY ICE CENTRE RENOVATIONS - BURLINGTON, ON

8/28/2018

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August 28, 2018 - By Ian Simpson

In the early onset of spring 2018 Riley Manufacturing was awarded  the contract to replace the entire dasher board systems in both Pad 1 & Pad 2 of Appleby Ice Centre's four pad complex. 

This project struck a little closer to home for us, as a couple Riley co-workers live and have children who play in Burlington's minor hockey system. For myself this build was particularly special. See I was born, raised and had lived in Burlington for the last 41 years. My fascination and love for the game of hockey was developed through Burlington hockey. Now my son proudly wears the same city logo that is emblazoned on the ice at Appleby. Knowing that the next time he steps on the ice there, he will not only be scoring his goals in Riley Goal Frames, but will now be playing with the best dasher board system on market, the Riley Elite Series.

Go Burlington Go!
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Oakville Arena - A beautiful mix of heritage and Modern Advancement

8/21/2018

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The old barn that was once called Oakville Arena has been completely redesigned and christened with the new moniker, the  Trafalgar Park Community Centre. Oakville Arena, as many of you reading this, holds many memorable moments in the lives of local area residents. Built in 1951 and once home to the Junior A OHJL hockey club the Oakville Blades, the arena located on the corner of Rebecca & Kerr,  has been a gathering place for all levels of game  play. It has been a long established local institution. The arena was meant for year-round use, such as hockey, skating for seven months, as well as dancing, roller skating, community events, boxing and lacrosse. Even local wrestling events were held here!
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(Above)     Oakville Arena throughout the years.
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(Above)    The original arena in the 1950's
For those who have personal experiences playing in this barn, you may remember how ridiculously cold it could be in the midst of a long winter. Or perhaps how hot and humid (with an abundant & pungent smell of sweat) it could get in the summer while playing lacrosse or roller hockey. Even with the all the doors open. Or walking down the ramp off the ice into the bowels of the arena to get to the dressing rooms. My most vivid memory of this historic coliseum, would be staring up to the rafters as I was being carried off the ice. Having suffered a shattered knee, broken ankle, ligament and tendon damage from an unfortunate wipe out into the boards. I didn't say it was a happy memory, but I will always remember that wood roof and rafters and look back fondly as another "Old School Hockey Barn" has been modernized to make way for societies growing demand for newer, advanced, large, multi-use facilities.
​However, for all you traditionalists (like me) out there, do not worry. The Town of Oakville integrated the most iconic part of the old beauty into their new design. THE ROOF and RAFTERS! 
  • The existing arena structure would be maintained without the requirement to reinforce the wood trusses.
  • A new roof would be constructed over the existing, eliminating the need for reinforcement.
  • The new roof would eliminate the reliance on the current wood trusses for structural support and allow for the opportunity to eliminate some later structural enhancements.
  • This approach would enhance the original 1950's design & configuration.​
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So players of all ages will still be able to look up at the same roof that I, and so many before and after me have as they continue to flock to this rink to satisfy their hockey needs. Like they have for the last 67 years. 

Riley is proud to be a part of this new development, and is happy to see that this icon will live on for many years to come, which now includes....
  • an size increase to the rink to match NHL-size ice surface
  • indoor running track
  • new seniors’ centre
  • administrative offices
  • full-size gymnasium
  • fitness centre
  • new Kinsmen Pine Room for public meetings and events
  • double tennis court that will be converted into an artificial ice rink in the winter
  • fully accessible playground
  • exterior washroom facilities
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SWEAT EQUITY: Westerville rink's grand opening a 'dream come true'

7/12/2018

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Hundreds memorialize Thomas Knox, enjoy sun-soaked day of street hockey.
​by Rachel Bules / BlueJackets.com

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WESTERVILLE - The rink now anchored in the middle of Alum Creek Park South is a new option for those looking to spend a couple hours playing hockey, even when it's too hot for ice.
It's also a "dream come true" for Lisa and Jim Knox, the Westerville residents who spearheaded the rink's creation to help memorialize their son, Thomas Knox, who died in his sleep in December 2015 - after scoring two goals in a local tournament for St. Charles Prep's JV team.
After two years of fundraising and planning, the Knox family's $250,000 new rink officially opened to the public June 30, on a scorching-hot day that saw nearly 500 children pick up a hockey stick and familiarize themselves with the sport Thomas loved.
"[This] is in memory of our son, Thomas, whose passion was none other than hockey," said Lisa Knox, who cut the ribbon to officially dedicate the rink along with Jim Knox and representatives of the Blue Jackets, Blue Jackets Foundation, City of Westerville and Westerville Parks and Recreation.


Randy Auler, director of Westerville Parks and Recreation, also held shears in his hands for the ceremony. Smiling despite the sweltering heat, he gladly snipped the ribbon after two years helping the Knox family make their dream a reality.

"I really felt like there was a need, and that need needed to be fulfilled," Auler said. "This rink and the programming we're going to do and the collaborations we've established are going to expose the sport of hockey to so many kids and so many parents. It's really about bringing people together, growing the sport, and having fun."
Once Jim and Lisa set their focus on the idea of bringing the rink to life, they began to raise funds. In fact, they led the charge to raise the money needed to complete the project, even contributing a significant amount themselves.
The greater Columbus community also lent a financial hand.
"This rink was really a culmination of a partnership with the City of Westerville, the Columbus Blue Jackets, the [McConnell Foundation], and really the love and support of so many family members and friends that have been lifting us up since Thomas passed away," Lisa said.

The grand opening garnered a lot of interest, with a crowd of people on hand to check things out, but programming will continue at the rink throughout the coming months - using equipment and instruction provided by the Blue Jackets and supplemented by Westerville Parks and Recreation.
"We have a continuous skills-to-drills program that will go on for 6 weeks, and so far we have over 150 kids enrolled in that," Auler said. "Our dream is to have hockey out here, exposing people to the sport of hockey, remove barriers, and just get people playing."
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​After the ribbon-cutting and a ceremonial puck-drop, a group of Thomas Knox's teammates from St. Charles played a short exhibition game, showing younger kids watching how much fun they could have there.
When that game ended, the rink was divided up and 100 children flooded the blue acrylic surface with their new hockey gear to begin the day's first clinic.
"Hockey has a powerful platform to provide life skills for kids," said Andee Boiman, the Blue Jackets' director of fan development and community outreach. "We're here today providing free sticks and free instruction to all the kids. Through our partnership with Westerville Parks and Recreation, we're able to offer nearly 500 kids the opportunity to try out something that perhaps they haven't tried out before, and now that they've got this great rink in their community, they'll be more comfortable to come out and use some of the skills they're learning today."
Now that it's operational, the new rink is recognized as an official "Street Jackets" location, where the Blue Jackets will uphold a partnership with Westerville Parks and Recreation to provide equipment and coaching instruction for future programs hosted there.

The Jackets' "Learn to Play" street hockey clinics, for instance, begin in July.
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"The Columbus Blue Jackets are a great community partner for Columbus, and we want to help remove barriers of entry for the game," Boiman said.
Aside from extensive programming, the Knox family hopes to add another feature to the rink with additional fundraising. They're calling it "Phase II" - and its centerpiece will be an overhead structure to provide shade, protection from the weather and lighting.
"This is an incredible legacy project for the city of Westerville," Boiman said. "The hockey community is a very close community and very close to one another, which is what makes our sport so great. Individuals who don't know each other will always come together to support a great sport like hockey."
That was certainly the case on the rink's first official day. Hundreds gathered to celebrate Thomas Knox's life, support his parents and soak in the sunshine while doing something the park's namesake loved.
"We miss him terribly," Jim Knox said. "We would trade everything here to have him back …"
Unable to make that happen, they did everything they could to keep his memory alive.
"That deep, dark valley we were in, this offers a light to shine through that," said Lisa Knox, capping a day she and Jim had envisioned for months. "Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected something like this. I think that just goes to show the love and support of this community."
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Hockey rink at Boys & Girls Club part of NHL’s legacy project

3/8/2018

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By Roger Mooney
Published: January 26, 2018
Updated: January 27, 2018 at 12:02 AMTAMPA – The puck was dropped by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman just after 3 p.m. Friday, officially opening the area's newest hockey rink.
This one is made for ball hockey and sits at the Jeff and Penny Vinik Family Boys & Girls Club at Winston Park in Tampa.
The facility was quickly christened with a hockey game watched over by three of the Lightning's five all-stars — right wing Nikita Kucherov, goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy and center Brayden Point.
"This isn't about creating new fans," Bettman said. "This is about life lessons, hard work, team work, leadership, diligence, getting along with people and getting physically fit, and this rink can accomplish all those things for the young people who will play here."
The rink is the NHL's legacy program, a philanthropic venture where the league and the team that hosts the all-star game combine to support a community organization.
The NHL All-Star Game is scheduled for Sunday at Amalie Arena, with the skills competition scheduled for tonight.
The Viniks donated $2.5 million to the club, which is undergoing extensive renovations while being rebuilt after being destroyed by a fire in December 2016.
Vinik said the new hockey rink was built with funds donated by he and his wife, the NHL and the 50/50 raffles held during Lightning home games.
"Our return on this is the smile on the kids' faces," Vinik said. "They're having such a good time, this rink's going to be occupied 12 hours a day, every day for years to come. We're so glad we could provide this community with a location where young people can get together in a positive setting and building up teamwork and respect for each other, and learn to lose, all great life skills. That's what we provide here."
Bettman and Vinik attended the Declaration of Principles summit Friday morning. The DOC is a program that includes eight values Bettman wants his league to embrace and follow to help grow the sport.
"This is a demonstration of us as a league and the local franchise and the owners and the Vinik's living the Declaration of Principles, what we want hockey to mean in people's lives," Bettman said.
Chris Letsos, president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, said hockey is the No. 2 sport among those who attend the clubs.
"And it's all because of the Lightning," he said.
The hockey rink is just another vehicle that helps create positives bond between those who attend the club and deputies who work there and volunteer their time, said Hillsborough sheriff Chad Chronister.
"This is something that only makes our community stronger," Chronister said. "Imagine what this means to the children in this neighborhood that would never have an opportunity for anything like this, and now they do. You see the smiles on the children's faces, you see the joy that it brings them. I don't think there's any stronger bond than the bond of sharing joy."
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Just in Time for the 2018 ALL STAR GAME!

1/26/2018

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Its widely known that the NHL has been trying to continuously grow the game of Hockey in the US marketplace for decades now. Placing NHL franchises in non traditional hockey markets like their newest expansion team in Las Vegas Who  is totally "killing it" in their first season. (My inner hockey fanboy is secretly cheering for them...VEGAS vs TORONTO Stanley Cup Finals!  Whoo Hoo!) 

What is not widely known is some of the smaller unnoticed things that the NHL and its teams are doing to grow the passion that unites us. Bringing awareness through charity work and many other programs that helps develop and find the newest hockey stars in the making, and its working. (Hello...Auston Matthews....Arizona? A hockey phenom from the desert!?)

If you have read some of my previous blog postings, you might have read about some of the partnerships Riley has developed with some of these teams. Building indoor and outdoor community hockey rinks for all to enjoy. Well this weekend marks the 2018 NHL All Star Break, with lots of festivities leading up to the skills competition on Saturday and the 3 on 3 games on Sunday!

We are pleased to share with you Riley's newest addition in TAMPA BAY to the NHL's community rink program! Just in time for the all star break! Complete with a roof enclosure and extra crease markings for tyke age cross ice games! 

Here are the Pics!
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The New industry standard...The piranha peg!

12/20/2017

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Have you ever heard of the saying, "If its not broke, then why fix it?" Well this is a phrase that is often heard amongst many the old school hockey traditionalist. It is also an unfortunate way to treat our ever growing and changing sport.

Over the years the sport we love has gone through many changes, but most are so subtle you would be hard pressed to even notice, unless someone told you. Like, did you know that in 2013 the NHL changed the standard goal frame depth to a shallower 40" from the previous 44"? Maybe the better question would be...did you even know there was multiple depth sizes to hockey nets?...Exactly...I thought so. Small changes like this seemingly happen almost yearly. However the one thing that always gets ignored is the pegs that keep the nets in place. 
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​The current peg being used has been the standard for almost as long as there have been nets that can dislodge. (Yes... before that the nets were fixed into the ice...Ouch.)

This standard, zinc coated peg has been around for over 30 years.  I've been in some arenas, that I swear, still have the original first edition peg. Even though professional hockey teams have invested a lot of money in and moved on to a more advanced,  peg system (Marsh Pegs), almost every other rink still uses these rusty little posts!

So let me get this strait, we are using the same peg system that was used back when the first Star Wars hit theaters, and nobody has thought of anything better since?!

Well now, Riley is proud to announce that we have partnered up with the boys at Piranha Peg...40+ years & 9 Star Wars films later they have finally come up with a solution.  This ingenious little peg. It seems only fitting that Riley, the original innovators of the Cush Net, still widely used today, have now joined forces with what could be the the next widely used standard for the game of Hockey.
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So what is does this little peg do that makes its so revolutionary? 

Well simply put, as we all can agree, the way the game of hockey has changed dramatically over the last two decades. The players are bigger, faster, stronger. Not to mention the goalies have adapted a style of play that relies on the butterfly position, rather than the standing up. What this means is that instead of just blessing the goal posts like a defacto clergyman for making the saves that they missed, they use them as a tool. A tool that helps them slide post to post with quicker and more steady efficiency. As proof look no further than any NHL practice or pregame warm up. Ever noticed those black post covers on the goal? Those are the EdgePro Tech. Specifically designed by goaltenders for goaltenders to help not only protect the paint job on the goal, but to help preserve the goalies skate blades. These protectors have been made mandatory by the NHL for all practices and pregame warm ups. This is how our youth goaltenders are being taught to play. Push off the posts, slide from side to side faster and with more efficiency. This results in more stoppages in game play as the nets are constantly being dislodged by the goal tenders. Unfortunately our Minor Hockey Organisations & municipally run arenas and community centres do not have the resources to invest in a Marsh Peg System like the NHL does. So instead, the makers who brought you the Edge Protech system have designed and introduced the Piranha Peg. A peg that almost mimics that of both its predecessors, the zinc peg & the marsh peg. Strong enough to bite into the ice during regular game play and goalie maneuvers without dislodging, but still  dislodging on impact to prevent injury.

We have taken the liberty of allowing a few City Rep hockey organizations to do some field testing in practice/games, and all answered back with an overwhelmingly positive response. All agreed that the Piranha Peg is awesome! 

Here is a few videos that show the Piranha Peg in action!

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Feature Project: First line Training Center - Rockville, Maryland

10/5/2017

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As part of our initiative to feature and bring attention to some of the amazing facilities that are available out there, here is a phenomenal video of the First Line Training Facility in Rockville, Maryland! 

Dasher boards with Seamless Glass by Riley! Check out this Video!

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Hockey Pre-season begins!

9/18/2017

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​***Warning...This article may contain the rants and biased opinion of a true, bleed blue, hometown leaf fan. The contents & opinions contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions and team preferences of Riley & all its employees. (But honestly...it doesn't matter...its a blog...lighten up....Go LEAFS GO!)***


Well it has come that time of the season where us Canadians hold out as long as possible before grabbing a sweater & putting away the summer shorts, while at the same time reaching for the hockey gear and hitting the rink!

For those of you in the know, and even for those of you who don't care to know...The NHL Hockey Pre-Season begins tonight, with a game between The Toronto Maple Leafs & The Ottawa Senators! Yes i know it is only the Pre-Season, it doesn't count towards anything...but for us long suffering fans of the buds...its the first time we have seen the boys hit the ice since the taking the Presidents Trophy winners, and highly favored Capitals to task in the 1st round of last years playoffs. 

This is an especially exciting time for Toronto fans, as it marks the first time in decades that the performance expectations of the team, actually match reality. Last year marked the 100 year anniversary of the franchise, and it also gave us another year without a Championship. Toronto now ranks in the top 10 longest active droughts in North American Pro Sports History. However these days, with the crop of young players (The Big Three...you know who they are);  who combined for a total of 201 points IN THEIR ROOKIE YEAR...you can see why there is plenty of reason to be optimistic! Heck even some of the 4th line guys were putting up 20 goals. Regardless if you are a Leaf fan or not, you have to admit...this could very well be history in the making, and those kids sure make things interesting!

Even though I may be a leaf fan, Riley is a proud supporter of all things hockey & a supplier to many different levels of the sport. We have been working tirelessly with all of our clients and suppliers to make sure everyone's facility is up and running as the hockey season approaches. (Including the Senators, Capitals & Defending Stanley Cup Champs Pittsburgh Penguins). So if you are managing a facility and notice that there are some repairs or replacements needed, then we want to hear from you! You can also visit our Online Store to purchase directly from there!










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riley runs away to Join the Circus

8/15/2017

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Well to be more specific, we are not running away...we are shipping to...and its not the circus...but the Cirque Du Soleil!!

Now you might ask yourself....what or how on earth could Riley ever be associated with the world renowned acrobatic phenomenon that is Cirque? If your confused, you are not alone...I scratched my head for quite some time on this one as well. A unique request for a Complete  Dressed and Padded set of Goal Frames...but painted completely WHITE! 

After some rather intense investigative reporting (Really it was just me and google...but its sounds so much cooler the other way) I managed to find a press release giving us some insight. Although the production has been kept somewhat secretive, we were able to gather some information on what will be the newest, latest and greatest Cirque Du Soleil production.

Now this is something I would go and see! Word to the wise to all you "D****Y on Ice" type shows...Watch out because...the Cirque is coming!



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Here is the original Press release

Cirque du Soleil Fuses Excitement, Breathtaking Artistry 
and 
Unique Creativity with Ice in

Crystal
A Breakthrough Ice Experience

WILL TOUR ARENAS STARTING OCTOBER 2017
Tickets on pre-sale in 7 North American cities
exclusively to Cirque Club members today
General on-sale begins June 2nd  
Montreal, May 24, 2017 – Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to venture into uncharted territory with its brand new creation, Cirque du Soleil Crystal, exploring the artistic attributes of ice for the very first time. The state-of-the-art production will create a fresh innovative experience, pushing the boundaries once again by combining outstanding skating and sliding, remarkable aesthetics and acrobatic feats that defy the imagination.
Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to venture into uncharted territory with its brand new creation, , exploring the artistic attributes of ice for the very first time. The state-of-the-art production will create a fresh innovative experience, pushing the boundaries once again by combining outstanding skating and sliding, remarkable aesthetics and acrobatic feats that defy the imagination.“We are excited to create a unique entertainment experience on ice for all spectators to enjoy. It's a wonderful opportunity for Cirque du Soleil as ice provides us with an entirely new field of play which also comes with a set of creative challenges. Our goal is to continuously surprise audiences by showcasing all the incredible possibilities on ice” explained Yasmine Khalil, Executive Producer of Crystal.
Crystal will follow a young woman who shatters through reality to reach a surreal world filled with possibility. Beneath the surface, she pursues the life that has been glistening within. Sometimes, we must first leave solid ground to find our true footing.
Specifically created for arenas, Crystal will tour the world starting in Lafayette, Louisiana on October 5, 2017. The show will be presented in a few cities in the United States before visiting Quebec City and Montreal later this year.
Cirque du Soleil invites the audience to discover Crystal – A Breakthrough Ice Experience – and find out what it means to skate on the edge of reality.
Tickets Information
Cirque du Soleil Crystal will have a soft opening on October 5, 2017, in Lafayette, Louisiana. Tickets for performances in cities listed below are on exclusive pre-sale online for Cirque Club members as of
today at General on-sale begins June 2nd.
 
Lafayette, LA
San Antonio, TX
Pensacola, FL
North Little Rock, AR
St-Charles, MO
Minneapolis, MN
Worcester, MA

Facebook: facebook.com/CrystalbyCirqueduSoleil

#CRYSTAL
Cirque du Soleil
Crystal is Cirque du Soleil’s 42nd original production since 1984. The company has brought wonder and delight to more than 180 million spectators in more than 450 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has over 4,000 employees, including 1,300 performing artists from 50 different countries. 

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Start of hockey Season Sale!!

8/10/2017

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SHOP NOW
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Washington Capitals Complete Four Street Hockey Rink Refurbishments

8/8/2017

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 3, 2018 

ARLINGTON, VA - The Washington Capitals announced today the completion of four street hockey rink refurbishments in Virginia and Maryland. ​

Throughout the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, the Capitals used funding from the National Hockey League’s Industry Growth Fund (IGF) to renovate the rinks. $600,000 was awarded to initiatives focusing the growth and ball and street hockey. Another $250,000 was focused on diversity, which the Capitals utilized to launch a district-wide street hockey curriculum across DC Public Schools in 2016. The Capitals contributed an additional $284,000 toward the growth of youth hockey in support of the project.  

The Capitals refurbished each rink to make them safer and usable year-round by adding durable Sportcourt flooring branded with the Washington Capitals logo. In addition, the Capitals replaced or repaired other features like flooring, boards, benches, scoreboards and fencing as needed with the help of Riley Manufacturing out of Ontario, Canada. 

To further encourage the growth of the game, surrounding schools will be receiving full sets of street hockey equipment in conjunction with the refurbishment. 


The Capitals are working with local counties and municipalities to refurbish another 5-7 rinks in Maryland and Virginia during the upcoming 2017-2018 season. 
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Courtesy of: www.capstoday/monumentalsportsnetwork.com



Before and After Video

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What to do about "cross ice" hockey?

8/3/2017

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Over the last little while, we have been inundated with requests from municipalities, facilities and Minor Hockey organizations regarding rink dividers. Since Hockey Canada's announcement (June 2017) and implementation of smaller playing surfaces for youth/tyke hockey players, there has been so many questions asked regarding suitable and economical rink divider systems. 

Being a hard-fast traditionalist when it comes to my sport, I admit, I took a very opinionated, conspiracy theory, stance against the cross ice concept. "I learned on full ice...my son learned on full ice...the system is not broken...this is just another cash grab by splitting two hours of ice time into one!......grumble, grumble, grumble"

Well I will admit it now...I believe I was wrong. I have researched, read studies & articles, that have changed the opinion of even this Stubborn Old School Hockey Guy. (I still say no to the Blue Puck though...that's just stupid!) I Wont bore you with these details that changed my stubborn mind here, but I suggest you look for yourself...see if you still feel the same way

The Fact is "Cross Ice" programs are not a new concept. As a matter of fact USA Hockey beat Hockey Canada to the punch by...oh...about 8 years! Yes...you read that right...OUR GAME!....Hockey Canada!..has adapted and is following the lead of USA Hockey! 

"When USA Hockey implemented its American Development Model in 2009, one element of the nationwide age-appropriate training blueprint sparked more debate than any other: cross-ice hockey for 8U players. In the years since, an abundance of evidence, both data-driven and anecdotal, has proven the developmental advantages of cross-ice hockey."

So now begs the question....Um...hello?..What do we do now?

Well this means you will have to invest in some rink dividers for your facilities...and Yes...someone is gonna have to pry open some budgets and wallets. This undertaking has also spurred on some debate as to which type of divider system to purchase. Traditional Dasher Board Dividers or Foam Rink Divider Partitions?

The purpose of this is to show you some the benefits of a Traditional Dasher Board Divider over their foamy counterparts. Foam Rink Dividers come in many different heights, and this is where the cost difference is.

12" (1 Foot High from Ice Surface)
24" (1.8 Foot High from Ice Surface)
42" (3.5 Foot High from Ice Surface) (Standard Board Height)

 For the Purpose of this comparison we will concentrate on the 42" High Boards.

MYTH

Foam Dividers are lighter in weight and therefore easier to set up and dismantle.

TRUTH

​(Imagine carrying a queen size mattress by yourself. Heavy enough to be a nuisance, and just the wrong amount of awkward to handle)
Foam dividers come in sections measuring approximately 120"(L) x 42"(H) x 18"(W). This is about 52.5 Cubit feet of of high density impact foam. They are far from light weight. Fact of the matter is because of the size and that foam is more pliable, it makes it more difficult to manage position. This in turn will mean that they will be dragged into position, and will likely tear or rip over time .

MYTH

Traditional Aluminum dividers are harder and heavier to set up.

TRUTH

Aluminum Dividers do sound like they are heavy, but in reality the weight difference is inconsequential. Also since the dividers are durable, hard, strait sections, that click into place it makes it easier to maneuver and install. No more wet Velcro or worn straps. With our twin slide connectors, it is basically a quick plug and play system. 

MYTH

Repair & maintenance costs are less expensive with foam dividers

TRUTH

There are about 2 main concerns about repairs when it comes to foam dividers.
  1. Rips and Tears
  2. Velcro & Straps ripped, torn or not working 
Outside of using duct tape to repair tears, and learning how to sew on new straps, there really isn't an economical repair solution.Replacement is one of the only solutions. Each 10' section costs about $900 to replace. With an aluminum system, quite often they can be repaired just like your existing dasher boards, by simply replacing a part...(ex: Cracked HDPE panel...$75 for replacement)

MYTH

Aluminum Dividers are more expensive to purchase

TRUTH

Actually no! They are less expensive. If you are shopping 40" Aluminum vs. 42" foam, the Aluminum is actually cheaper. The only time it works out to be more expensive is when you compare a smaller size like a 12" or 22" divider. Even then when you review the capabilities, durability and over all quality, even the 22" may seem like a poor value for the price difference.

Here is a more Comprehensive comparison. Contact your friends at Riley for more information.

​Aluminum rink dividers vs. foam rink dividers

​Riley Aluminum Rink Dividers (40" High)
  • Mill Finish Aluminum Frame.
  • Fully welded construction.
  • Maximum durability just like a real Dasher board.
  • Interlocking panel design allows for quick and easy set ups and take downs with NO tools required.
  • Radius corners allow for a more realistic game with faster puck play.
  • Comes standard with a 1/4" white board facing on both sides to give a nice clean look, like real Dasher Boards
  • Includes one standard 36" wide player access gate. for access to both sides of play.
  • A push button release mechanism on the gate to allow for ease of opening from either side of the divider.
  • Includes is one powder coated steel storage cart complete with caster wheels. for easy removal and storage. (Total space required one 4' x 8' storage cart = 35 sq/ft)
  • Can be custom made your requirements.
  • Lower Replacement or repair costs. 
    • Example: if one Sections HDPE is worn or cracked then replace only the HDPE panel (approx $75)
  • LOWER PURCHASE COST - $7,500
 Foam Rink Dividers (42" High)
  • ​​Vinyl covered foam.​
  • Sections attach with Velcro strapping.
  • Vinyl prone to rips and tears from repeated installs or game play.
  • Large, awkward & heavy 10' sections, increasing the risk of staff injury from setting up.
  • No Radius corners. Unrealistic game play for players, with inconsistent often uneven sections.  
  • No Access Gate between sections. Requires coaches and players to leave ice surface to get to the other side.
  • Often Uneven layout when installed which causes inconsistencies in play.
  • No storage cart included. Requires 3 to 4 times more space to store foam dividers when not in use. (Ex: 9 x 10" sections stacked 3 high & 3 across = Approx 105 sq/ft) 
  • Less Expensive options require sacrificing size of dividers (12" high, 20" high etc.)
  • Higher replacement and repair costs. 
    • Example: if one Sections vinyl cover is torn then replacing the entire section is required. (approx $900)
  • HIGHER PURCHASE COST 42" - $8,582​ 
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Proud Partnerships, build strong communities

7/26/2017

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'Proud Partnerships, Build Strong Communities"...I can feel your collective eye rolls now! This sentence is typically reserved and normally heard during an election campaign...seen on a boardroom motivational poster...or part of some hyped up "Buzz Speech" given by some CEO on a corporate retreat! 

However, when you really think about it...this statement is, or should be the cornerstone of everything we as a society should strive to accomplish everyday. Whatever happened to the age old saying that starts with.... "It Takes a village....".  We have all been guilty of shopping at big box stores for their convenience and lower prices over a local farmers market or small independent bodega. Why is this now the norm? Well that is a discussion for another time and platform.

Instead I would like to highlight some of the proud partnerships, we at Riley; have developed and grown with over the years. 
  • Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation - Project Powerplay (20 Rinks)
  • The Ottawa Senators Foundation - RINC Project (12 Rinks)
  • Washington Capitals - Caps Care (12 Rinks)

Each one of these organizations have committed to building Rinks to grow the sport of hockey, increase physical fitness among youth and give kids opportunities that they may not have ever had. Riley has been a partner on many of these projects over the years and are looking forward to building more community facilities going forward with these great organizations.

For More Info on these great foundations and how the give back, click on the links below.

​The Pittsburgh Penguins - Project PowerPlay 
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  • Project Power Play encourages the growing popularity of hockey in the tri-state area by providing safe areas to play games under the supervision of established organizations. Deks are located in:
  • Banksville Park ­– Banksville,
  • Lewis Park – Hazelwood,
  • Richland Community Park – Richland Township,
  • Riverside Park – Oakmont,
  • Brookline Memorial Park – Brookline,
  • Hosanna House/Sherwood Event Center – Wilkinsburg,
  • Graham Park – Cranberry Township,
  • Settler’s Cabin Park – Oakdale,
  • North Park – McCandless,
  • Renzie Park – McKeesport,
  • Paul J. Scuillo II Memorial Park – Bloomfield
  • South Park – South Park

The Ottawa Senators Foundation - Sens Rink
​
  • The Ottawa Senators Foundation and the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club have committed to build 20 SENS RINKS giving children and families access to year-round activities including hockey, skating, ball hockey, basketball, lacrosse in addition to community activities of all kinds. These outdoor recreational facilities will provide easily accessible recreation and sport opportunities for communities within Ottawa, Gatineau and other areas across the region.
    The Ottawa Senators Foundation’s SENS RINKS program will enable hundreds of kids and families to have a place in their community to get active, establish healthy routines and provide access to programs and activities that otherwise would have been out of reach.

The Washington Capitals - Caps Cares Programs

The Washington Capitals strive for success both on and off the ice. As a professional sports franchise with deep roots in and around the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, the Capitals are committed to making a difference in the local community. It is our goal not only to build an excellent team with positive role models for young people, but also to create and maintain community programs that encourage participation in hockey, serve to educate today's youth and assist those in need




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Singapore..... here    we    come!!

7/24/2017

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Today we are preparing to ship our next custom build Dasher Board System! What makes this particular system more interesting is, these boards are travelling over 15,000 kms to get to its final destination.  Farther than any system we have built before, and will be part of a massive, over a HALF MILLION Square Foot sports, entertainment & community complex!

Singapore's first integrated community hub, in Tampines, will have a performing arts theater and sports and recreation facilities including a 5,000-seat stadium with a Fifa- approved football pitch.
The Tampines Hub began opening in stages in November 2016. The 5.3 hectare project, which is the size of about seven football fields, sits on the site of the former Tampines Stadium and Sports Hall. The People's Association-led project will offer residents a range of services and facilities under one roof, such as a five-story regional library, community club programs and more than 100 shops.
By November, residents can expect a one-stop public service center to access government agency services, an 800-seat hawker center and a Home Team NS Club with sports programs at the hub.
It will also house a communal kitchen by November for seniors to socialise while preparing, cooking and having meals together.
The initiative by the Community Chest, the fund-raising and engagement arm of the National Council of Social Service, aims to strengthen bonds between older people living alone, and help them share their skills and knowledge.

"It's a good idea to have a hub which centralizes so many services so that we don't need to run all over the place".

MADAM PAULINE NG, 50, an engineer who has lived in Tampines for more than 20 years. She is looking forward to using the sports facilities and and the library.

From January 2017, the gym, karaoke and bowling facilities will be ready. And by August next year, amenities such as the swimming complex, performance arts theater and library will open.

​All of us at Riley are thrilled to be small part of this community project and amazed by the design and co-operation of every body involved!!

​Karaoke @ The Tampines Hub has now been added to my Bucket List!



BY THE NUMBERS 

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record demands for magnetic Baseball bases (& hoverboards)

7/19/2017

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Flashback...July 1985....2 Major events occur....Marty McFly immortalizes a time travelling Delorian & Riley Manufacturing designs and patents a revolutionary new magnetic baseball base system. 
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Fast forward 30 years later, while we all can recall our favorite part of the original trilogy (Hello...Hoverboards...like duh?!) ....we never anticipated that the Riley MagBase would become the industry standard it is today. Often imitated the Riley MagBase is the original Magnetic Breakaway Safe Base System!

Surprisingly enough there are still many organizations and leagues that still use the traditional "spike in the ground" bases, instead of the safer magnetic base systems available out there. Well, its 2017....30 years later, we have experienced the largest spike in demand for the Riley Magbase ever. (I wonder if Marty & Doc would have predicted this ?) 

If you are a part of a Baseball organization, association, parent group, or even beer league and you are still using old bases that are due for an upgrade for next season....then get your baseball diamond on track and back to the future of baseball safety.

Call Riley.....The Original, the best!

(BTW....We are still working on those hoverboard designs)

For a limited Time Only Save with online purchases with this coupon code "BTTFbaseball"

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Riley Goes Hollywood!!

7/17/2017

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Well to be more accurate...Vancouver! 

Although the movie is being shot under the production title of "Love Machine", those in the know will quickly realize that this misnomer is only to throw off 'Fanboys' as to its real title..."DEADPOOL 2". Starring everyone's favorite "Merc with a Mouth" and smart-ass Canadian Ryan Reynolds.

That's right! Last week, Riley supplied the production company with a set of professional hockey goal frames, in what we hope will be part of some sort of huge epic battle scene, in the upcoming film! If you remember the first film, where Mr. Pool chased a bad guy, albeit slowly, to his death with a Zamboni!

Be sure to check out the movie, slated for release sometime in March 2018, and make sure you keep a keen eye out for what Deadpool has planned for our Hockey Nets!



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Hockey enthusiast Heaven!

7/17/2017

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Everyone has their own use for that bottom floor of the house. Whether it is a Family Room, Home Office, Man Cave, Craft Corner or just the creepy unfinished area you store all the stuff you haven't used for the past 5 years. Lets not forget that treadmill and home gym you thought was a good idea a few New Years resolution's ago!

Have you ever seen that video of Sidney Crosby as a kid, in the basement of his Cole Harbor home? There he is lighting up his mothers washer and dryer like its game 7 of the Stanley Cup final! Well there is a growing trend that takes the family basement to a whole new level. Especially for the hockey enthusiast! No longer will you have to worry about damaged walls, or shell shocked appliances, because personal shooting pads with synthetic ice surfaces are now a common thing!

You might have seen in our previous blog post, that Sid the Kid himself has upgraded from the washer and dryer to his own personally customized shooting pad, built by Riley! 

This isn't only reserved for the rich and famous....You too can have your own basement rink, shooting pad or mini stick arena! It is very economical, and practical way to use that unused space to help your hockey kid become the next great one! (or at the very least save your appliances and fragile boxed knick knacks!)

Here is a few photos from our most recent basement rink. Built in Kleinburg, Ontario!

Contact Riley for more details on how

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Mandated smaller Ice surfaces

5/1/2017

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Riley's Maysa Arena cover feature for rink Magazine

3/31/2017

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Riley Manufacturing Selected to Design Custom Shooting Pad for NHL Superstar Sidney Crosby

9/25/2016

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Last week Riley Manufacturing completed the installation of a custom indoor shooting pad for Pittsburgh Penguins’ Captain, Sidney Crosby. Being selected as the dasher board manufacturer for this project is testament to the reputation Riley has for making quality products. It is an honor for the Company to play a huge part in the continued development of one of the best players in the NHL.
The shooting pad, situated in the basement of Crosby’s newly built home, is a custom design by Riley which features a 10 foot “Zamboni” gate and clear vision panels. The pad is a prime example of the versatility that Riley can provide in the customization of dasher board systems.
Considering a custom indoor or outdoor rink for your home? Talk to Riley Manufacturing today
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N4S 7L1
Phone: 519-539-4830
Fax: 519-539-5006
Toll Free: 1-800-265-3588
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