Putting a Roof on Winter

Putting a Roof on Winter chronicles the history of indoor ice rinks and artificial ice in North America. The book traces the technological developments and cultural shifts that moved hockey from frozen ponds into climate-controlled arenas. McKinley documents the key figures who pioneered ice-making technology and built the first indoor rinks in the late 1800s. The narrative follows the expansion of indoor facilities across Canada and the United States, examining how these spaces transformed winter sports and entertainment. Through research and interviews, the author explores both the engineering challenges and the human stories behind bringing winter indoors. The text covers the rise of professional hockey, community rinks, and the role these facilities played in shaping modern sports culture. This history illuminates broader themes about humans' desire to control nature and create year-round access to winter recreation. The book demonstrates how technological innovation can reshape cultural traditions and sporting landscapes.

Readers describe this as a comprehensive history of indoor ice rinks and hockey arenas that fills a gap in sports literature. Many note its value in documenting the technological evolution of ice-making and arena construction. Readers appreciated: - Details about early rink pioneers and ice-making innovations - Photos and architectural drawings of historic arenas - Coverage of both famous and obscure venues - Clear explanations of refrigeration technology Common criticisms: - Too much focus on Canadian arenas vs. other locations - Some sections get technical and dry - Limited coverage of modern arena development Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (15 ratings) Sample review: "McKinley digs deep into the characters who built these palaces of winter sport. The technical details can be heavy, but the human stories make it worth reading." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers noted the book works better as a reference text than a cover-to-cover read.

Lords of the Rinks by Eric Zweig A historical account of hockey arena development in Canada traces the relationship between rink construction and the sport's growth from informal ponds to professional venues.

Home Ice by Jack Falla Chronicles the connection between backyard rinks and hockey culture through personal stories and historical documentation of ice-making traditions.

Ice Palace by Ed Gruver Documents the rise of indoor hockey through the story of Madison Square Garden and its influence on professional winter sports in America.

Architecture of the Winter Olympics by Maria Nooke Examines the development of winter sports facilities through detailed analysis of Olympic venue construction from 1924 to present.

Artificial Ice by Russell Field and Bruce Kidd Explores the technological evolution of ice-making equipment and its impact on indoor winter sports in North America.

🏒 The book explores how New Brunswick's Saint John Beavers became the first hockey team to play in an indoor rink in 1887, marking a pivotal moment in the sport's evolution 🏗️ The Victoria Skating Rink in Montreal, built in 1862, set the template for modern hockey rinks, including the now-standard rounded corners and approximate dimensions still used in NHL arenas ❄️ Before indoor rinks, early hockey was played on frozen ponds where players had to constantly shovel snow during games, leading to the term "putting a roof on winter" 📝 Author Michael McKinley has written extensively about hockey history, including serving as a researcher for CBC's Hockey: A People's History documentary series 🌟 The book reveals how the transition to indoor rinks transformed hockey from a casual winter pastime into a professional sport, allowing for scheduled games and paying spectators