WTAE-TV Pittsburgh has the story of what started out as a simple project for Chris Filiaggi‘s then five year old son Luca.
Luca loved hockey but trying to get ice time was a hassle and could be expensive. Chris thought with temps rarely above freezing in his northwest PA neighborhood for most of Dec-Feb he could build his own rink. "I just went and got some 2x12's. Luca and some of his buddies would use it most days after school and every weekend.
The next year Chris added some lights so it could be used after dark. Some more kids asked Luca if they could play too.
The next year he added a firepit so folks could watch or kids could warm up between sessions on the ice.
The rink has now been open for 10 years. Luca is now a teenager and thanks the extra ice time with his ability to get a contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins under 18 team.
Today dozens of kids use the rink. The only rule is you have to be a kid. If you have a fight you're banned for life.