Bringing the Past into the Future

[Eldredman 81]

Ice guru's King and Knight have come up with a happy alternative for ice rinks in the VHL dealing with Covid related issues. Many fans won't come out to a hockey game due to all the restrictions that have been in place and seem to be more willing to o to other events outdoors. So why not bring the rink back outside?

From a command center inside their truck, they pump thousands of gallons of water and coolant to make the ice. The markings are made with a textile material rather than paint to better hold up to the elements. Also particular to these rinks are a thicker sheet of ice (approximately two inches), even relative to past outdoor games, which all used a sheet double the thickness of a standard indoor rink.

Sun, rain, wind and cold — too much or not enough — can make the ice conditions dangerous.

“We’ve been looking ahead to the weekend and we’ll just deal with whatever Mother Nature gives us,” King said. “We have the ability to make changes on the truck, if we have to put less water down or maybe shave more ice.”

Unfortunately for San Diego, with temperature that averages in the high 50's, an outdoor rink just isn't in the cards. At least, not until technology catches up to the minds of geniuses.

 

225 Words Claiming Week of March 7