Rink

CEnter ice Q&A with a U.S. Ice Rinks Member // What led to you choosing a career in the rink industry? It's funny—I didn't really choose the rink industry. In many ways, it chose me. When I graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 1987 with a degree in Recreation and Leisure Services, my practicum unexpectedly fell through at the last minute. The person I had arranged it with left the department without telling anyone, so I suddenly found myself scrambling to figure out how I was going to graduate. Out of options, I reached out to my home - town Parks and Recreation Department to see if they could help on short notice. The Director Faye Miller, pointed me toward the local arena manager, Marv Bednar, who told me, "Yes, you can work here— and you can start tomorrow." I jumped in right away, helping prepare the arena for the season—cleaning, paint - ing, and taking care of maintenance tasks. It wasn't what I had originally pictured for my practicum, but it turned out to be a turning point. After my practicum, I stayed on part- time as a night supervisor. Within a few months, I was promoted to Recreation Specialist, and not long after that, I stepped into the role of Arena Manager—without ever going through a formal interview. It all happened very organically. I spent the next eight years in a dual role before moving on to become the Ice Arena Manager in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. Since then, I've stayed in the arena industry, building a career in facil - ity management. Looking back, what started as a last- minute solution turned into a career path I never expected—but one that's been incredibly rewarding. // You've announced that you'll be retiring soon from your position with the City of Burnsville, what were some of the stops along the way? I've actually been very fortunate in that my career has included just three major stops. I began with the Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Department and City Dean Mulso PROFILE Facility: Burnsville Ice Center Job Title: Recreation and Facilities Manager Years in the ice rink industry: 38 U.S. Ice Rink Association Certifications: CIRM, CIT, CRA Burnsville, Minnesota 56 / MAY.JUNE.2026 USICERINKS.COM k Burnsville Ice Center opened in 1972 and added a second sheet in 1985, the same year the Burnsville boys' high school team won the State Championship. PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED, VINTAGE MN HOCKEY

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