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20 / MAY.JUNE.2014 RINKMAGAZINE.COM PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ICE BARN, BIGSTOCK.COM Hockey is ingrained in his blood. So when business went well, he decided to bring hock- ey to him in Florida. He wanted it to serve as a fun place to train and play. If he's not out there skating around, he is hosting an adult 3-on-3 game with friends. With his son active in hockey, his team can sometimes be found practicing in the rink, and it provides great entertainment for family and friends. Here for the Long Haul It couldn't have turned out any better. Hargest, Wytek and all who have used the Ice Barn agree on that. There are still minor adjustments that could be made, mainly making some door entrances wider. But it serves its purpose of being a fun place for all to enjoy. "He enjoys it as much as the kids," Wescott said. "That's why this idea works so well." Hargest beams with pride and excite- ment over his investment. He knows that things can change should he and his family decide to leave, but he's OK with that. "In 20 years, after we're gone, it could be a big basket- ball court or even an actual horse barn," he said. "They can do whatever they want with it. For us, it was worth doing. "I'd do it again three times over." J REFRIGERATION: Trane Air-Cooled Liquid Chiller Model CGAM system. Scroll compressors, plate and frame chiller and dual pump. ICE EDGER: Olympia Battery Edger TENANTS: Owner Al Hargest plays 3 vs. 3 adult hockey and has family friends come use the ice for practices, scrimmages and training. No official teams are housed in the Ice Barn. 2012 YEAR OPENED RINK BREAKDOWN ONE RINK 1 120' x 60' TYPE OF RINK FLOOR CONCRETE ICE RESURFACER: One Engo Model 170, battery-powered (NOVEMBER) , All the prior research Hargest put in paid off. He has had minor complications and is saving thousands with the well-insulated rink. Featured Rink Ice Barn | | Lithia, Fla. SPECIAL FEATURES: Video and sound systems around the rink, weight room SOME PEOPLE BUY BOATS OR BEACH HOUSES. I BUILT A HOCKEY RINK. – AL HARGEST, OWNER OF THE ICE BARN FUN FACT: Originally, the Ice Barn was going to be part barn. Al's wife, Angela, has horses and the idea was to have a horse barn and rink under the same roof. SEATING CAPACITY: There is a viewing area above the rink for parents and friends to lounge. It is complete with a bubble hockey game and couches for entertainment and comfort. A GREEN RINK in an ICE BARN: , Continued from page 19 14,500 SQUARE FEET Wytek Construction had never before built a rink. The group that contracted and built the Ice Barn specializes in high-efficiency homes. FUN FACT , The Ice Barn is a certified green building. It's 35 percent more efficient than regular buildings.