netting support

[soupy01833]

What does everyone use to support the netting? I have no trees so looking for some ideas.

[kevmac]

I use 8' high steel pipes that are about 2" in diameter. I have one at each seam of my 8' boards and they are held in place with U-braces screwed into my boards. This is easy with 4' high boards so I don't know how you would support them if your boards are lower. The netting (which is fishing net) is strung on a line and attached to the poles with zip-ties.

In years past, I used the orange snow fence and this was also attached to the poles with zip ties. I've also used 2"x2"s with chicken wire attached with staples or poultry nails.

[soupy01833]

I was thinking of 2 x4's screwed into my 18" boards. The only thing I am afraid of is the stress they will place on the boards especially if it is windy.

[kevmac]

Would entirely depend on the length of the 2x4s? You could always secure it on the back end with another 2x4 in an angle brace scenario.

[seantor]

Do any of you worry about attaching a rigid post directly alongside the rink? I'm worried about a kid crashing into them and hurting themselves -- similar to why you don't leave rink doors open during games or practices.

I'm going to do netting for the first time this year -- my oldest, an 8 year-old Mite -- is finally developing a shot, unlike his father. However, I was going to do it about six feet behind the goal.

Also, have you had any problems with snow from a snowblower hitting the netting?

Thanks!

Sean

[soupy01833]

I already have the netting and some extra 10 foot 2x4's thinking of screwing them into the boards and then stapling to the 2x4's. I will use a string on the top for tension.

[kevmac]

I would definitely be worried if I didn't have high boards and small kids. You could always rig about a netting support a couple of feet back but then you are traipsing through snow digging for pucks, which defeats my purpose of having the netting.

On the bright side, kids are pretty smart so once they hit one of the poles they tend to stay away from the next one.

[soupy01833]

ok. I did the 2x4's and angle brace. Came out pretty good for a 1st time try. Yes I am worried about the poles but I think with short boards the poles are not the only place one get injured. I really want to buy bumper caps but they are so damn expensive.