Rink

Can we use something to help us keep a constant temperature and humidity in the rink area? Yes. We recommend a low-cost Thermometer/ Hygrometer which can be found at a store such as Radio Shack. Of course it's not highly accurate, but it can give a baseline and also detect problems. If you do not have an infrared thermometer to check your ice surface temperature, Radio Shack sells them for less than $60. The indoor thermometer/hygrometers are less than $30. The ice should be maintained at approximately 22-24 degrees, and the building temperature should be maintained at 55-60 degrees with an RH of 50 percent. If your building temperature is 60 degrees or higher, the RH should be at 40 percent. Also, if the building humidity rises, you will be forced to compensate with lower ice surface temperatures which will sacrifice ice quality! We noticed someone using a fire extinguisher to repair a hole in the ice. Can you tell us more about that? First of al, it was a CO 2 (carbon dioxide) fire extinguisher. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you do not use a regular ABC fire extinguisher to repair ice. In an emergency, a CO 2 canister from the snack bar can be used with a hose attached to it. Another great item to have in the IR room is a few cans of bubble gum remover. Bubble gum remover is a small spray can and will freeze small holes in the ice. In a situation where you have to use CO 2 to repair a hole in the ice, here are some tips: If the repair is over white ice, use layers of slush and water to fill them in. You want to do this in layers because if you try to freeze a hole that is too deep you will super-chill the surrounding ice and use a lot of CO 2 . Freezing it in layers will give you a better result. When filling a hole over painted lines and logos, I like to use water and freeze in layers. By using the water instead of slush it keeps the ice clear over the lines. When finished repairing a hole with CO 2 , you should use some warm water as the last step to help bring the ice back to a skateable temperature if skaters will be going on the repair right away. If you will be resurfacing the ice after the repair and before skaters will be on it, the hot water from the IR will do this for you. This operation would be a good thing to do as a training exercise with your staff before they need to actually do it during a busy game while a crowd is waiting for them. ★ ask dave 50 R INK MAGAZ INE sept ember/october 2007 ■ You have rink questions. Dave has rink answers. Send your questions to AskDave@rinkmagazine.com. Ice should be maintained at 22-24 degrees. Be sure not to use a regular ABC fire extinguisher to repair ice. NO! Call us for your all graphic needs 1.800.678.4041 You don't have to get this close to see our graphics. Dasher Graphics Reusable Ice logos Wall Banners Rink Wraps 2651 Peck St. | Muskegon, MI 49444 | www.graphicshouse.net STAR PHOTOS

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