Colin FosterBy Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

Outdoor hockey games NHL fans watch on TV, from the Winter Classic to the Stadium Series, are built on big crowds and open-air ice. You can capture that feel at home by setting up a regulation-style backyard rink, choosing a surface that suits your climate, and running games with safe, simple rules. This guide walks through sizing, surfaces, boards and play structure.

Start With Rink Dimensions and Space

An NHL rink measures 200 feet long and 85 feet wide with rounded corners, and the boards stand about 40 to 48 inches high. Most backyards cannot fit that, so scale it down. A recreational rink of roughly 60 by 30 feet is a practical target for a family game, and a 40 by 20 foot area works for kids and mini-games. Mark your lines with spray paint or tape: a center line, two goal lines, and a crease area in front of each net.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 5 Best No Equipment Outdoor Games for Families and Kids.

Choose a Playing Surface

Your surface determines both realism and maintenance. Each option has trade-offs:

  • Real ice (winter): Flood a level area with a garden hose in thin layers, letting each one freeze before adding the next. This gives the closest feel but depends on sustained temperatures below freezing.
  • Synthetic ice or hockey pads: Interlocking plastic tiles let you play year-round on a flat surface and are the most common backyard option.
  • Concrete or asphalt: Works for ball hockey with a plastic or foam ball. Sweep often and watch for cracks that can trip players.

Build Boards, Goals and Equipment

Boards keep the puck in play and protect fences and players. Low lumber, rubber edging or flexible barrier sections all work if they are secured and free of sharp edges. Use goals sized to the play: a standard hockey net is 72 inches wide and 48 inches high, while smaller pop-up or portable goals suit younger players. Anchor every net so it cannot tip.

Essential gear checklist

  1. Stick and ball or puck sized for your surface
  2. Helmet with a cage or visor for every skater
  3. Gloves, shin pads and mouth guard
  4. Goalie equipment if you play with a goalkeeper
  5. Marking tape or paint, a shovel or squeegee and a rink-clearing broom

Run Safe, Fun Games

Keep the format simple. Three-on-three or four-on-four scrimmages use less space and keep everyone touching the puck. Set clear rules on high sticks, body contact and hitting from behind, and stop play whenever a player is down. Rotate players often so younger kids do not get overtired. For broader play ideas that fit a yard, see Outdoor Games for Birthday Parties: 8 Easy Picks for Any Yard Size or Outdoor Phys Ed Games: 8 Easy Ideas for Backyard Fitness Fun.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Flooding ice in one thick layer, which takes too long to freeze and cracks.
  • Skipping helmets or face protection, even for casual games.
  • Using nets that are not anchored, which can tip onto players.
  • Laying a surface on uneven ground, causing the puck to bounce unpredictably.
  • Playing on wet or slick pavement without clearing it first.

A portable hockey goal with a sturdy base is useful for setting up and storing a rink between games. View on Amazon

Interlocking synthetic hockey tiles give you a flat, year-round playing area that is easy to take apart. View on Amazon

A full-face or cage helmet is the most important piece of protective gear for every skater. View on Amazon

FAQ

Can I play outdoor hockey games NHL style in summer?

Yes, using synthetic tiles or a concrete surface with a ball or plastic puck. Real ice requires sustained freezing temperatures, so summer play is usually done on a dry surface.

How big should a backyard hockey rink be?

A 60 by 30 foot rink supports a family game, while a 40 by 20 foot area works well for small groups and younger kids.

Do I need boards around the rink?

Boards are recommended to keep the puck in play and protect fences, but they are not required for casual games. If you use them, make sure they are secured and have no sharp edges.

Conclusion

With a scaled-down rink, a suitable surface and secure boards and nets, you can recreate the excitement of outdoor hockey games NHL fans enjoy. Start small, set clear safety rules and build up the layout as your players gain confidence. Consult a local rink or sporting goods professional if you plan a larger installation.

Ready to choose one?

Colin Foster

About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our backyard living & play guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.