ICE, ICE BABY
Former Brother Rice coach Folliard buys next-door neighbor’s house, builds year-round rink
When Pat Folliard had the opportunity to buy his next-door neighbor’s house in Oak Lawn, he jumped at the chance.
But not for any number of reasons that you’re thinking.
The small house had been home to different renters over the years, many of whom weren’t idyllic neighbors.
So not long after buying the property last year, Folliard knocked down the house.
What he did next even shocked his wife and three children.
“I didn’t think he was serious,” said Gabi, his daughter. “But he was serious.”
What Folliard did was install on the property a magnificent 75-by-34-foot hockey rink, complete with boards, two goals, lights and netting.
It’s hockey’s version of “Field of
Dreams” — right in your backyard.
A regulation hockey rink is 200-by-85 feet. So this is ideal for 3-on-3 competition.
This isn’t just any hockey rink, however. It has a synthetic ice surface that allows for skating year-round.
No matter if it’s 100 degrees or 10 degrees below zero, it’s game on.
“I wanted put in something my grandkids and other kids we know could enjoy,” Folliard said. “Something that is fun and gets them out of the house.”
Here’s what you need to know about the Folliard family. They’re hockey fanatics.
Pat played at Brother Rice and Chicago State. He eventually returned to Brother Rice as coach for 12 seasons.
His sons Darcy and Dennis both played for him. Gabi is an avid Blackhawks fan.
Plus, Folliard has five grandchildren who were born with hockey ice running through their veins.
“It’s really cool,” Darcy said. “All three of my kids skate, and we live three blocks away. They love it.”
There are two major differences between the synthetic surface and real ice. For one, ice skates must be sharpened differently to adhere to the synthetic surface, which has the look but not texture of real ice.
And skating on a synthetic surface is more demanding on the legs.
“The first couple of strides, it doesn’t feel like ice,” Darcy said. “There’s more friction between the blades and surface, which makes you push harder. After that, it’s pretty similar to ice. And the more you skate on it, the more realistic it gets.”
Pat Folliard was sure to install netting behind each goal to prevent pucks from flying onto the street to the north or into a neighbor’s backyard to the south.
And staying on the topic of neighbors, they’re going to need a high tolerance for noise.
The sounds of the puck making contact with a stick or the boards is similar to an indoor ice rink. And much like a barking dog, this will go on year-round.
So how do the neighbors feel about the added attraction?
“Everyone is very excited about the rink,” Pat said. “But we just finished it, so we’re going to find out. I think it’s going to be fine.”
Folliard let out a laugh.
There wasn’t anything funny about the price tag. The synthetic surface cost $28,000.
That doesn’t include the sum of the concrete under the surface, boards, netting and lights. Or for that matter, the cost of purchasing and leveling the house.
It’s a dream setup, though, for any avid hockey player. If I had access to this as a kid, I would have played to the wee hours.
“My sons want to have a few 3-on-3 tournaments with friends, which will be fun,” Pat said. “I just want it to be used. I want kids to fall in love with hockey. It’s a great game.”
Folliard also wants kids to use the rink as a way to improve their skills.
“It’s not all about fun and games,” he said. “I want kids to become better skaters and shooters. My grandkids better develop into sharpshooters.”
And when the winter months arrive, Pat Folliard intends to lay a tarp over the surface and make real ice. While he doesn’t have a Zamboni, Folliard did purchase a couple of giant squeegees to clear the surface.
He also bought a leaf blower for the fall months.
And there’s a covered patio and an elevated patio for parents and friends to view the action. Think of them as skyboxes or suites without the United Center price tag.
In time, Folliard plans to have his grandkids’ names painted on the boards for a personal touch.
“With rinks being shut down because of COVID, this gives people we know with kids who play hockey an opportunity to play,” he said. “There are zero monthly costs with this like with real ice, other than serving some alcohol for our friends who are watching.”