Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/797481
USICERINKS.COM MARCH.APRIL.2017 / 37 and using an ice depth measurement logbook to record them is a great start. The measurements can also be shared by writing them on a whiteboard in the ice resurfacer room highlighting high and low spots, along with allowing operators to leave each other notes. This will help to ensure that all ice resurfacer operators are aware of the current ice conditions. 2. The Leveling Flood Myth While visiting skating facilities we still encounter operators using a fire hose to flood the ice sheet with a half-inch or more of water, knowing it will take hours to freeze. When we ask what they are doing, the operator normally says he was doing a "leveling flood." When asked why they are putting so much water down on the ice sheet, they tell us that the water will flow to the low spots on the surface, thus resulting in a level ice sheet when it is frozen. This flooding method was taught to him by his boss, who learned from his boss, who probably learned it from someone who took care of the ice at a curling club. Since curling clubs do not have an ice resurfacer to cut and level the ice properly, they will often times use a fire hose and flood the entire ice surface, hoping to get the worn-out center section to be level with the outside areas. This practice may be fine for a curling ice surface that will never see a skate blade, but it is detrimental to an ice sheet that will be skated on. The reality is, this practice will only level the ice surface of a skating rink for a very short period of time. When the ice is flooded with this amount of water, it absorbs air as it slowly freezes from the bottom up. This results in ice that is so soft and full of air that skate blades tear it up, turning it into excessive snow, and the ice resurfacer shaves it out easily the next day. So, then you are back to flooding the following night. If you need to build ice in a particular area of the rink, the best and most effective way is to use a garden hose and apply light sprays of water, allowing the water to freeze completely between each layer. This allows for a good bond between each layer with no air trapped in the ice. You can build the ice just as quickly this way and it will be ultimately more dense and durable than an air-filled ice sheet. Another method to build ice would be to use an ice resurfacer. This is a good method for building the thickness of the entire ice sheet. As long as you are using hot water (hint: hot water holds less air than cold water), only lay down around 100 gallons per flood, and allow the water to freeze completely before doing another flood, you will have good results. Remember, the goal is to avoid having the water sit on the ice surface in a puddle for an extended period of time, absorbing air. 3. Edging Edging daily is crucial to a level ice surface. All ice resurfacer blades are mounted to the blade holder so that the outer portions of the blade are tapered to prevent grooves in the ice. However, this creates a situation where the ice is not being shaved all the way to the edge of the boards, therefore the ice builds up over the course of a day. The edger should be adjusted so that it cuts more in high spots (i.e. corners, ice resurfacer gate) and less in low spots (i.e. player and penalty box areas). The edger should not be cutting the same all the way around the rink. 4. Goal Creases Goal creases are an area of the ice that needs constant maintenance. The ice in this area is perpetually low due to goalies shaving it with their skate blades, and the ice resurfacer going over this area several times each resurface. The first suggestion we have for low spots around the crease area is to have the operators change up their resurfacing pattern on a regular basis. For example, during one resurface go one lap around the perimeter of the rink, then up the middle of the ice. The next resurface go two laps around the perimeter, then up the middle. Then the next ice resurface Ice maintenance is an ongoing process.