While the outdoor rink in Estevan were able to open up a little bit earlier than expected this winter, they have had their challenges thanks to the overly pleasant weather in the month of December. With temperatures rising above freezing level, cuts from skates along the ice can dig in deeper into the ice and if they don't refreeze properly, those marks won't go away no matter how much ice maintenance is put forward.

One of the most popular rinks in town is the Kinsmen Rink, and Preston Majeran is the member of the Kinsmen who oversees the process with the rink. So far this season, their rink is in immaculate shape.

"It's been holding up really good. When the weather's been getting warm, people have been kind of staying off of it and allowed the ice to patch up and not melt so bad."

A large part of that has come from the fact that people are recognizing when the weather is getting too warm for a skate on the outdoor rink and letting it stay idly by when the sun has come out with positive temperatures.

"People are really looking after it themselves and self-governing when to use it I guess."

The Kinsmen have not only had help in maintaining their rink from the public's keen eye, but from a few volunteers who stepped up to put the ice in itself to begin with. The ice was in while the Kinsmen were busy with their tree sale this year on their busiest weekend, and thanks to the work of Nick Ginther, the framework for the ice was put in earlier than usual this year.

"Every night I drive by it there's always somebody on it either skating or playing a little bit of hockey." 

The lights at the Kinsmen rink are shut down at 9:30pm. The Kinsmen and Kinettes have had a group effort to keep the rink up to snuff.

"The Kinnettes have helped us out whenever they can and we're just really excited to have this rink and be able to give it back to the community."