Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/501801
STARRINKS.COM MAY.JUNE.2015 / 17 Center on game nights. The reign- ing Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings skate at Toyota Sports Center when they're not at Staples Center. The Columbus Blue Jackets are lucky enough to call Nationwide Arena home for it all. The Jackets' practice rink, Ohio Health Ice Haus, resides under the same roof. When first built, it gave Nationwide an edge on other arenas because it was the first NHL arena to include both a game sheet and practice sheet in one venue. "A couple other arenas followed our path of adding a practice rink into their main facility," said Huffman, who oversees the ice on both rinks. "I think as more NHL venues are updating and moving, they do consider doing what we've done here at Nationwide." The Blue Jackets benefit from the dual sheets in multiple ways, including using the layout of the facility to land free agents. "As far the team goes, I think they use it almost as a recruiting tool when they're trying to get guys here," said Huffman. "For a lot of those players, it's nice to only have to go to one place everyday. You're not splitting time going to a practice rink that's in a completely different part of town. It makes things a little bit easier for them as far as commuting goes." The facility layout may be easier for the players, but Huffman admits it cre- ates obstacles for him and his staff. Both rinks run on the same refrigeration system. When used simultaneously, Huffman has to closely monitor and regulate temperatures to ensure both sheets are in good condition. It's all a part of the learning process. After all, they are the first to break ground on the two-sheet NHL combo platter. "I think as future teams build facilities like Nationwide, they will have separate refrigeration systems," Huffman said. "At least I would highly recommend it." Playing with the Big Boys When the Blue Jackets finish practice, the city's future stars hit the ice. Ohio Health Ice Haus is home for six AAA teams, two area high school teams and the ever- popular public skates. With seating for 750 available, it's a chance to see the game at every level. "It's a unique experience for those guys," Huffman said of the high school and AAA teams. "They can come in on the weekend and watch the Blue Jackets practice in the morning and know that they're going to play on that same ice later that day or eve- ning. I think it's kind of cool for the kids." Youth and high school hockey aren't the only growing programs. Adult hockey boasts a strong presence at Ice Haus and the Columbus area. Chiller Adult Hockey League has 21 adult league levels for ages 18 and above. Huffman credits the growth of hockey in Columbus to the Blue Jackets' commu- nity outreach. "They're not only building the sport at the youth level, but they're building at the adult level as well," he said. "If a parent is into hockey because he or she plays, odds , Continued on page 18 "It's so accessible for the event. Talking with guys last year, everything ran so smoothly that we are thrilled to have them back again." — IAN HUFFMAN, NATIONWIDE ARENA ICE TECHNICIAN