Rink

January/February 2018

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54 / JANUARY.FEBRUARY.2018 USICERINKS.COM CEnter ice Q&A with a rink professional // How did you break into the ice rink industry? I grew up in Southeast D.C. and Fort DuPont Ice Arena was always a safe, fun place to hang out. Several of my friends worked here, and honestly, watching them drive the ice resurfacer really impressed me. Although I never really wanted to skate myself, I fell in love with ice hockey and would spend hours here watching local high school and college teams play. My first job in the industry was working at the Washington Capitals practice facil- ity in Arlington as a Manager on Duty. I learned about all aspects of ice rink management, including ice making and maintenance, ice resurfacing, compressor operations, etc. I managed the operations staff and loved my job, but the 30-60 min- ute commute was too much of a struggle. I wanted to stay in the business and thought maybe I could use what I learned working with the Capitals at my child- hood rink, which was within walking distance from my home. Fortunately, the new Operations Manager, Ty Newberry, gave me a chance to prove myself at Fort DuPont Ice Arena. I'm now the Facility Manager and could not be happier. // What has been the best thing you've experienced during you career? What has been the worst? The best thing has been attending NARCE the past few years and earning my CIT designation. The conferences allowed me to meet so many people from around the country that do my same job. I had never really thought of places like New Mexico having ice rinks! The worst thing that ever happened during my career was having a wheel bearing on the ice resurfacer break in the middle of a cut. The stall ended up dis- rupting a game and several practices until we could get an on-site mechanic to make the repair. // What advice would you give to those who want to work in the ice rink/arena industry? You don't need to be a skater to work at an ice rink, but be prepared to work in the cold. It also helps to like children, at least at our rink which is operated by a non- profit dedicated to teaching kids how to skate and play ice sports at little or no cost. // What three words best describe you? Patient, observant, friendly. // What is your favorite food? I'm a steak and potato kind of guy. // If you had the chance to travel somewhere you've never been, where would you go? Greece. I'm a big history buff and love Greek mythology. I'd really welcome the opportunity to travel there one day. // Who is your biggest influence? My mom, who taught me to work hard and follow my dreams. My daughter, who inspires me every day to do my best. My boss, Ty Newberry, who gave me the opportunity to do what I love at Fort DuPont Ice Arena. J PROFILE Name: Raymond Norman Facility: Friends of Fort DuPont Ice Arena U.S. Ice Rinks Professional Designations Achieved: CIT Number of years in industry: 9 years ALTHOUGH I NEVER REALLY WANTED TO SKATE MYSELF, I FELL IN LOVE WITH ICE HOCKEY AND WOULD SPEND HOURS HERE WATCHING LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE TEAMS PLAY. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF RAYMOND NORMAN Raymond Norman Washington, D.C.

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