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Howelsen Ice Complex

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1. Is the ice complex an outdoor rink?

The Howelsen Ice Complex is an indoor rink.

2. How thick is the ice in a typical rink?

In most arenas, the ice is kept between 1" to 1.5" thick. The goal is to find a depth that is deep enough to handle the number and weight of skaters and yet thin enough to keep the electrical consumption at a minimum. The thicker the ice surface, the harder the refrigeration system has to work to keep the ice frozen. In most arenas, the ice thickness is checked on a regular basis by using a cordless drill and tape measure. By checking at various locations throughout the arena floor and writing the information on a chart, it will help the arena staff know where to reduce or increase the ice thickness. This is usually done at least once per week.

3. What is the usual temperature of the ice?

The temperature of the ice varies from one facility to the next depending upon several factors: the temperature of the building, the insulation of the building, the outside temperature, how many people are in the building, who might be using the ice, etc. The ideal temperature of the interface between the ice surface and the air is 26°F. At that temperature, friction between skate blades and the ice surface is the least. However, after a resurface the ice might take longer to freeze and reach that temperature so the complex manager may set the refrigeration equipment to produce a lower ice temperature. Most arenas will have the ice temperature around 16° - 24°F for hockey with the ice temperature a little higher if being used only for figure skaters.

4. How many gallons of water are needed to make 1 inch of ice?

The normal rink is 85' x 200' which is equal to 17,000 square feet. This is a typical NHL size rink and would require 11,000 gallons of water to make 1" of ice. Howelsen Ice Complex is an Olympic-size rink at 100' x 200' and is 20,000 square feet so it would require 13,000 gallons of water to make 1" of ice.

5. Why does the ice take longer to freeze during a high school game?

There can be many reasons. Generally during a high school game there are many people in the building and more heat is being produced for the comfort of the spectators. There is also additional resurfacing of the ice taking place. The combination of these factors puts additional heat loads on the refrigeration system. Therefore it takes more time and energy to freeze the water to make a good ice surface.

6. How are the logos installed in the ice?

There are several different methods used to install logos onto the ice surface. One way is to use a special type of paint and apply it with a paint brush. In this case, a template similar to a stencil may be used to outline the logo and then color in the various parts. Another method of installing a logo is to use canvas or other fabrics with the design already on and apply it to the ice. These logos are usually put onto the ice when it is 1/4" or 1/2" thick and slowly the logo is covered with a fine mist. Then the remainder of the ice is installed up to the desired 1" thickness.

7. What are the different types of resurfacers?

There are two major manufacturers of the ice resurfacer: Zamboni and Olympia. Each manufacturer provides a variety of machines with different types of fuel or power. The newest technology involves the use of batteries or fuel cells. Some other sources of power are compressed natural gas, liquid propane and gasoline. Most gasoline power resurfacers are used outdoors. There are at least two arenas in Minnesota in which the resurfacer is powered by a long electric cord.

8. Why doesn't the ice resurfacer slip and slide all over the ice?

The ice resurfacer tires are equipped with studs to keep the machine from sliding into the boards. With proper training, the driver will learn how to maintain a safe and effective speed to keep the machine under control at all times.

9. 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.

10. How often is the resurfacer blade changed?

The resurfacer blade is over six feet long and needs to be sharp to insure a quality ice sheet. It is located behind the horizontal auger just in front of the squeegee and is bolted onto the conditioner. At most facilities, the blade is changed once a week at the same time that other maintenance is performed on the resurfacer. The resurfacer blade is extremely sharp so it must be changed with caution.

11. Why can't players and coaches be on the ice during a resurface?

Driving the resurfacer requires the full attention of the driver. For the safety of the users and staff, The Howeslen Ice Complex does not allow anyone on the ice while the resurfacer is in operation.

12. Why are the nets moved from the goal area of the rink during the ice resurface?

At most facilities, the nets should be moved by the users who have just finished their hour of ice time. Most drivers prefer that the nets be placed along the side boards. If the nets are placed at the end boards it is difficult for the operator to manuever. Also most locations prefer that the nets be tipped up at an angle and rested on the side boards to prevent slush and snow on the bottom of the net from freezing to the ice.

13. What is the machine that is used along the boards and resembles a lawn mower?

This machine is called an ice edger and it is used to help keep the ice sheet level. The ice resurfacer does not shave the ice any closer than 2-3 inches from the boards. This causes the ice to build up along this area. Also as the driver slows down in the corners, more water is deposited and the ice builds up higher in the corners. The purpose of the ice edger is to shave the ice about 6-8 inches from the boards, making a level surface. Then the left edge of the conditioner can rest on this surface and the thicker areas of the ice are shaved down by the resurfacer.

14. Why does the dasher board glass break into tiny pieces at some arenas and at others it will just crack and not shatter?

An arena will usually use either tempered glass or plexiglass (acrylic) for their dasher board glass. The tempered glass is much heavier and more resistant to scratches. However when it breaks, it will shatter into thousands of pieces. The plexiglass is much lighter and is more subject to scratches but when it starts to break will first form tiny cracks. Eventually a piece might break off but there will not be the shattering as in tempered glass.

15. Why are some ice complexes colder than others?

The temperature inside the ice complex depends upon the heating abilities of the facility, the insulation of the building and what works best for the refrigeration system of that facility. A building with a higher air temperature will put more stress on the refrigeration system, causing it to run longer or at a heavier load with greater expense. The ideal air temperature and humidity in an arena is about 50°F with 50% humidity. Some arenas do not use any dehumidification. Therefore it will "feel" colder because of the higher humidity in the air.

16. What are some of the activities held at the Howelsen Ice Complex?

The complex offer various public sessions including public skating, open hockey, bumper cars on ice, and learn-to-skate programs. Additional activities include youth hockey, high school hockey, adult hockey, figure skating, broomball. Private rental of the ice is also available.

17. What are Bumper Cars On Ice?

The bumper cars are basically a big rubber tube, with a seat in the middle that glides across the ice allowing you to take control using the handles on each side and crash into other bumper cars on the ice.

Each car is battery powered and contains small wheels on the bottom of the car that allow it to drive over the ice surface. The car is controlled by two handles on each side and allow the driver to move the car, forwards, backwards, sideways or perform a 360 degree rapid spin! The cars are all controlled by a remote control from the staff member in charge.