Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1350211
s I sit here in front of my computer, I struggle to find the words to describe just how proud I am to be part of an industry, that unlike others, has proved that it is capable of continuing to march forward in the face of unprecedented challenges. I must admit, I was concerned early on that a large number of rinks across the country would struggle to keep their doors open. But that hasn't happened, there have actually been more new rinks built and opened than existing rinks closed over the past year. Who would've ever thought that we would have more sheets of ice available to current and future skaters in our country today than we did at the start of 2020? This is a testament to the passion, commitment and work ethic of the people that work in our industry. I want to thank each and every one of you for all that you do to make "going to the rink" a unique and memorable experience for your customers. This issue of RINK focuses on a variety of topics, some new and some old. Starting on page 18 we have featured one of our Facility Member rinks, ION International Training Center, that is impressive both in its size and intended purpose. As spring approaches, being prepared to control humidity in your rink is going to be important, so we have included an article about dehumidifier maintenance. Have you wondered what it was like to hold high-level hockey and figure skating events in a 'Bubble'? Starting on page 31 there is a great behind-the-scenes look at what it took to provide consistent quality ice conditions for an NCHC college hockey event held over three weeks this past winter. When our rinks are able to open to normal capacity, we will need to be creative in how we fill our ice. Our Real Programs feature about Adaptive Skating programs should give you some food for thought on how you might be able to provide more opportunities for people in your community to experience the joy of skating. Finally, we have featured one of our members, a diehard Boston Bruins fan, that recently earned the Certified Ice Rink Manager professional designation. I hope you enjoy this issue of RINK and as always, if you have an idea for an article reach out to us, we would love to hear it. All the best, — Jeff Theiler, Chief Operating Officer, United States Ice Rink Association Opening ADDRESS Welcome from Jeff Theiler Rink Industry Resiliency THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED STATES ICE RINK ASSOCIATION MARCH/APRIL 2021 // VOL. 24, NO. 2 USICERINKS.COM // INFO@USICERINKS.COM C E O Steve Farbman P R E S I D E N T James McEwen S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T David Jensen C O N T R O L L E R Mike Schwarz C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R Rob Johnson A RT D I R E C T O R Mike DeArmond S E N I O R D E S I G N E R Brandon Favre D E S I G N E R Kelsey Cherwinka A D S A L E S Bryan Nelson M A R K E T I N G & AC C O U N T M A NAG E R Jessica Disch E D I T O R S : Aaron Paitich, Jessi Pierce M A R K E T I N G C O O R D I NAT O R Elizabeth Boger RINK Magazine is the definitive business publication for professionals in the ice rink industry and is the leading source for information on facility management, operations and programming. PUBLISHING PARTNER 505 North Highway 169, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55441 P H : (763) 595-0808 FA X : (763) 595-0016 E - M A I L : info@touchpointmedia.com W E B S I T E : touchpointmedia.com Mission: "To advance the ice rink industry through membership, world-class education, training, resources and events." C H I E F O P E R AT I N G O F F I C E R Jeff Theiler D I R E C T O R , E D U CAT I O N John Monteleone O F F I C E A S S I S T A N T Tom Wacker P H : ( 719) 538-1149 FA X : (719) 538-7838 E - M A I L : info@usicerinks.com W E B S I T E : usicerinks.com A P R O G R A M O F E D I T O R Aaron Paitich M A NAG I N G E D I T O R Jessi Pierce C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S Mary Johanson, John Monteleone, Cory Portner, Jeff Theiler, Ryan Williamson E D I T O R I A L B OA R D T.C. Lewis, John Monteleone, Craig Petersen, Jeff Theiler D E S I G N E R S Mike DeArmond, Brandon Favre, Kelsey Cherwinka 14 / MARCH.APRIL.2021 USICERINKS.COM When our rinks are able to open to normal capacity, we will need to be creative in how we fill our ice. A