During fast-paced games and heavy facility use, dasher board systems take constant impact and  wear. When unexpected damage happens every minute of downtime affects player safety, game  flow, and the overall experience for teams and fans. That’s why every rink should be prepared  with the right emergency “Tool Kit”, stocked with replacement parts, repair materials, and  essential tools ready for immediate use.  

Being prepared allows staff to respond quickly, minimize disruptions, and maintain the  professional appearance, safety, and function of the facility. Even small issues along the boards  can quickly become major safety concerns. Let’s look at three common emergency repairs that  facilities should plan for and be prepared to manage. 

One of the most common issues is damaged shielding. Whether it’s shattered tempered glass or  cracked acrylic, facilities always need replacement materials ready and easily accessible. Every  rink should keep extra shielding panels on hand for emergency situations. Many facilities  temporarily replace broken tempered glass with acrylic during games because it is lighter, easier  to handle, and allows for a faster changeout before permanent glass can be installed after play  concludes. While some facilities purchase large acrylic sheets and cut them as needed, the most  efficient solution is keeping pre-cut shielding panels in a variety of common sizes ready for  immediate installation. This eliminates cutting during game time and helps minimize downtime  and allows play to resume faster.  

Another common source of damage comes from ice resurfacers. In busy facilities, resurfacers  constantly enter and exit through gates while operating close to the dasher board system. Over  time, repeated impact, poor alignment, and tight maneuvering around corners can create serious  wear and damage. 

One of the most frequent problems occurs when resurfacer gates are pushed out of alignment. In  emergency situations, a pre-cut wood or steel brace can serve as a temporary solution to stabilize  damaged gates and keep the rink operational through the remainder of a game or event. While  not a permanent repair, it provides valuable short-term support until proper repairs can be  completed.  

The brace can be used to: 

• Secure a gate shut by wedging it horizontally or diagonally between the gate frame and  nearby structure. 
• Support a sagging gate when hinges bend or hardware loosens. 
• Reinforce damaged framework when combined with clamps or fasteners. • Create a temporary stop block to prevent overextending resurfacer gates. • Reduce unsafe movement when used with straps, clamps, or bolts. 

Lastly, puck damage and holes in dasher board facing can quickly create unsafe conditions and  interrupt gameplay. One of the fastest emergency repair methods is using a pre-cut patch made  from dasher board poly or thin aluminum. The patch is placed directly behind the damaged area 

and secured with fasteners, clamps, or heavy-duty repair tape depending on the severity of the  damage. The goal is to eliminate sharp edges and restore a smooth, safe playing surface along the  boards. Every facility should keep emergency patch materials pre-cut and ready to install  because there is rarely time during gameplay to fabricate repairs. For smaller cracks or gouges,  heavy-duty tape may temporarily secure the area until intermission or post-game repairs can be  completed.  

Even after emergency repairs are completed, repaired sections should continue to be monitored  between periods and throughout the event until permanent repairs can be made.  

Most importantly, maintain what matters! Routine maintenance and regular inspections help  facilities identify small problems before they turn into costly repairs or game-stopping damage.  Checking hardware, shielding, gates, hinges, and board alignment on a consistent schedule helps  reduce wear, improve safety, and extend the life of your dasher board system. Staying proactive  keeps your facility running smoother and safer.  

“TOOL KIT” CHECKLIST 

All “Tool Kits” should include: 

• Safety gloves 
• Eye protection 
• Flashlights or portable work lights  
• Temporary safety barriers 

Shielding emergency “Tool Kit” should include: 

• Pre-cut spare shielding 
• Shielding clips  
• Post hardware kits 
• Support brackets  
• Suction cups  
• Heavy-duty vacuum  
• Brooms and dust pans 
• Large garbage container  
• Ladder  

Resurfacer emergency “Tool Kit” should include: 

• Wood/steel braces 
• Jack 
• Replacement hinges  
• Gate latch assemblies  
• Extra gate wheels or rollers (if applicable)  
• Spare hardware kits, bolts, washers, and lock nuts  
• Quick-change hinge pins 
• Support brackets and reinforcement plates  
• Shims and spacers for alignment adjustments  • Heavy-duty tape or temporary securing straps  • Portable clamps and vice grips  
• Rubber mallet and pry bars  
• Socket and wrench sets  
• Metal cutting blades or grinder  

Dasher board facing emergency “Tool Kit” should include: 

• Dasher board poly or aluminum patches 
• Spare facing and kickplate material  
• Cordless drill/driver and impact 
• Fasteners, bolts, washers, and lock nuts  
• Clamps or vice grips  
• Heavy-duty tape
• Deburring tool or file