Whether it’s for hockey, figure skating, or open public skates, a lot goes into maintaining a perfect sheet of ice.
Keeping the ice at the Ilderton Arena and Komoka Wellness Centre at an optimal depth of 1.25 inches (3.175 cm) starts with measuring. Twice a week, staff drill holes at 29 spots across the ice to record the depth. They then use that information to adjust the ice thickness using the ice resurfacer ("Zamboni").
Manually measuring and recording the depths used to take staff hours per week. To improve the process, Middlesex Centre has recently started using the Sub-Zero Ice Management System. Using digital calipers linked to a phone or tablet, the new system allows staff to create an ice depth map in about 15 minutes per rink.
“We’re looking at this system as part of our ice management tool box,” said Justin Fidler, Middlesex Centre’s Manager of Community Services. “The depth checks are automatically filed electronically, and facility operators are quickly able to diagnose problem areas on the ice surface.”
Middlesex Centre is one of the first municipalities in North America to embrace this new technology, which is used by several large arenas serving NHL teams. Not only is it freeing up staff to take on other tasks, but improving the depth consistency keeps the ice in top condition and reduces energy use and wear-and-tear on the arenas’ refrigeration plants.
“The new system is proving to save staff time and improve measurement accuracy,” added Justin. “It’s saving us money on our energy bill and supporting our drive toward NetZero greenhouse gas emissions.”