Ah, street hockey season — that wonderful time of year when the air is filled with the sound of slap shots and the sight of flying pucks. As much as you love seeing your kid embrace their inner NHL superstar on the driveway, you also want to keep your garage door (and cars!) dent-free. Here are a few tips and tricks for protecting your garage door during street hockey season.

1. Install a hockey screen

Specially designed hockey screens, tarps, and netting are available from various retailers. They prevent hockey shots from entering your open garage and causing damage without blocking ventilation. A durable and high-quality screen will allow you to enjoy watching your kids play street hockey without worrying about the safety of your garage door.

2. Invest in a weighted goal

Choose a goal sufficiently weighted to withstand hard shots and prevent it from being pushed back upon impact. You can also look for larger “backstop” models to reduce the chances of having to chase after balls or pucks that miss a smaller target.

Proper goal placement is crucial to prevent stray pucks from smacking into your garage door. Strategically position the goal at a safe distance from the garage to minimize the risk of damage to your garage door.

3. Use soft pucks

If you’re concerned about potential damage from standard hockey pucks, consider using soft hockey pucks as a safer alternative. These pucks are typically made from felt or sponge material, providing a softer impact than traditional pucks. Soft hockey pucks create a safer environment for your kids to practice their shots without the risk of causing damage to your garage door.

4. Teach your kids safe play

It’s important to educate your children about the importance of avoiding contact with the garage door during street hockey games. Encourage open communication and raise awareness about the potential risks of stray shots near the house. A little guidance will help reduce the likelihood of accidents and damage, making for a safer and more enjoyable street hockey experience.

Finally, you can also relocate the match to a local park or another open area specifically designated for sports. Parks often have ample space, allowing for a safer environment where kids can play without the risk of costly property damage.

Vinyl Garage Doors: Built For Hockey

If your young Stanley Cup hopeful can’t seem to keep the game away from your driveway, upgrading to a vinyl garage door may be your best bet. Vinyl garage doors are sturdier than steel garage doors. Steel is susceptible to dents and dings, but vinyl doors are highly resistant to damage. Moreover, if scratches or scuffs do occur, they’re less noticeable on vinyl than on steel, as vinyl garage doors are one colour throughout, making any blemishes tricky to spot.

The Wayne Dalton Model 8700 vinyl garage door won’t fade, rust, dent, or crack easily. With a U-factor of 0.24 and an R-value of 11.75, the insulation is permanently bonded to the vinyl skin for thermal efficiency, durability, and added rigidity. Plus, twin 22-gauge steel C-channels run the full length of each panel and are anchored to interior steel stiles for strength. This door is designed to take a blow, even from the most intense hockey-related activities!

Keep in mind that, although vinyl garage doors are highly durable, they can become brittle and crack if they sustain a forceful impact in extreme cold temperatures.

Maintenance Is Key

If your little MVP manages to ding your garage door, Creative Door Services™ can come to the rescue. Our technicians are well-equipped to handle any repairs and offer regular maintenance services, including inspections, lubrication of moving parts, and minor repairs.

This regular maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your garage door. By staying proactive with maintenance, you can address any issues early on and keep your garage door in top condition throughout street hockey season and beyond.

Garage Doors That Stand Up to The Test

At Creative Door Services™, we offer a range of garage doors designed to withstand the rigours of street hockey. Our selection of garage doors has something for everyone. We understand the worth of your home’s curb appeal, and our doors are functional and aesthetically pleasing, adding value to your property. We also carry garage door openers with the latest technology features, including Wi-Fi connectivity, to keep your property safe and improve convenience.

To learn more about our garage door products or request a quote, contact us today. We’re happy to serve you from one of our eight locations. You can find us in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.