Largest Arena Complex Expands - ISISystem Meet Us in Minneapolis for iACT 2007 World’s Largest...

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2007

Making FunPriority No. 1

Replacing YourRefrigerationSystem

Meet Us inMinneapolis foriACT 2007

World’sLargest ArenaComplexExpandsto a Dozen Surfaces

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PublisherIce Skating Institute

EditorLori Fairchild

Editorial AdvisorsPeter MartellPatti Feeney

Print Production andAdvertising Sales Manager

Carol Jackson

Art DirectorCindy Winn Livingston

ContributorsMark E. Battersby

Bill CarlsonDavid Jacobson

Rob McBrideScott McCoy

The ISI EDGE (USPS 017-078,ISSN 1522-4651) is publishedbimonthly; January/February,March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October,November/December; by theIce Skating Institute, 17120N. Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 140,Dallas, TX 75248-1187.Annual Subscription Rateis $24.00 per year.Periodicals postage paid atDallas, TX, and at addi-tional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER NOTE: Sendaddress changes to ISI EDGE,c/o The Ice Skating Institute,17120 N. Dallas Pkwy., Ste.140, Dallas, TX, 75248-1187.Printed in the U.S.A.

Subscriptions availablethrough membership only.

©2007 by the Ice SkatingInstitute. Reproduction inwhole or in part is prohibit-ed unless expressly autho-rized in writing by publish-er. All rights reserved.Opinions expressed by con-tributors do not necessarilyrepresent the views of theIce Skating Institute, thepublisher or the advertisers.Submissions of manuscripts,materials, photographs, andartwork are made at mailer’srisk and must include self-addressed envelope with suf-ficient postage for return.No responsibility will beassumed for unsolicitedmaterials. ISI reserves theright to edit material sub-mitted for content andspace consideration.

Volume 9, Number 4 January/February 2007

D E P A R T M E N T S

CrossCuts Announcements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Coaches’ Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

ISIA Education Foundation Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Ice Arena Association News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Calendar ISI-Endorsed Competitions & Shows/Exhibitions . . . . . . . 36

And Another Thing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

iAIM 2007 School Lineup. . . . . . . . . 6by Rob McBride

Ask iAIM: Replacing YourRefrigeration System . . . . . . . . . . 8by Scott McCoy

Year-Round Tax Deductions forIndependent Contractors . . . . 14by Mark E. Battersby

Make Fun Priority No. 1 . . . 18by Bill Carlson_______________COVER FEATURESchwan Super Rink. . . . . . 20World’s Largest ArenaComplex Expands to aDozen Surfacesby Lori Fairchild

Balance is Key, On and Off the Ice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28by David Jacobson

OPERATIONS

MANAGEMENT

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2007

Making FunPriority No. 1Replacing YourRefrigerationSystem

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CONTENTS

COVER FEATURE: Schwan Super Rink, page 20

PROGRAMMING

SPECIAL INSERT:iACT 2007

4

Dedicated to providing leadership,education and services to the

ice skating industry.

ICE SKATING INSTITUTE17120 N. Dallas Parkway, Suite 140

Dallas, TX 75248-1187Phone: (972) 735-8800

Fax: (972) 735-8815e-mail: [email protected]

www.skateisi.org

ISI INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

Executive DirectorPeter Martell

Managing Director, Member Programs & Services

Patti FeeneyNational Events &

Skating Program CoordinatorRandy Winship

Administrative AssistantKathy Chase

Controller & Tradeshow ManagerKaren Schaffer

Membership CoordinatorKimberley RusselleAdvertising Sales &

Print Production ManagerCarol Jackson

Sponsorship Sales ManagerStuart Sedransky

Marketing & Graphic Design CoordinatorSelma Filipovic

Information Services CoordinatorJeff Anderson

Customer Service CoordinatorAngela Tooley

ISI OFFICERS

President Jim Hartnett1st Vice President Mike Paikin2nd Vice President Janice ForbesTreasurer Richard ArenellaSecretary Margy BennettImmediate Past President Jim LangePast President Boyd Wietecter

DIRECTORS

District 1 Katy HaydenDistrict 2 Robyn BentleyDistrict 3 Lisa FedickDistrict 4 Christine Wilson BrintonDistrict 5 Shane DouglasDistrict 6 Toni CooperDistrict 7 Maria KomanDistrict 8 Tom HickeyDistrict 9 Dan SmithDistrict 10 Char MartinDistrict 11 Liz MangelsdorfDistrict 12 Debbie LaneDistrict 13 Cindy JensenDistrict 14 Paige ScottDistrict 15 Bert BlanchetteDistrict 16 Cindy SolbergDistrict 18 Glyn JonesHockey Kevin McCormackBuilders & Suppliers Doug PetersInstructors David SanteeCommercial Facilities Scott SlavenskyPublic/Not-for-Profit Facilities Pete CarlsonSchools, Colleges, UniversitiesiAIM Chair Rob McBridePSA Representative Gerry LaneUSFSA Representative Homer HagedornISIAsia Representative Raul GomesAMMA Representative Trudy IvoryMAMA Representative Rob MuellerMIAMA Representative Russ RoseMIRMA Representative Judy SniffenWIAMA RepresentativeEducation Foundation Don BartelsonLifetime Honorary Member Carol Zdziebko

CROSSCUTSannouncements

ISI EDGE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2007

New ISI membership rates now in effectDALLAS — The Ice Skating Institute has announced the following membershiprates for 2007:• Administrative - $350 U.S.; $375 international• Builder/Supplier - $450 U.S.; $475 international• Professional - $75 U.S.; $85 international

Send announcements and photos to [email protected]. Look for facility news on ISIOnline, at skateisi.org.

Feeney announces retirementDALLAS — Patti Feeney, CAM, CAP, has announced herretirement as ISI’s managing director of member programsand services, effective March 1. Feeney, named ISI Woman ofthe Year in 1991, also has served on the ISI board of directorsand was a former member of both PSA and USFSA. She was afigure skating coach for 20 years and managed the Galleriaand Prestonwood ice rinks in Dallas for a total of 12 years.Her figure skating titles include U.S. gold medalist in figures,freestyle, pairs, dance and free dance; New England novicechampion and dance silver medalist; U.S. senior pairs bronze

medalist; and member of the North American and world teams. Legendary coachRon Ludington created the throw Axel with Feeney and her partner, Pieter Kollen,who became the first team to execute the difficult move.

“Patti and I have worked together in various capacities for more than 20 years,and she is going to be sorely missed,” said ISI Executive Director Peter Martell.“Her combination of management skills and skating background make her uniquein the ice skating industry. She has carried out her duties at ISI with great exper-tise and a wonderful sense of humor, which has always been one of the keys to hersuccess. She sees skating as it’s supposed to be — fun — yet understands it as anindustry. Her contributions to the sport as well as the industry leave them bothbetter off today.”

Fedick honored as ‘SportsPerson of the Year’

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — The FairfieldCounty Sports Commission has namedLisa Fedick, CAE, Bridgeport’s “SportsPerson of the Year” for her 17 years ofcharitable and community involve-ment. Fedick is the ISI board represen-tative for District 3 and executive direc-tor of Wonderland of Ice.

Aviator Sports namesHunka skating director

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Aviator Sportsand Recreation, the new 25-acresports complex located at Floyd Ben-nett Field, has appointed Ryan Hunkadirector of skating and creative per-formance of Aviator Figure SkatingAcademy. Hunka is the 1992 U.S.national junior men’s champion.

ISI appoints Winship national events/program coordinatorDALLAS — Randy Winship is the new national events and skat-ing program coordinator for the Ice Skating Institute. He comesto ISI from the Pasadena Ice Skating Center in California, wherehe has served as skating director for three years. Winship bringsmore than 20 years of experience to the position, includingactive involvement in ISI programs, conferences, competitionsand committees. He has started ISI programs worldwide and isthe competition director and chief referee for Skate Asia. Win-ship replaces Barb Yackel, who recently returned to her homestate of Minnesota after three years with ISI.

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AnnouncesGroundbreaking 2007 School Lineup

by Rob McBride

Arena managers and operatorswill not want to miss theexceptional educational oppor-

tunities being offered by iAIM in2007. In addition to one-day regionalseminars presented across the coun-try, iAIM will offer three weeklongschools that will provide the mostcomprehensive in-depth trainingavailable in the ice arena industry.

Two schools will be held May 5-10 at iAIM’s new home: Adrian Col-lege in Adrian, Mich. Plans include aCertified Arena Operator (CAO)course as well as a newly createdSchool of Arena Planning, Design,

Engineering, Construction and Reno-vation. Both courses will be 30-hourcertificate programs that will includeclassroom as well as hands-on learn-ing opportunities.

The CAO course is a must for everyarena manager and operator. The cer-tification course provides in-depthtraining on all aspects of ice arenaoperation and maintenance. Whetheryou are new to the industry or a sea-soned veteran, you will leave theschool with an abundance of practicalknowledge for improving the qualityand efficiency of your facility. Classtopics will include refrigeration princi-

ples, operation and maintenance,HVAC and dehumidification, buildingand grounds maintenance, energy effi-ciency, emergency preparedness andsafety, and every other proficiencyneeded for the quality operation andmaintenance of an ice arena.

If you are considering building anew arena or expanding/renovatingan existing facility, you will want toregister for the School of Arena Plan-ning, Design, Engineering, Construc-tion and Renovation. This coursetakes you step by step through theprocess of planning, designing andconstructing a new facility, as well as

ISI EDGE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2007 7

expanding or renovating an existingarena. You will learn valuable lessonsfrom experienced professionals thatwill help you avoid common mistakesand give you the framework for a suc-cessful project.

Topics include feasibil-ity planning, creative fund-ing and business plans,space requirements, siteselection, design options,project management, postcompletion startup andmuch more! The instruc-tors will include experi-enced arena/sport facilitydesigners and developersas well as the leadingmanufacturers of ice arenaequipment.

A unique feature ofthe class will be theopportunity to witness firsthand theconstruction of the new Adrian Col-lege arena. This state-of-the-art facili-ty and iAIM training center will fea-ture the most cutting-edge equipmentand design practices in the industry.

The tuition for either school isjust $725 per person plus room andboard for the week. Investing in oneof these iAIM schools can generatevaluable insurance premium credits

for your arena and will provide youwith the tools necessary to excel as aprofessional in the ice arena industry.

In addition, iAIM will be offeringthe annual School of Ice Technologies(SIT) June 10-15 at the Schottenstein

Center at Ohio State University inColumbus, Ohio. The class is organizedin partnership with the InternationalAssociation of Assembly Managers. Itis an intensive course covering all

aspects of ice installationand maintenance. Atten-dees include ice techni-cians from large arenasand civic centers, collegearenas and even somecommunity ice arenas thatwant to produce profes-sional quality ice. If youshare our passion for ice,start making plans to bepart of the SIT school.

Don’t miss these oppor-tunities to stand out as amember of the leadingclass in the ice arena indus-try. For more information

or to register for these iAIM education-al programs, visit www.skateisi.comand click on the iAIM logo.

Rob McBride, CAE, is chair of the iAIMboard of regents.

iAIM will offer three weeklong schools that will

provide the most comprehensive

in-depth training available

in the ice arena industry.


tem (R-22), the use of DLR in new construction and renova-tion has almost entirely ceased.

The industry standard for community ice arenas today isindirect refrigeration. This method uses a chilled heat trans-fer fluid (primarily brine or glycol) that circulates throughthe ice floor piping to freeze the ice. The fluid flows througha heat exchanger (chiller) that removes the heat absorbedfrom the ice floor and transfers it to the outdoors via com-pressors and a condenser.

There are two options for ice floor construction: sandor concrete. Concrete slabs offer seasonal arenas the oppor-tunity to host non-ice activities such as street hockey,indoor soccer, small tradeshows, etc. when the ice is out.A sand floor is a viable option for a year-round facility thatdoes not remove the ice or plan dry-floor uses. A concreteslab will add $60,000 to $90,000 to the cost of a new icefloor. Both floor options have similar heat transfer charac-teristics when the greater ice thickness required for a sandfloor is factored. If you choose a concrete slab, it is impor-tant to select a cement contractor experienced in super-level monolithic floors.

Other ice floor choices include:

• Polyethylene (poly) or steel pipingThe standard is currently 1-inch poly piping spacedevery 3.5 inches on center. Steel piping provides bet-ter heat transfer but is extremely expensive and sub-ject to corrosion.

• Buried or exposed header pipesBuried headers are located inside the ice floor and areconsidered more energy-efficient than exposed head-ers since the heat they absorb contributes to ice cool-ing. Exposed headers provide access to pipe connec-tions in an accessible trench. They are prone to frost-ing the floor above and add heat to the system. In ahigh-quality installation, buried header connectionsshould not be a leaking concern over the useful life ofthe floor.

• Thickness of concreteThe planned uses of the floor will dictate the struc-tural design and thickness. Most community arenadesigns call for a 5-inch-thick steel-reinforced slabwith no more than 1 inch of concrete above the pipes.In larger arenas that contemplate heavy weight loadsfrom special events, a thicker slab and more reinforc-ing is used.

• Defrost floorIt should be standard practice to install a defrost floorwith every new ice floor. Generally these are con-structed of a 5- to 8-inch layer of sand with poly tubesspaced 18 to 24 inches apart. A heat transfer fluid iscirculated through the pipes to maintain the groundunder the ice floor at approximately 40 F to preventfrost from forming. Waste compressor heat is oftenused as the heat source for the defrost floor. The addi-tional cost is a fraction of the total ice floor cost andprovides critical protection from future slab failuredue to heaving.

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We’re getting ready to change refriger-ation and I’d appreciate any advice. Wehave a direct R-22 refrigeration system.I’d be interested in hearing input on

what type of system (direct or indirect and refrig-erant) you would recommend — or not recom-mend — and why. Our tentative plans includethe floor and refrigeration to replace our 85-by-200 rink and adding a smaller studio rink. We’llbe doing other projects (additional locker roomsand a field house) soon after, so there will beopportunities to use wasted heat from the com-pressor room.

The question you pose is a good one; there aremany options available today for the design andconstruction of a new ice floor and refrigerationsystem. The choices you make will have a pro-found impact on future operating costs and ice

quality at your facility.First, it is important to understand that direct liquid

refrigeration (DLR) systems like yours are very energy-effi-cient when operating properly. However, due to their largerefrigerant volume (4,000 to 8,000 pounds per surface) andthe phase-out of the refrigerant employed in this type of sys-

Ask

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Continued on page 10

A steel floor at an NHL facility is ready for the concrete pour. Courtesy of CIMCO Refrigeration


Continued from page 10

• InsulationRigid foam insulation board is used to slow the transferof ground heat to the ice floor. This reduces the coolingrequirement and slows the formation of frost under thefloor. Most floors are designed with 4 inches of insula-tion. Experts agree that increasing the insulation above4 inches does not provide a benefit commensurate withthe added cost.

The other major component of your decision is the refriger-ation plant and associated equipment. Refrigeration tech-nology has improved tremendously over the past 30 yearsand provides excellent options for your new system. Someof your choices will include:

• Refrigerant typeThe two primary refrigerants used in ice arenas todayare R-22 (Freon) and R-717 ammonia. The MontrealProtocol phases out production of chlorine-basedrefrigerants such as R-22, making it a risky option inregard to future costs and availability. Ammonia is oneof the oldest and most efficient refrigerants. It has noozone-depleting potential. Some local codes restrictthe use of ammonia or require additional safety mea-sures due to its toxicity and perceived danger. Thereare new refrigerants coming into the market thatshould also be investigated for their potential use,however, most are not as efficient as ammonia.

• Heat transfer fluidIndirect ice arena chillers use either a brine solution orglycol as the heat transfer fluid. Brine has better heat

transfer properties and is less expensive, but it canbecome corrosive when air is present. Glycol optionsinclude ethylene or propylene types. Propylene is foodgrade and nontoxic; however, it is less efficient than eth-ylene and typically costs more.

• Chiller heat exchanger typeSome of your options include direct expansion shell-and-tube, flooded shell-and-tube, and plate-and-frame.Direct expansion is usually the least expensive to pur-chase and most expensive to operate. Flooded heatexchangers are more efficient than direct expansionbut have a larger refrigerant volume. Plate-and-frameheat exchangers are becoming very common in newrefrigeration plants, especially replacement systems inexisting facilities. They require much less space andrefrigerant volume than both shell-and-tube types,and their thin stainless steel or titanium plates are veryeffective for heat transfer.

• Compressor typeMost ice arena refrigeration systems use reciprocatingcompressors for their lower initial cost and better part-load efficiency. Small screw compressors have been usedmore frequently in ice refrigeration plants the past 10years. Careful consideration of the lifetime cost (purchase,maintenance and energy) demonstrates that reciprocat-ing compressors are a better value for the communityarena application. The system design should incorporatemeasures to reduce the pressure lift of the compressor(oversized chiller and condenser) to reduce the energyconsumption and internal wear of the unit.

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• Waste heat recoveryYour new system should be designed to utilize as much ofthe refrigeration waste heat as practical. The heat is usu-ally extracted from the high-temperature refrigerant gasleaving the compressor by a gas-to-liquid heat exchang-er. Heat uses include snow melting, defrost floor heat,and water and space heating. An arena refrigeration man-ufacturer has introduced a new system that is capable ofcapturing virtually all refrigeration heat for practical uses.Explore the option of utility rebates and incentives todefray the added cost of these types of systems.

• CondenserThe three primary choices for condenser types are air-cooled, water-cooled and evaporative condensing. Air-cooled is usually only an option for winter seasonalarenas in most climates. Water-cooled condensers usea gas-to-liquid heat exchanger to transfer compressedrefrigerant heat to water that is circulated through acooling tower. Evaporative condensing removes heatfrom the refrigerant through evaporation of water onthe condenser coils. It is usually the most efficientcondensing method but requires a larger system refrig-erant volume than water-cooled.

• ControlsModern technology has revolutionized ice arena refrig-eration control. You will now be able to control the ice


temperature at the surface where it really matters.Infrared cameras and microprocessor controls will giveyou the flexibility to schedule the ice temperaturebased on the type of usage and reduce energy by rais-ing the ice temperature when the arena is not in use.Some manufacturers will recommend variable speedcontrols to modulate the system pumps and fans. Ifthe entire system is not designed for this applicationand sufficient logic control is not available, the vari-able speed controls will be a waste of money that couldactually be detrimental to the system efficiency.

The bottom line is that you have a myriad of options avail-able to you. The best approach is to determine the long-term uses and priorities of the arena and then choose thedesign and systems that best meet those criteria. Look atlifetime costs rather than the initial cost; you will oftenfind that the least expensive alternatives will be the mostexpensive in the long term. Seek out utility incentives andrebates to help fund your upgrade.

Feel free to contact me or any iAIM alumni with ques-tions or advice as you progress through your project. Alsoconsider attending the iAIM Arena Design & ConstructionSchool coming up next spring. Good luck!

— Scott McCoyVice President of Operations

Facility Management [email protected]

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box” tax rules permit many of us tochoose to be treated as a sole propri-

etorship, a corporation or a partner-ship right on the tax return, the deci-sion is far more complex — and longerlasting — than that.

Now might be a good time to dis-cuss with your tax professional the beststructure for your business.

The officeIf, like many coaches and instructors,you are based or regularly work fromhome, you may be entitled to a taxdeduction for expenses related to oper-ating that home office. This deduction,in fact, may be available even if youperform the bulk of your activities atice arenas or other venues.

CommutingGenerally, commuting expensesbetween a skating coach’s residence and

Year-Round Tax Savingsfor Independent Contractors

by Mark E. Battersby

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Instructors and coaching profession-als often find themselves caught upin the tax process — often when it

is too late to have a real impact on theirtax bills. Generally, under our tax laws,a transaction must be completed priorto the end of the tax year. That meansDec. 31 for most coaches and instruc-tors as well as ice arenas using a calen-dar year.

Fortunately, it is not too late tomake the most of your tax deductionsfor 2006 and to plan for 2007’s taxreturn. Consider the top tax deductionsfor independent contractors such ascoaches and instructors:

In the beginningThis is a good time to think about theform in which your activities are con-ducted. While the IRS’s “check-the-


a rink or other business location are notdeductible. However, an individual whoworks at two or more different locationsin a day may deduct the cost of goingfrom one place to another.

Those coaches who use theirhomes as their principal place of busi-ness are permitted to deduct trans-portation expenses between theirhomes and another work location. Thisrule applies regardless of whether thework location is temporary or regularand regardless of distance.

Legal and professional feesIt addition to those perfectly legiti-mate commissions paid by a skatingcoach, payments made to lawyers, taxprofessionals or consultants are gen-erally deducted in the year incurred.If, however, that work clearly relatesto future years, the expenses must bededucted over the life of the benefitreceived from the lawyer or otherprofessional.

Costumes and uniformsThe cost and upkeep of special cloth-ing, including laundering and cleaning,are usually deductible so long as thecostume or uniform is not adaptable to

general wear. In fact, a tax deduction isallowed for special items required in askating instructor’s work that do notreplace items of ordinary clothing, suchas skates, special shoes or gloves, alongwith protective clothing.

Benefiting from businessUncle Sam wants you to get better atwhat you do, as well as enjoy the fruitof your labor — after taxes. Aninstructor, coach or other profession-al can, for example, deduct the cost ofeducation or improving existing skills,as long as they are related to skating.The cost of education that qualifiesyou for a new job or profession is notdeductible, of course.

Then, there are enjoyable, enter-taining tax deductions. Frequently,important business meetings, clientcontacts and marketing efforts occur atrestaurants, golf courses or sportingevents. Under our tax rules, self-employed professionals can generallydeduct half of the cost of their business-related entertainment.

Who runs whomStill unresolved is the highly com-plex question of who is an indepen-

dent contractor and who is anemployee. Facilities that use the ser-vices of independent skating profes-sionals avoid the necessity of payrolltaxes. Many instructors and coachesprefer the independent contractorlabel because of the flexibility it pro-vides as well as the additional taxwrite-offs permitted.

Our lawmakers and the IRS haveyet to present substantial guidelines tofully resolve this controversy. Evenworse, many states have become moreaggressive in reclassifying workers evenbefore the IRS does. Check with anadviser to guarantee that you — and allindependent contractors your opera-tion uses — qualify at both the stateand federal levels.

Taxes, the related hazards andbenefits, are on everyone’s mind atthis time of the year. What bettertime to guarantee that you claim alldeductions while simultaneouslyincorporating tax strategies into the2007 tax plans for you and your skat-ing activities?

Mark E. Battersby regularly reports on taxand financial news for business journals,newspapers and trade publications.


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My life’s work has taken me tomany places throughout theworld. I have witnessed first-

hand that there is a common bondamong all populations on the planet: adesire to pursue fun and social interac-tion through interactive play, creatingmemorable experiences.

The great Walt Disney Co. leadsthe amusement and entertainmentindustry by creating memorable expe-riences for its guests.Disney is also anexpert at creating per-ceived value — theprice guests are willingto pay for the experi-ence. The best andmost memorable partabout a day at Disneyis the fun that guestshave during their stay.They return again andagain because of thememories of theirenjoyable experiences.

The same principleapplies to ice skatingfacilities. Guests’ expe-riences during their vis-its will determine howmuch they are willingto spend and howoften they will return.

In reality, theindustry is failing toredefine its core prod-uct for the speed atwhich today’s con-sumer lives andexpects instant gratifi-cation. New technolo-gy and attractionshave assisted and enhanced offerings,but without core product develop-ment, they are a Band-Aid, at best.

The ice skating industry is in aposition to facilitate fun for millionsof guests who come expecting a greatexperience. Where else can guests

enjoy a wholesome, healthful, life-time sport that is an interactive andfun recreational pursuit? What otherbusiness can serve as a laboratory forsocial interaction as well as educa-tional and adventurous play con-cepts served up at 5, 10, even 15miles per hour?

The best news is that consumersare willing to pay for value experiences.The higher the perceived value, themore they are willing to pay.

The public session skater is themost overlooked guest in the indus-try. Too often, we see sessions that aretoo short to be a value experience,and we also see odd schedule times,such as 3:15-4:45 p.m. or 8:20-9:50p.m. Consumer research indicates a

memorable experience length of stayis generally two hours or more. Notonly do value experiences nurturerelationships, but per-capita spendingis greater when the experience meetsthe expectation.

Ice rink managers, whether pub-lic or private, need to enhance andliven up their respective programs.Put more fun in ice skating, createentertaining public sessions andimprove guest retention.

Take advantage of the new com-puter entertainment systems, upgradeyour sound and lights, and hire a “fundirector” (value term for DJ). Using awireless microphone, the fun directorcan run an interactive public session upclose and in person on the ice.

Make Fun Priority No. 1Fun activities create memorable experiencesin the ice arena, leading to repeat business

by Bill Carlson

Thomas E. Blackburn


Here are 10 good reasons to makefun a priority in your facility:

1. Interactive play concepts createhappy memories and enjoyableexperiences.

2. Fun enhances perceived enter-tainment value.

3. Creative concepts stimulate par-ticipation.

4. Fun activities energize the centerenvironment.

5. Fun maintains the integrity of thecore product.

6. Fun programming providesopportunities to educate throughplay.

7. Immediate gratification isachieved.

8. Fun leads to positive interactionbetween guests and staff.

9. Enjoyable experiences lead tohigher per-capita revenue yields.

10. Happy memories build guest loyal-ty and increase frequency of visits.

Entertaining, fun programs for ses-sions — such as games, relays, a slalomcourse, scooter races, skate lotto, etc. —will help make public skating more fun.When the experience is fun, you arecementing relationships that will resultin return visits.

A checklist creating memorableexperiences might include the following:

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✓ Prepare a daily fun plan.✓ Prepare prize award packs for

each day.✓ Make sure all necessary materials

and equipment are available.✓ Make sure all staff is prepared for

fun.✓ Execute each activity.✓ For game winners, award the prizes

in full view of all guests.

We live in a world that is rapidlychanging. Consumers are looking forfresh new environments and prod-ucts. They are seeking experiencesthat reward them with instant grati-fication. They are extremely intelli-

gent, tech-savvy and quick to learn.They also look for venues that provide“a sense of place.” Most important,they have the innate desire to play,socially interact and enjoy having fun.

Ice skating centers can offer a “senseof place” that is fun, provides instantgratification and creates memorableexperiences for all guests.

Have fun!

Bill Carlson of the Profit Mentors is a lead-ing consultant, business coach and mentorto the amusement and entertainmentindustries. For more information, visitwww.profitmentors.net or contact him [email protected] or (714) 504-7742.


four Olympic-size ice sheets under oneroof. Today, nearly a decade later, its one-of-a-kind status is more secure than ever,as the Blaine, Minn. facility hosts the Jan.19 grand opening of its expansion to anunprecedented eight indoor sheets. Twonew ponds recently opened for unstruc-tured skating opportunities, and tworefrigerated outdoor rinks will be com-pleted next winter, bringing the SchwanSuper Rink’s total surface count to 12.

Kraus Anderson Cos. of CirclePines, Minn. was the contractor forthe four new NHL-size indoor sheetsas well as the 12,500-square-footHerb Brooks Training Center and a6,200-square-foot figure skatingtraining center.

The $10 million project wasfinanced through partnerships withthree youth hockey associations,the Herb Brooks Foundation andBethel University. Each partnerprovided a down payment andcontracted to purchase a mini-mum amount of ice time annu-ally. The initial investment,combined with the annual con-tracts, guarantees the revenueto repay the constructionbonds sold by Anoka County.

It’s the same fundingformula that was used tobuild the Super Rink’s orig-inal four sheets, an $11.5million project funded bya cooperative of 11 localgovernmental partnersand the Minnesota Ama-teur Sports Commission,for which the nonprofitNational Sports Center

Foundation is the managing compa-ny. Although state funds were used to

build the facility, it is operated by theNSC on a self-supporting basis.

“There are several reasons thisunique funding formula works, but oneof the most important is that the NSCis located in the fastest-growing part ofthe Twin Cities,” explains Paul Erick-son, executive director of the Minneso-ta Amateur Sports Commission. “Hock-ey and figure skating associations aregrowing rapidly and looking for addi-tional ice time. By joining a cooperative‘mega-arena’ like the Schwan SuperRink, these groups, mostly nonprofits,get their ice time for a smaller invest-ment, with less future risk, and theybecome members of a higher-end facil-ity that offers amenities like a full-ser-vice café and year-round ice.”

This funding formula would notwork in all parts of the country, Ericksonnotes, especially those without a strongice sport user base or a growing skatingcommunity. “But for the NSC,” he adds,“the chemistry has been perfect.”

Corporate sponsorships, such asthe Schwan Food Co.’s arena namingrights, exterior signage and dasherboard sales, help cover some of theSuper Rink’s operating costs and areused to improve programs and services,but they were not necessary to fund theconstruction of either the originalarena or the expansion.

Nearly 2 million people visit theSchwan Super Rink each year. Theentire NSC campus logged 3.3 millionvisitors last year, and the ice arenaexpansion is expected to push that fig-ure to more than 4 million this year —more than the Metrodome, Target Cen-ter or Xcel Energy Center. The 660-acrecampus also offers the National YouthGolf Center, 52 sports fields, a 12,000-

When the Schwan Super Rinkopened on the National SportsCenter campus in 1998, it was

the only arena in theworld with

Schwan Super Rink:World’s Largest Ice Arena Complex

Schwan Super Rink:World’s Largest Ice Arena Complex


Eight sheets under one roof,plus two outdoor rinks and two ponds

bring the Super Rink’s ice sheet count to a full dozen

by Lori Fairchild

Cou

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y of

Sch

wan

Sup

er R

ink

• 8 indoor rinks

• 2 outdoor refrigerated rinks

• 2 outdoor ponds

• Herb Brooks Training Center

• Herb Brooks Legacy Walk

RINK 4

Ramsey County

Arena

RINK 1

Coon RapidsArena

RINK 2

Blaine ArenaRINK 3

MASC/Centennial

Arena

OUTDOOR

RINKS2008

HERB

BROOKS

PONDS

RINK 5

Bethel University

Arena

RINK 6Herb Brooks

Foundation Arena

Herb Brooks

Training Center

RINK 7Blaine Youth

Hockey Arena

RINK 8

Centennial Youth

Hockey Arena


seat stadium, indoor and outdoortracks and a velodrome.

An independent study of the NSCby the State of Minnesota Office ofAnalysis and Evaluation indicates thecenter produces more than $35 millionof out-of-state economic impact annu-ally, including $2.3 million in statetaxes and $800,000 in local taxes. It hashelped to spur significant new retailand consumer development in the sur-rounding area.

“The NSC has shown Minnesotabusiness and political leadership thatamateur sports — which is viewed as afamily-friendly business — is a playerand deserves a seat at the table whendecisions are made about media cover-age, sponsorships and politicalresources,” Erickson points out.

With 18,500 ice hours to program,the Schwan Super Rink staff is schedul-ing one to two years in advance to hit itstarget ice sale projections. The originalfour sheets will remain open year-round,with the other four initially used duringthe summer months for dry-floor activi-ties such as inline hockey, indoor soccer,lacrosse, kickball, dodgeball, sportscamps and off-ice training.

“With the expansion rinks, we’ll becapable of hosting more events andtournaments year-round, so we won’thave to say no to business,” says PeteCarlson, director of operations and pro-gramming. The expansion onlyenhances the facility’s edge for attract-ing events requiring multiple ice sheets.Past takers have included the Women’sWorld Hockey Championship, North

American Hockey League ShowcaseTournament, ISI World RecreationalTeam Championships, U.S. NationalShort Track Speedskating Champi-onship and World Broomball Champi-onship, to name just a few.

Twelve other ice arenas positionedwithin 15 to 20 minutes of the NSCshare many of the same goals as theSuper Rink, with ice sales toppingeveryone’s list. Blaine, though, has afew advantages, including the NSC andhighly desirable demographics. It ranksfirst in housing starts in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area,and families represent a high concen-tration (76.6 percent) of its population.Its median household income and itsjob growth rate are higher than thenational average. And the city was list-ed among the “Top 100 Places to Live”by MONEY Magazine last year.

“Our biggest challenge — but alsothe fun part of our job — is to createprograms that are successful,” says Carl-son. “Of course, we create programs tofill ice time, but create a program thatthe public wants to join and your facil-ity will be full.”

Carlson isn’t afraid to get creativeto achieve that goal. In 2005 the facili-ty offered an adult hockey tournamentthe same weekend as the immenselypopular Minnesota fishing opener.



Schwan Super Rink’s new surfaces necessitated an expansion of the ice resurfacer fleet to six machines.

At right: Construction of four new indoorsheets doubled Schwan Super Rink’s originalsize and was completed in late 2006.

Courtesy of Schwan Super Rink

Barclay Kruse


“Some people said we werecrazy and we would not getone team,” he recalls. “I saidnot every hockey player goesfishing. We called it the Wall-eye Chop Adult Hockey Tour-nament, and had 34 teamssign up that year. This will beour third year and we expect80 teams to participate on alleight sheets.”

The arena’s Web site(www.superrink.org) is its pri-mary marketing tool, Carlsonsays, supplemented by mass e-mail and direct mail cam-paigns, brochures and theMinnesota Ice Arena ManagersAssociation (MIAMA) Web site(www.rinkfinder.com). “Wepost our open hours on theMIAMA site and have foundthat it’s a great tool for sellingany extra ice time.”

Jane Schaber is SchwanSuper Rink’s figure skatingdirector, overseeing a year-round ISI learn-to-skate pro-gram with 1,500 participants, aswell as the new figure skatingtraining center. The skateschool hosts its annual ISI com-petition, Frosty Blades, in Feb-ruary, with nearly 500 partici-pants. April brings the ISI Syn-

chronized Skating Championships backto the Super Rink for the second time.

ISI membership is an invaluableasset for his facility and staff, Carlsonsays. “It’s important for ice rinks to beaffiliated with ISI and have all the pro-grams that it offers in their back pocket.ISI is an extension of our programmingdepartment. Its programs and literaturehave already been created for the rink tosimply implement. I can use the ISI com-munication tools and networking oppor-tunities for access to hundreds of othermanagers across the country, so I’malways in the loop of what’s going on inthe industry. There are a lot of benefitsto being a member, even if you can’taccommodate an ISI event, but it’s up tothe manager to take advantage of all theofferings available to everyone.”

In addition to its well-managedprogramming, the Schwan Super Rink’s300,000-square-foot indoor facilityoffers plenty of reasons for participantsand their parents to enjoy their timehere, such as ample close parking, radi-ant-heated rinks, a well-equipped proshop and a new figure skating store, 32oversized locker rooms, two privatemeeting rooms, free wireless Internetservice, a climate-controlled sports caféand gallery with 27 TVs overlookingthe original four sheets and a viewingmezzanine over the new sheets.

Operations Manager BrandonRadeke says the facility’s cleanlinesskeeps vandalism down. “Patrons tendto appreciate and respect a clean, well-kept facility more. Dirt and graffitiencourages more of the same.”

Design and engineering efficienciesalso contribute to the arena’s smoothoperation. The building expansion, whichis connected to the original structure, wasdesigned with openings between the iceresurfacer garages to allow a single resur-facer and driver to service two sheets.“This means that we can run four sheetson a day-to-day basis with only three staffmembers, and eight sheets with only sixpeople,” Radeke explains. “Of course, weadd staff for events.”

Some 50 part- and full-time per-sonnel in three departments — opera-tions, programming and hospitality —make up the Schwan Super Rink staff,which Carlson proudly describes as“second to none.” The NSC providesfunctions such as accounting, market-ing and human resources.

“Everyone works together tomake the ice arena what it is,” saysCarlson. “We operate it like it’s ourown personal business.”

The World Broomball Championship is just one of themany major ice events hosted at Schwan Super Rink,which draws more than 2 million visitors annually.

The Super Rink’s busy Hat Trick Café offers a rink view-ing area, TVs and free wireless Internet.

Pete Carlson (on resurfacer) describes his staff as “second to none.” Barclay Kruse

Brandon R

adekeTaylor K

ruse


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COACHES’CORNER

by Barb YackelISI National Events & Skating Program Coordinator

change:to make or become different;

to replace with another

Gliding into 2007 brings change to the ISI nationalevents coordinator position, as yours truly headsnorth to become a first-time grandmother, and Randy

Winship joins the ISI staff to carry on the fun and excite-ment of our national events. Randy’s dedication and love ofthe sport will shine through and I have no doubt he will doa fabulous job.

Along with a new year come our annual resolutions,goals, expectations and changes. Make sure you are up todate on all of the rule changes for ’07. The biggest change isin synchronized skating; age categories and durations top thelist, but I suggest visiting the ISI Web site (skateisi.org) under“What’s New” and downloading the new rules.

I hope your 2007 planner is already marked with ISI eventregistration deadlines, but if not, here’s your cheat sheet:

ISI Synchronized ChampionshipsFeb. 1 (Blaine, Minn.)

ISI/MIAMA Annual ConferenceApril 15 (Bloomington, Minn.)

ISI World Recreational Team ChampionshipsMay 1 (Chicago)

ISI Adult ChampionshipsAug. 1 (Las Vegas)

ISI Artistic ChallengeSept. 1 (Bridgeport, Conn.)

Planning for ’07 continues with the updated list of yourdistrict high-level test chairs (see list at right). Remember, ifyou are located in a district with a designated test chair youmust arrange high-level testing through that person. Thisincludes levels 8 and 9, and 7 if needed.

I have absolutely loved every minute of my tenurewith ISI and will always cherish the friendships and mem-ories of the past three years. The whirlwind, nonstopexcitement will truly be missed, but I plan on not being astranger to ISI events — guess who will be coaching hergranddaughter at her first ISI World Team Champs?!

I would like to stay in touch, so feel free to e-mail [email protected].

DISTRICT TEST CHAIRS

DISTRICT 1 Katy [email protected](781) 749-3807

DISTRICT 5 Larry [email protected](865) 588-1858

DISTRICT 6 Lindsay [email protected](734) 282-4681

DISTRICT 7 Vicki [email protected](513) 529-3349Margy [email protected](614) 766-4689

DISTRICT 8 Vicki [email protected](847) 256-9666

DISTRICT 9 Lynn [email protected](314) 353-6300

DISTRICT 10 Jean [email protected](612) 373-0555

DISTRICT 11 Randy [email protected](972) 735-8800

DISTRICT 12 Gerry & Debbie [email protected] or [email protected] (303) 798-7881 ext. 304

DISTRICT 13 Janice [email protected](253) 798-4045Candy [email protected](925) 687-3302

DISTRICT 15 Dianne [email protected](562) 633-1172

DISTRICT 16 Cindy [email protected](907) 694-7328

DISTRICT 17 Raul [email protected] Dean

DISTRICT 18 Julia Tortorella [email protected](239) 466-8123

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Balance is KeyOn and Off the Ice

by David Jacobson

For obvious reasons, balance is critical to a skater’s on-ice success. Balance off the ice — between skating,school, family, friends and other activities — is even

more important. Fortunately, balance off the ice actuallywill improve balance (and other aspects of performance)on the ice.

Why? Because a well-rounded life away from the rinkfrees a skater’s mind when it is time to perform. Which sce-nario do you think leads to better performance?

• A skater arrives at a competition physically tiredfrom training, mentally distracted by loose ends inother areas of his/herlife and emotionallydrained from a singu-lar focus on skating.

• A skater hits therink well rested,mentally com-fortable thatother aspects oflife are in order,and emotionallycommitted to themoment of com-petition, alreadygratified and enrichedfrom interests besidesskating.

Clearly, the second skater will perform better. But thesescenarios only consider how life balance affects a skater’scompetitive ability. Positive Coaching Alliance and the IceSkating Institute believe there is more at stake for youth ath-letes than just competitive results. In fact, that is the basis ofPCA’s coaching model, the Double-Goal CoachTM, whose firstgoal is winning and whose second, more-important goal isteaching life lessons through sports.

Those life lessons are of much greater value if your youthathletes actually have a life outside of skating. Just as we hopeskaters apply to the rest of their lives the lessons of determi-nation, teamwork and overcoming adversity they learn fromskating, so do we hope they bring to their skating similarlessons learned from their outside lives.

So, how can the leaders and coaches in your organiza-tion help cultivate balance? Here are few ideas:

Place skating in perspectiveThe first step is to agree, organizationally, that skating is notthe be-all and end-all of a child’s life. Recognize out loud —and in your printed, displayed and distributed mission state-ment — that your organization is committed to education


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David Jacobson is PCA’smedia/communicationsmanager. To learn moreabout PCA’s “DevelopingCompetitors” workshopsand how the ISI-PCAnational partnership benefitsyour organization, contact PCA at (866) 725-0024 or [email protected],

or visit http://www.positivecoach.org/inforequest.aspx.

and character development. Living up to that standard neces-sarily precludes overemphasizing competitive results. In turn,that reduces the pressure to train at the expense of healthydoses of school, family, friends, relaxation, entertainment andindulgence of other interests.

Get all constituencies of your rink to buy inOne reason PCA workshops are so valuable and so successfulin enhancing our partners’ organizational cultures is that allconstituencies within a given organization receive the samemessage. If leaders, coaches, parents and athletes have thesame expectations and feel they are moving in a commondirection, it is that much easier to catch yourself (or haveanother catch you) if you move toward imbalance.

Use your commitment to balance to improve performanceWith skating in perspective and constituencies bought in, youcan proactively pursue balance with your skaters. You mighteven introduce the idea that skaters can occasionally misspractice to pursue other interests, such as theater or music,provided they let coaches know their plans ahead of time.Then, coaches can make a great impact by attending the playor concert, demonstrating that they value not just a skater, buta whole person.

Another option is assigning your athletes an academicexercise, such as writing a few sentences on something ofimportance to them outside of skating. Sharing those essayscan help teammates discover new bonds.

A group outing to the mall, the movies, meals, museums— anywhere that removes you from a skating context — canbe an outstanding team-building exercise. That shared experi-ence, and whatever your skaters learn about each other andthe outside world, can then be reintroduced back at the rink.

Common bonds from off-ice experiences will make yourskaters that much more valuable to and supportive of eachother. Their shared values will help them urge each otheron in practice, which means improved skating; a support-ive atmosphere in a close competition may be the differ-ence-maker.

Your rink’s reputation for skating excellence, especiallywhile encouraging a balanced life, will attract the best skatersand the most balanced people. As that success feeds on itself,your efforts to have skaters focus on things other than skatingwill actually improve their focus while skating.

In the inevitable times when you are less successful incompetition, your commitment to balance will carry your pro-gram through, because your rink still will be known for attract-ing great skaters with great attitudes. PCA and ISI strongly urgeyou to consider these steps. After all, nothing less than yourskaters’ futures hang in the balance.


The ISIA Education Foundationmay be one of the lesser-knownarms of the ISI family tree, but it

certainly is part of its backbone. Sinceits inception, the EducationFoundation has awarded nearly$200,000 in college scholarships to ISIparticipants. This opportunity existsfor all members, and the applicationprocess is as simple as downloading aform from www.skateisi.org.Scholarships are funded completelythrough the generosity of our ISImembers.

Two major fundraising events willbe held in May in conjunction withiACT 2007 in Bloomington, Minn.

The fourth annual ISIA EducationFoundation Golf Outing will takeplace at the Dwon Golf Course inBloomington, with tee-off at 1 p.m. onMonday, May 28. The pristine courseis located just minutes from the con-ference host hotel. The day willinclude a made-to-order lunch, on-course beverages, a post-tournamentcocktail awards reception and the

Bringing Education to the Forefrontby Lisa Fedick

now-infamous golfer’s goody bag. Oneof the last true bargains at $95 perindividual golfer and $350 per four-some, this event is expected to sell out.

Tournament sponsors are alsobeing sought. Many levels of sponsor-ship are available for those who wantto support the Foundation but won’tswing a club. For more information orto reserve your tee time, please contactLisa Fedick at [email protected] (203) 209-5434.

The 2007 silent auction will cul-minate during the iACT tradeshow, atthe Foundation booth. Donations ofany type of item or certificate aregreatly appreciated. No donation is toosmall and every donation helps! Alldonations of items and cash are fullytax deductible and offer extensiveindustry recognition. Items should besent to Judith P. Sniffen, 50 PerryAvenue, Bayville, NY 11709. For moreinformation, please contact Judy [email protected] or (516) 628-2240.

A five-year annual giving plan willalso be unveiled during iACT 2007,

Recent ISIA EducationFoundation Donations

SPONSORSJR Charitable Foundation

SUPPORTEROakton Figure Skating Club

(in memory of Nefretiri Nelson)

CONTRIBUTORHarry J. McDonaldMemorial Center

(competition donation)Jan Vaughn

through which smaller preset monthlycontributions are made over a five-year period. There is a plan to fit everybudget, all of which offer excellentparticipant rewards.


Minnesota Ice ArenaManagers Association

(MIAMA)by Douglas Brady, President

MIAMA is work-ing hard onplans to hold anational jointconference withISI. Dean Mulso

of Burnsville Ice Center and ISI District10 representatives are putting the finaltouches on planning the closing party.A committee from the MIAMA boardhas put together plans that are sure tomake the MIAMA social event a big hit. In addition, MarkVaughn from Eagan Civic Arena is busy with others finalizingthe management track sessions. At the center of the operationstrack are Mike Mattson and Russ Rose, who are working dili-gently to provide an outstanding national conference that bothMIAMA and ISI members can be proud of.

After touring many locations, the MIAMA board hasdecided to hold its 2008 and 2009 fall conferences at GrandView Lodge. We believe this setting will provide us with theproper facilities and atmosphere for our membership to havea constructive and meaningful conference. Thank you toRuss Rose of Buffalo Civic Center and Bob Furland of AlbertLea City Arena for all of their efforts in locating a facility withsuch attractive amenities.

I would like to thank the MIAMA membership for allow-ing me to participate in such an outstanding organization. Iam currently in the third year of a three-year term on theMIAMA board, and it is a privilege to be selected by my peersto represent them as president of their organization.

I would also like to thank the people from ISI and NEIS-MA who have been so warm and generous in helping ourorganization grow to the next level.

Arena Managers of the Mid Atlantic(AMMA)

by Trudy Ivory, Co-Director

AMMA’s fall mini conference was heldOct. 17-18 at Wheeling Park Commissionin Wheeling, W.V. This was our first miniconference format, and if you did notattend you really missed out!

We met at Wilson Lodge in OglebayResort and took the trolley to WheelingIsland Casino for a great social evening.The next morning we met at WheelingPark, where our hosts, Rico Coville and NatGoudy, had a continental breakfast waiting for all members.

Our morning began with Bryan Wert from Riedell Skatesgiving an excellent presentation about the Riedell line andexplaining the features of each boot, including the customline. He also showed us the rental skate line and offered adiscount to all members present.

Following Brian was Rich Lippert of Pittsburgh-basedPrecision Edges by Rich. I have attended quite a few confer-ences and workshops but have never been offered a class onskate sharpening. Those of us who manage ice rinks knowhow frustrating it is to have customers complain about thequality of their skates that one of our employees just sharp-ened. The bottom line to Rich’s presentation was to take yourtime and pay attention to detail.

After a satisfying hot lunch, we went back to the learn-ing table for a PowerPoint presentation titled “Playdate onIce” by Bob Hlebinsky from Mt. Lebanon (Pittsburgh). Thisis a wonderful revenue-booster for getting preschool childrenand their parents into your arena during the day when mostof our facilities sit nearly empty. Our next speaker, ErinSchopf, skating director from Shaker Heights, Ohio, gave usan energetic presentation of ideas on how to keep your learn-to-skate programs fun and fresh. Erin believes change isgood, and I agree with her! Terri Rosenwald from the MentorIce Arena in Mentor, Ohio concluded our day’s activities withmarketing tools and ideas to increase awareness of our facil-ities’ offerings. Terri did a great job, and she also wins kudosfor bringing the most employees with her to the conference.She brought five staff members, and I believe they all left bet-ter informed.

Our lone vendor, Earl Adams from BRR Technologies, gaveus an overview of the importance of proper dehumidification.

I hope to see all of our members at our April meeting, ata location to be determined.

Wisconsin Ice Arena Management Association(WIAMA)

by Terry Johnson, 2nd Vice President

The Wisconsin Ice Arena ManagementAssociation is an organization dedicat-ed to sharing ideas and innovative tech-niques among professional ice arenamanagers. Our 16th annual spring con-ference and tradeshow will be heldApril 25-27 at the Kalahari WaterparkResort and Convention Center in Wis-consin Dells.

WIAMA is very excited to be movingour spring conference to the KalahariResort, Wisconsin’s largest convention center, with Ameri-ca’s largest indoor water park. The Kalahari Resort also ownsTrappers Turn Golf Course, which received a five-star ratingfrom Chicagoland Golf Magazine and four and a half stars inGolf Digest’s “Best Places to Play.” We hope you and yourfamily can join us for the conference.

The event kicks off on Wednesday, April 25 with a golfscramble at Trappers Turn. We’ve put together a golf pack-age that will include 18 holes, cart and dinner. Dinner willinclude door prizes and golf awards, followed by an ideaexchange and social. Full days of seminars are planned forThursday and Friday, with topics such as how to build yourlearn-to-skate program, insurance and other hot topics in icearena management.

For more information, visit our Web site:www.wiama.com.

Terry Johnson

Douglas Brady

Trudy Ivory


North East Ice Skating Managers Association(NEISMA)

by Tom Morton, President

NEISMA’s board of directors has unani-mously adopted an annual safety recog-nition award to be given to the ice rinkmanager who has made an outstandingeffort in addressing safety matters. Thisnew award will be presented each yearat NEISMA’s annual spring conference.Board member Jeff Doucette is draftingthe award criteria and the board ofdirectors will make the final selection.This is believed to be the first safetyrecognition award presented to a facility manager in theice arena industry.

Safety in ice rinks has been a top priority in NEISMA’smembership programs of action. The organization has along-standing record of dealing positively with safety inthe ice rink industry. In this regard, the board noted thatformer NEISMA President Steve Hoar may have been thefirst in the industry to address the issue of air quality inice rinks. Since that initial effort, NEISMA has continued totake a leading and positive position regarding ice rink safe-ty. Another former NEISMA president, Al Tyldesley, tookthe lead in addressing air quality regulations with the stateof Massachusetts.

NEISMA’s new fall conference approach, whichinvolved a series of local one-day conferences rather than

Tom Morton

a single event, attracted more than 150 registrants in Con-necticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massa-chusetts. This program was developed in an effort to reachmore grassroots NEISMA members and at the same timeeffect a cost savings to the NEISMA membership. Boardmembers Dean Pomeroy and Ed Peduto headed up thisnew program, which included a speaker, free T-shirts, a freecookout and a raffle for a Weber grill.

Michigan Arena Managers Association(MAMA)

by Rob Mueller, President

The Michigan Arena Managers Associa-tion had its summer conference in Juneat the Soaring Eagle Casino Resort. Wetried to mix it up a bit by bringing inspeakers to address a variety of topics.Among them were: the differencebetween public and private ownership;an Olympic Games’ review; setting upretirement accounts for ownership andhourly employees; curling, and settingup a standard rink for curling; staffmotivation; and dynamic video advertising in rinks. Theturnout was impressive. Next year’s conference is again setfor June, at the same venue.

Rob Mueller




Our winter meeting was held Nov. 30 at the HardRock Café in Detroit. We toured The Rink at Campus Mar-tius Park, located across the street from the Hard Rock. Itwas used as an entertainment venue during last year’sSuper Bowl.

We hope that, by reaching out from the traditionalice arenas for meetings, we can increase rink participa-tion. Michigan rink managers interested in MAMA mem-bership may contact me at (586) 783-7194 [email protected].

Ice Rink Owners of California(IROC)

by Bert Blanchette, President

ISI District 15 and the Ice Rink Ownersof California held a joint meeting on Oct.17. The district meeting, which was heldat Pickwick Ice Arena, was a joint meet-ing of IROC and instructors. The com-bined opening session of about 60 peo-ple later broke into owners/managers(IROC) and instructors, conducted byRandy Winship and Michelle Wilkin.

The following new IROC officerswere elected: Bert Blanchette, president

Bert Blanchette

(VSC Sports); Don Bartelson, vice president (Ontario IceArena); Darrel Mathewson, treasurer (Pickwick Ice Arena);and Gaston Larios, secretary (San Diego Ice Arena). The meet-ing also included presentations from the Los Angeles Kingsand Farmers Insurance.

The LA Kings presented “fan development” promo-tions to the arena owners, with offers to conduct freeyouth clinics at local ice arenas. Youth and adult hockeywas discussed at length, with more and more arenas offer-ing in-house programs.

Farmers Insurance presented a pilot workers’ compensa-tion program that is considerably less expensive than StateFund Insurance. Farmers will be looking at other states todetermine if they can offer a more affordable insurance alter-native for arenas, based on the industry’s strong track record.More information will be forthcoming on this issue.

Southern California rinks are starting to be inspected bygovernmental air quality management agencies. Inventoryof refrigerants and leak documentation is now being scruti-nized. Beware of the “wind” from the west.

Metropolitan Ice Rink Managers Association(MIRMA)

by Lisa Fedick, Secretary

MIRMA is pleased to welcome three newadministrative members to District 3:Skylands Ice World in Stockholm, N.J.;The Elm City Skating Club in NewHaven, Conn.; and the Ice Crystal Fig-ure Skating Club in Hackettstown, N.J.

The MIRMA/District 3 fall man-agers’ seminar and mini tradeshow washosted by Frank and Tom Palamara atThe Rinx in Hauppauge, Long Island.Attorney Hugh Murray gave an infor-mative presentation on employee practices, focusing on thetheme that, as managers, we need to run our businessesrather than constantly worry about being sued. SallyMackenzie of the Nutmeg Curling Club gave an on-icedemonstration on curling as an alternative ice usage. Sallyshowed us how quick and easy it is to transform any arenainto multiple curling rinks. Nationwide membership in curl-ing clubs has tripled since the Salt Lake City Olympics. Moredetails on these and all of the presentations can be found onour Web site at www.skateMIRMA.org.

The 2007 MIRMA instructors’ seminar was hosted by LizEldredge at the Freeport Skating Academy, in Freeport, LongIsland. Attendees benefited from a two-and-a-half-hour on-ice demonstration and trial judging seminar. A stellar groupof enthusiastic young local skaters graciously allowed theirperformances to be repeatedly critiqued. Issues that atten-dees asked to be brought to the ISI board included: clarifica-tion of the ISI Instructor Rewards Program; the appointmentof a District 3 test chair; the standardization of the competi-tion accounting review procedure on a local level; and theimplementation of an exclusive adult testing track.

I hope this report finds all of you with as much businessas you can handle, but please take time to enjoy the preciousgifts that each and every day has to offer.

Lisa Fedick


FOR SALE — Stadium arena sports floodlight fixture, metalhalide. Style: #2119791. M-47 Lamps. Multi-volt ballast.Volts: 277/120/208/240. Amps: 4.1/9.4/5.4/4.7 1000-wattCooper lights. Quantity: 32 lights. All lights tested andguaranteed to work. Cost: $2,500 (or best offer). Will light17,000 square feet plus! Lights not sold individually.Mounting brackets and cords included. Minor dents fromtransporting. Metal halide bulbs (not guaranteed) comewith fixture. Buyer pays shipping costs (Continental USAonly). Call Bob Garcia at Danbury Arena (203) 794-1704or e-mail [email protected].

SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND SKATING SCHOOLPOSITIONS — VSC Sports facilities in San Francisco andLos Angeles areas and Bremerton, Wash. seek experi-enced applicants who want to learn more and bring funto the ice skating experience. iAIM certification pre-ferred. Send résumé to [email protected] or fax to(818) 501-4192. Contact: Bert Blanchette, (818) 262-7157 or (818) 501-7252.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Free Classified Advertising for ISI Members!ISI facility and professional members are entitledto FREE classified listings (excluding retail prod-ucts and services) up to 50 words. Call CarolJackson at (972) 735-8800, fax to (972) 735-8815or send e-mail to [email protected]. The dead-line for the next issue of the EDGE is Jan. 10.

American Athletic Shoe Co. Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21American First Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Bonestroo & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Cimco Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Concepts & Designs MS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Facility Management Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Frontline Solutions Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Goldner Associates Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Heartland Agency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Ice Rink Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Jet Ice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7K&K Insurance Group Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2LSK Enterprises. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Maximum Solutions Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Mondo USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Pace Industrial Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Professional Skaters Association. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Rice Specialty Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13The Richardson Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25RinkMusic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33SP-Teri Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Tia’s Skatewear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Valley Ice Skating Assoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Willis Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Zamboni. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ADVERTISER INDEX


JANUARY11-14 Mamaroneck, N.Y.

Riverdale IceISI Lake Placid

Competition12-14 Webster Groves, Mo.

Webster Groves Ice Arena

Show-Me State Games12-14 Homewood, Ill.

Homewood-Flossmoor Ice Arena

28th Annual ISI Open Team Competition

13 Greenfield, Mass.Bay State Blades-

GreenfieldMid Winter Classic

13-14 San DiegoKroc Center Ice5th Annual ISI Open

Competition15 Laurel, Md.

The Gardens Ice House2007 Winter Open

20 Greensburg, Pa.Kirk Nevin ArenaPolar Skate 2007

26-28 St. Peters, Mo.St. Peters Rec Plex12th Annual Missouri

State Invitational

FEBRUARY2-4 Glenview, Ill.

Glenview Ice CenterFebruary Freeze

2-5 Williamstown, Mass.Williams College Lansing

Chapman Rink2007 Bay State Games

9-11 Blaine, Minn.Schwan Super Rink2007 Frosty Blades

9-11 Niles, Ill.Niles Park District

IcelandSweetheart Open

9-11 Eugene, Ore.Lane Events Center-ICELove to Skate

10-11 Orlando, Fla.RDV Sportsplex Ice Den2007 ISI Spring Classic

Team Competition

16-18 Oxford, OhioGoggin Ice ArenaISI Winter Classic

17-18 Nashville, Tenn.Centennial Sportsplex22nd Annual Invitational

18 Fort Washington, Md.Tucker Road Ice Rink2nd Annual Snowflake

Invitational24-25 Bensenville, Ill.

The Edge Ice ArenaMardi Gras

24-25 Rapid City, S.D.Roosevelt Park Ice Arena2nd Annual Black Hills

Gold Rush25 Franklin Park, Ill.

Park District of Franklin Park

Kickline ISI SynchronizedTeam Competition

MARCH3 Columbus, Ohio

Dispatch Ice Haus2nd Annual Arnold

Classic Youth Skating Competition

3-4 Highland Park, Ill.Centennial Ice ArenaLucky Stars Open

3-4 MinneapolisParade FSCBlades of March ISI

Open Competition3-4 Fort Washington, Md.

Tucker Road FSC15th Annual Skate

Annapolis3-4 Irmo, S.C.

Ice Land IrmoPalmetto Classic-District

5 Champs9-11 Park Ridge, Ill.

Oakton Ice ArenaIce Breaker Classic

9-11 Livonia, Mich.Livonia Eddie EdgarLivonia ISI Open

Competition

10 PittsburghRMU Island Sports

Center2007 Shamrock Skate

16-18 Northbrook, Ill.Northbrook Sports CenterISI District 8

Championship17 Fort Myers, Fla.

Fort Myers SkatiumCity of Palms ISI

Competition17-18 Peoria, Ill.

Owens CenterISI District 9

Championships24-25 Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Saratoga Springs FSC10th Annual ISI 2007

30- Knoxville, Tenn.Apr. 1 Ice Chalet

38th Annual MVDC31 Crestwood, Ill.

Southwest Ice ArenaSpring Invitational

APRIL13-15 El Segundo, Calif.

Toyota Sports Center7th Annual Spring Fling

13-15 Blaine, Minn.Schwan Super RinkISI Synchronized

Championships

15 Geneva, Ill.The Skate School@Fox

ValleySpring Invitational

20-21 Acton, Mass.Nashoba Valley OlympiaISI Skating School

Competition

MAY19 Acton, Mass.

Sharper Edge Skating School

9th Annual Skaters Cup

JULY7-8 Evanston, Ill.

Robert Crown Center30th Annual July Open

7-8 Irmo, S.C.Ice Land IrmoSummer Sizzle

12-15 HonoluluIce Palace Hawaii2007 ISI Hawaiian Open

Competition

22-28 Bensenville, Ill.Edge Ice ArenaISI World Recreational

Team Championships

AUGUST18-19 Orland Park, Ill.

Arctic Ice ArenaArctic Heat Wave

SEPTEMBER14-16 Arlington, Texas

ICE at The Parks4th Annual ISI Open

Competition

21-23 Las VegasSobe Ice ArenaISI Adult Championships

NOVEMBER

3-4 Bridgeport, Conn.Wonderland of IceISI Artistic Challenge

JANUARYJan. 1- Kittanning, Pa.Apr. 30 Belmont Complex

Belmont Blaze Exhibition14 Minneapolis

Parade FSC2007 Snow Daze Winter

Exhibition

CALENDARISI-endorsed competitions & shows/exhibitionsDeadline for March/April EDGE calendar: Jan. 15For regular calendar updates, see www.skateisi.org, Event Info

COMPETITIONS

Visit the ISI Web site:skateisi.org

ISI World RecreationalTeam Championships Team Championships Team Championships

SHOWS &EXHIBITIONS


19 Wasilla, AlaskaBrett Memorial Ice ArenaSpring Ice Show

29- Bloomington, Minn.June 1 Sheraton Hotel

ISI/MIAMA Conference & Tradeshow

JUNE9-10 Acton, Mass.

Nashoba Valley OlympiaIce Magic

AUGUST16 Arlington, Texas

ICE at The ParksSummertime 2007

DECEMBER16 Arlington, Texas

ICE at The ParksHoliday in the Park 2007

FEBRUARY23 Soldotna, Alaska

Soldotna Sports CenterTribute to Disney

26 Glencoe, Ill.Watts Ice CenterGet Your Kicks on

Route 66

MARCH2-4 New Ulm, Minn.

New Ulm Figure Skating Club

Holiday Raceway3 Morristown, N.J.

William Mennen Sports Arena

Second Annual SnowballClassic

3- Stevens Point, Wis.Apr. 4 K.B. Willett Arena

Skating with Legends10 Luverne, Minn.

Blue Mound Ice ArenaBooks on Blades

11 Salem, Mass.Viking Skating ClubOn the Radio, A Salute to

the Hits

11 Saratoga Springs, N.Y.Saratoga Springs FSCSpring Exhibition 2007

24-25 White Plains, N.Y.City of White Plains

Recreation & ParksEnd of Year Show

31- White Plains, N.Y.Apr. 1 City of White Plains

Recreation & ParksNight in the Spotlight

APRIL15 Highland Park, Ill.

Centennial Ice ArenaSpring Exhibition

17 Arlington, TexasICE at The ParksSpring Fling 2007

27-28 Downers Grove, Ill.Downers Grove Ice

Arena9 to 5

28 Buffalo Grove, Ill.Twin Rinks Ice PavilionRockin’ on Ice

MAY4-6 Crestwood, Ill.

Southwest Ice ArenaSpring Ice Show

5-6 Irmo, S.C.Iceland IrmoSpring Ice Show

5-6 Cottage Grove, Minn.Cottage Grove Ice ArenaThe Sky’s the Limit

11-13 Niles, Ill.Niles Park District

IcelandGliding Through the

Decades12 Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Hoffman Estates Park District Ice Arena

Cruisin’ the World12 Geneva, Ill.

The Skate School@Fox Valley

Annual Spring Show16-20 Glenview, Ill.

Glenview Ice Center34th Annual Ice Show

18-19 Orland Park, Ill.Arctic Ice ArenaSkaters Ahoy

18-20 Highland Park, Ill.Centennial Ice ArenaHeroes and Legends

18-20 Franklin Park, Ill.Franklin Park Ice Arena2007 Annual Spring Ice

Show

CALENDAR


What a wonderful ride it’s been! For nearly 10 years Ihave had the greatest job in the world, surroundedby the most wonderful people in the world. It is so

appropriate that, as I believe that skating should be fun, I’vehad a blast. In spite of long hours and stacks of work, I would-n’t have changed a thing.

It was with great joy that I grew up in skating. Early onI decided that I wanted to give back to the sport that gaveme so much. Voila! I discovered the ISI. And in an effort togive back, I only received more.

There have been many milestones during my nine-plusyears here. Among them, ISI has:• Moved to a new home in Dallas• Added the ISI Synchronized, Adult and Artistic Champi-

onships• Developed our first Web site• Created a new logo and image• Introduced the Benton Wilcoxon, Great Skate, Frank J.

Zamboni, Erika Amundsen, national and district awards• Developed a new ISI hockey membership• Created the iAIM education and certification program• Started the new Special Skater program• Rebranded the ISI learn-to-skate program to weSKATE• Introduced the weSKATE National Instructor Training

Program• Launched judges’ certification and iAIM programs

online

I will carry with me fond memories of all the eventsI’ve been involved in, all the committees I have served on,all the conferences and tradeshows I’ve attended — butmost of all, the people I’ve known. I will always rememberthe staff members with whom I have had the privilege towork alongside, the members and volunteers who haveworked so hard and especially the skaters who havebrought such a smile to my face.

Under the leadership of our executive director, PeterMartell, a friend for more than 20 years, I see the ISI accom-plishing great things in the future. I’ve accomplished every-thing that I wanted to, and now is the time for me to bid youfarewell. I am privileged to have worked with people towhom it’s so difficult to say goodbye.

My plans for the future include exploring the world withmy husband, Mike, on our sailboat. After the years I’ve spentin an ice arena, it is only natural for me to chase the sun.Those of you who reside on the coast will probably continueto see me when I’m in need of the friends I surely will miss.

“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever atyour back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rainfall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, may God holdyou in the hollow of his hand.” (Traditional Irish blessing)

ANDANOTHERTHING...

by Patti FeeneyISI Managing Director, Member Programs & Services

sales office: 800 441 6645 email: [email protected] website: www.mondousa.com

EXCEPTIONALLY DURABLE,WITHSTANDS HEAVY ABUSEFROM ICE SKATE BLADES

SUPERIOR LIFE-CYCLE COSTS WITH PROVEN TRACK RECORD

LOW MAINTENANCE (NO COATINGS)

ANTIBACTERIAL THROUGHOUT(MINIMIZE RISK OF STAPHINFECTIONS)

MEETS ADA REQUIREMENT FOR SLIP RESISTANCE (WET OR DRY)

RUBBER SPORT SURFACES

HIGH PERFORMINGSURFACES

LONG TERMSOLUTIONS

“We would not accept anything else other than Mondo products.

Sport Impact is a superior product, it withstood many years of

skate traffic, it is easy to clean and requires low maintenance.

It is the best product we have found for all of our centers.

We have it everywhere in our ice arenas as well as in our fitness

centers. We are extremely pleased with Mondo's Sport Impact.

It is now our standard!!”

Jef f Peyton , Fac i l i t y Manager, Woodbr idge Memor ia l A rena ,C i ty o f Vaughn

CIMCO REFRIGERATION

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ECO CHILL is an engineered solution to loweringenergy costs in your facility. Using Cimco’s 90years of expertise in the ice rink business, ECO CHILL collects and recycles the energy usedto maintain the ice surface, providing abun-dant heating for the building; and hotwater for showers, underfloor heating, iceresurfacing and snow melting, as well as air conditioning services.

ECO CHILL is modular in nature, allow-ing the designer to choose those com-

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ECO CHILL Overview

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