Rink Divider Buying Guide: How to Choose a Cross-Ice Divider System
Cross-ice dividers turn one sheet of ice into two or three usable practice zones, and they are the standard way to run USA Hockey's cross-ice program for Mites and small-area games for every age group. xHockeyProducts builds two families of dividers: foam xDividers™ in three heights, and the Pro Aluminum Rink Divider for facilities that want true-rebound boards. This guide covers the sizes, the minimums, and the options so you can spec the right system.
xDividers: three heights
xDividers are made with open-cell, high-density foam and a durable vinyl cover, so they are light enough for coaches to move and safe on contact. Each height comes in 5 ft and 10 ft panel lengths that link together.
| Model | Height | Base width | Panel lengths | Typical use | Starting at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| xDividers 12 in | 12 in | 8 in | 5 ft and 10 ft | Mini-Mite and Mite cross-ice, pucks stay in the zone while skaters see over easily | $314.54 |
| xDividers 22 in | 22 in | 12 in | 5 ft and 10 ft | The most popular height for cross-ice hockey and multi-sport field division | $531.10 |
| xDividers 42 in | 42 in | 18 in | 5 ft and 10 ft | Full visual barrier, keeps elevated pucks and balls contained, small soccer fields and futsal | $917.81 |
How much divider do you need?
- NHL-size rink (85 ft wide): eight 10 ft panels plus one 5 ft panel per line across the rink.
- Olympic-size rink (100 ft wide): ten 10 ft panels per line.
- Custom lengths: any run can be built from 5 ft and 10 ft panels, and custom requests are welcome in the quote comments.
The minimum total order length is forty (40) linear feet. Systems can be configured as a rectangle or a trapezoid footprint, and the standard cover colors are black, red and blue.
Branding options
xDividers can carry your association or sponsor logos, printed direct-to-film (DFT) for a professional finish. Printing price is driven by logo size times the number of logos:
- Small, 6 in to 18 in wide.
- Medium, 18 in to 34 in wide.
- Large, 34 in to 50 in wide, priced per print.
High-resolution vector artwork (AI, EPS, SVG or PDF) is preferred for print quality. Marketing windows on one side of the xDivider are also available for swappable sponsor inserts.
Shipping, honestly
Dividers are bulky, so they ship on a pallet via freight carrier. Two things are worth knowing before you order. First, shipping a small quantity of individual panels typically costs as much as shipping a full system, which is part of why the 40-linear-foot minimum exists. Second, the skid is usually too large for a tailgate, so home and non-dock deliveries need labour on hand to open the skid and carry panels off the truck. The panels themselves are easily moved once unloaded. Business deliveries with a shipping dock or forklift on site keep freight costs down.
When to choose the Pro Aluminum Rink Divider instead
For commercial facilities and high-use associations, the Pro Aluminum Rink Divider is the closest thing to a permanent dasher board system while remaining completely portable. It uses true-rebound 3 in aluminum frames, interlocking setup and gate access, so pucks play off it like real boards. Systems start at $7,198.28. If the divider will live on the ice most of the week and take shots daily, aluminum is the buy-once choice; if coaches will set up and tear down for practices, foam xDividers are faster to handle and easier to store.
Frequently asked questions
Which xDivider height is right for cross-ice hockey?
The 22 in model is the standard choice for USA Hockey cross-ice programs: tall enough to keep play contained, low enough for coaches to step over and for full-rink sightlines. The 12 in model suits Mini-Mite programs on a budget, and the 42 in model is for full containment or multi-sport use.
How many panels divide an NHL rink?
An NHL rink is 85 ft wide, so one dividing line takes eight 10 ft panels plus one 5 ft panel. An Olympic rink is 100 ft wide and takes ten 10 ft panels.
Is there a minimum order?
Yes, forty (40) linear feet of total length.
Can dividers be used off the ice?
Yes. The same systems divide turf and gym floors for soccer, futsal, floorball and camps, and the trapezoid configuration lets you angle zones to the space.
How much does a cross-ice divider system cost?
Sections start at $314.54 for the 12 in system, $531.10 for the 22 in system and $917.81 for the 42 in system, before configuration, branding and freight. Every quote is prepared by hand, so use the Get an Official Quote button on the product page and you will have accurate pricing for your rink within 48 hours.
