How does the ice resurfacer work?
Ice resurfacers are designed to do several things at the same time as the machine is driven over the ice. There is a sharp blade that shaves the ice. These shavings are moved by a horizontal auger to the center of the conditioner and then lifted up into the snow tank by a vertical auger. There are two separate tanks of water on the resurfacer. The wash water tank allows water to enter the ice surface in front of a squeegee which makes slush with the shavings to help wash the ice and fill in the deep gouges. This wash water is recycled by being vacuumed up, filtered and then returned to the wash water tank. The other tank is for ice-making and is visible during the resurface. This water comes out just behind the conditioner and is spread onto the ice surface by a towel. The original ice resurfacer was invented by Frank Zamboni of California in 1949.

Show All Answers

1. Is the ice complex an outdoor rink?
2. How thick is the ice in a typical rink?
3. What is the usual temperature of the ice?
4. How many gallons of water are needed to make 1 inch of ice?
5. Why does the ice take longer to freeze during a high school game?
6. How are the logos installed in the ice?
7. What are the different types of resurfacers?
8. Why doesn't the ice resurfacer slip and slide all over the ice?
9. How does the ice resurfacer work?
10. How often is the resurfacer blade changed?
11. Why can't players and coaches be on the ice during a resurface?
12. Why are the nets moved from the goal area of the rink during the ice resurface?
13. What is the machine that is used along the boards and resembles a lawn mower?
14. Why does the dasher board glass break into tiny pieces at some arenas and at others it will just crack and not shatter?
15. Why are some ice complexes colder than others?
16. What are some of the activities held at the Howelsen Ice Complex?
17. What are Bumper Cars On Ice?