Chris Flynn may be the greatest defensive player in the history of Canadian university football, but his playing ability clearly pales in comparison to his prowess as an outdoor rink builder.
The 59-year-old went viral this week after sharing a video of his impressive pond hockey game with his 268 Instagram followers. This clip featuring a homemade Zamboni was picked up TSNon the BarDown page and has since been viewed hundreds of thousands of times across multiple platforms. getting over 29,000 likes on the original post alone.
Nothing better than a fresh leaf on ice outdoors 🧊
(via IG/chrisflynnfootballcap) pic.twitter.com/1jOVSqgBQh
— BarDown (@BarDown) January 3, 2026
According to Flynn's signature, he has been building an outdoor skating rink at Long Lake in Mayo, Que., for the past 16 years. His work improved significantly last winter when neighbor Stefan installed a homemade zamboni that uses hot water to pour ice between periods. The rink is also open to the community, meaning everyone can enjoy the dedication and innovation.
Before Flynn established himself as a DIY premium arena builder, he was a dynamic and extremely productive quarterback for St. Mary's University. In four seasons with the Huskies, he passed for 7,292 yards, scored a U Sports record 87 touchdowns, won two Vanier Cups and won an unprecedented three Heck Crichton Trophies as Canada's top player.
The Buckingham, Quebec native spent two seasons as a backup with the Montreal Machine in the World League of American Football before moving to France and playing four years for the Fighters de Croissy-sur-Seine. He finished his career in 1996 with the Ottawa Rough Riders.
In 2011, Flynn became the first player ever inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame for his achievements at the collegiate level. In 2019, his jersey was retired by Saint Mary's. He was also decorated off the field: in 1994, he was awarded the French Medal of Honor for bravery and bravery after rescuing a woman who had drowned in the Seine River.
Three decades after retiring, Flynn still plays for the Buckingham Falcons in the Buckingham Football League, posting a 7-2 record last season.
