Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1350211
BEHIND BUBBLE THE // Why Omaha as the location? Overall, that was a league (NCHC) deci- sion, and I was not involved in those discussions or the final decision. Having had the chance to participate in the event I would say this: In the midst of a pan- demic, COVID-19 precautions were of the utmost importance. The University of Nebraska Medical Center was absolutely critical in providing the testing protocols necessary to mitigate spread within the bubble. Undoubtably this was likely a significant factor in choosing a location. The location makes sense for teams in the league. The arena and surrounding hotel accommodations was ideal. Omaha's facility, Baxter Arena, is fantastic and two ice sheets were necessary to capture the volume of skating activity. All departments and staff members at UNO and Baxter Arena were absolutely amazing from arrival to departure. I have no doubt that the human resources at Omaha were also a major factor in the decision. I was impressed with everyone from the front office, events team, operations, ice crew and engineering. // Favorite part about this unique venture? Overall, it makes the facilities and league stronger. I really enjoy the professional relationships that are built during this type of event. We are able to share ideas and keep in touch throughout our careers. I enjoy new challenges and the opportunity to take a vision and help make it a reality. It is fulfilling to col- laborate efforts that allow the student athletes a chance to play the game. There have been so many negative things over the last year. To get a win in the event column reassures us that we can and will move forward. The smiles on all of the athletes' faces during the first practice says it all. // Anyone you would like to recognize? There were so many people involved with this event, I may need the rest of the magazine. I will do my best not to miss anyone: SCSU AD, Heather Weems, and NCHC Commissioner, Josh Fenton for allowing me to be a part of the event. Brett Larson and the rest of the SCSU Husky staff and team for allowing me to tag along with them throughout the pod. The entire UNO / Baxter Arena staff; Mike Kemp, Michael Smith, Jackson Overkamp, Ethan Anderson, Mike Nicola, Jason Smits, and the UNO coaching staff. Thank you to the following staff members: • Lead Ice Technician – Nate Wendel • Ice Resurfacer Operators: Garrett Hepperly, Devon Korth, Leo Bednarz, Jeff Kempter, Natalie Sekosan • Engineering: Pete Petrini and James Kruse Special thank you to Alec Christian. Alec was most valuable staff member on the ice crew throughout the duration of the pod. While everyone played an important role for the event, Alec single-handedly pulled all of the overnight shifts for ice maintenance. This position was absolutely critical for maintaining ice thickness throughout the 21-day event. J The POD ice by the numbers: 1 CONFERENCE 8 TEAMS 1 FACILITY 2 ICE SURFACES 2 ICE RESURFACERS 38 GAMES 127 PRACTICES 580 ICE RESURFACES 10 INCHES OF ICE REMOVED AND BUILT 20,000 GALLONS OF WATER USED (GAMES ONLY) "THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY NEGATIVE THINGS OVER THE LAST YEAR. TO GET A WIN IN THE EVENT COLUMN REASSURES US THAT WE CAN AND WILL MOVE FORWARD. THE SMILES ON ALL OF THE ATHLETES' FACES DURING THE FIRST PRACTICE SAYS IT ALL." The University of Nebraska Medical Center provided the necessary testing and guidance to maintain a safe environment. 34 / MARCH.APRIL.2021 USICERINKS.COM Omaha's ice crew adapted extremely well to pull of this unique challenge. PHOTOS: MARK KUHLMANN, CORY PORTNER AND NATE WENDEL