Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/972939
54 / MAY.JUNE.2018 USICERINKS.COM CEnter ice Q&A with a rink professional PHOTOS: COURTESY OF TANNER BAKER // What has been your favorite part about working in an ice arena? My favorite part of working in an ice arena would have to be the challenges that we must overcome on a daily basis, and not knowing what the next challenge may be. I enjoy solving problems and doing what- ever it takes to get the job done. // You recently worked on the ice crew in the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. What was that experience like? Being selected for the 2018 Olympic ice crew was truly an honor and could pos- sibly be the highlight of my entire career. Working with the other ice technicians was an amazing experience full of memo- ries that will last a life time. Working at that level has proved that no detail is too small when it comes to making a "perfect" sheet of ice. // I know it seems like we're all at the rink (or a rink) 24/7, but when you do find time away, what are you likely doing? I am an avid outdoorsman. Whether it's hunting, fishing, camping, trap shooting or target practice, I truly enjoy being outdoors. // We all run into those 'oh crap' moments, sometimes close calls that can be downright scary. What's that moment for you? It happened a couple of years ago when a crew member punctured a glycol line in our floor before warmups, with a close to sold-out crowd and a post-game jersey auction. After a valiant effort, we were unable to repair the broken pipe by game- time and we were forced to reschedule the game which was rather disappointing. We now replace the marsh pegs sleeves in the concrete every season to avoid issues. // What's your go-to piece of advice for new employees? Ask questions and always be on time. If you aren't sure about something or don't feel comfortable doing a task, stop for a moment and ask for help. It is much safer and easier to ask for help than to do some- thing incorrectly and have to do it again. // What's your biggest challenge as a facility manager? It would have to be time management. As anyone in the arena business knows, it is difficult to balance a demanding work schedule and a family life. We all have to make sacrifices when equipment breaks down and our families are left disappoint- ed due to our responsibilities. J Tanner Baker PROFILE Name: Tanner Baker Title: Rink Manager Facility: Ice Box U.S. Ice Rinks Professional Designations Achieved: CIT Years in the Ice Rink Industry: 13 years Lincoln, Neb. PIECE OF ADVICE: ASK QUESTIONS AND ALWAYS BE ON TIME. IF YOU AREN'T SURE ABOUT SOMETHING OR DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE DOING A TASK, STOP FOR A MOMENT AND ASK FOR HELP.