rink rat

American  

noun

Canadian.

1. a youth who spends a great deal of time at a hockey rink, helping with maintenance work, sweeping, etc., often without pay or in return for free admission to the rink.

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rink rat British  

noun

1. informal a young person who carries out chores at an ice-hockey rink in return for free skating time

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Etymology

Origin of rink rat

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

So when I say I’m a rink rat, I’m really a rink rat.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2025

Jackson began skating at age 10, quickly transforming into a self-described rink rat.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 9, 2022

“You think of the typical rink rat dad,” said Dan Jablonic, the director of youth hockey programs at Kettler Capitals Iceplex.

From Washington Post • Nov. 7, 2011

Wade Corbett, a certified rink rat, likes his water frozen and his skate blades sharp.

From New York Times • Jun. 9, 2011