Bad Ice in the 21st Century

[mrjiggyfly]

The ice for the Columbus/NYR game was disgusting. Why is it so variable?? It totally makes the games way less fun to watch. Can't we just send bad ice the way of the left wing lock. If anybody has anything intelligent to say about this issue, I am all ears. Bad Ice Sucks!

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[BertCorbeau]

It's likely due to a combination of the desire to keep the arena's as warm as possible (so that ice can still be playable) for the fans. Plus the fact that most arenas are multi purpose and having to consistently melt the ice so the floor can be used for other events (concerts, NBA, etc). If they didn't have to do the latter they could do a better job maintaining the ice.

 

[izzy]

Need to keep the place warm

 

[Bending and Tending]

1. Most arenas have other uses, so although I have no scientific evidence, putting concert stages, basketball courts, etc. over the ice can't be good for keeping the ice at pristine condition

2. In many arenas, the hockey team isn't #1

3. Arenas/businesses care about getting fans in the door ($). If it is too cold, fewer people would attend.

4. Arenas are large, it costs a lot to keep a giant stadium at a cool temperature.

5. Thousands of fans, with a body temperature around 98.6 degrees (F), add warmth to the arena

 

[PlamsUnlimited]

So many other events and basketball. Etc. very few places have really really good ice. Prudential center used to but I haven't been there in years so I don't know how it is now.

 

[Gm0ney]

Apparently humidity is really bad for ice. Just like when you have a cold glass of water outside on a humid day, condensation forms on the surface of the ice and freezes to create frost. Also, I believe the condensation process transfers heat to the the cooling medium (the ice) which makes things worse.

 

[mrjiggyfly]

I just would have expected better innovation. 40 years later, still the same issues as back in the 70's. Just surprised that there hasn't been noticeable improvement. Maybe I just need to watch more Oiler home games--Are they still known for the best ice?

 

[WarriorOfGandhi]

I saw the thread title and thought that the NHL had authorized a reboot of Buck Rodgers in the 25th Century

 

[biturbo19]

It really is bad in so many arenas these days. The way tennis ball pucks play into the sort of defensive, "de-skilled", muck it up game that is coached today just makes it even worse.

 

[BakedYams]

I just would have expected better innovation. 40 years later, still the same issues as back in the 70's. Just surprised that there hasn't been noticeable improvement. Maybe I just need to watch more Oiler home games--Are they still known for the best ice?

The ice at Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton had for a good long stretch earned that moniker. The new Rogers Arena is still figuring things out and at it's best has been average. It's a real shame as it tends to really make it hard for McDavid and others to skate at their best.

 

[The Head Crusher]

The ice at Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton had for a good long stretch earned that moniker. The new Rogers Arena is still figuring things out and at it's best has been average. It's a real shame as it tends to really make it hard for McDavid and others to skate at their best.

Losing Dan Craig to the NHL also hurt the ice in Edmonton.

 

[Advanced stats]

It's likely due to a combination of the desire to keep the arena's as warm as possible (so that ice can still be playable) for the fans. Plus the fact that most arenas are multi purpose and having to consistently melt the ice so the floor can be used for other events (concerts, NBA, etc). If they didn't have to do the latter they could do a better job maintaining the ice.

You realize they don't melt the ice for most concerts and events right?

Here's a link how Toronto does it:
http://torontoist.com/2011/04/up_all_night_from_ice_to_courts_at_the_air_canada_centre

PNC arena(hurricanes) also has a good article.


The event changeovers likely don't affect the ice much.

I'd bet the biggest issue is the climate control of the building temperature. I'm sure a degree or 2 will alter the surface ice, thus affecting play quality

 

[luki here]

I think barclays has the worst ice in the league. You can see all teams playing there struggling with that pond ice.

 

[triggrman]

You realize they don't melt the ice for most concerts and events right?

Here's a link how Toronto does it:
http://torontoist.com/2011/04/up_all_night_from_ice_to_courts_at_the_air_canada_centre

PNC arena(hurricanes) also has a good article.


The event changeovers likely don't affect the ice much.

I'd bet the biggest issue is the climate control of the building temperature. I'm sure a degree or 2 will alter the surface ice, thus affecting play quality

Correct, although the biggest issue is the amount of water vapor in the air (humidity). When you lower the temperature of the air, it lowers the ability of that air to hold water, so the water has to condense on something.

Not handling humidity right can lead fog, condensation on surfaces, and bad ice...

It's not nearly as easy to control as it seems.

 

[Atas2000]

They can' make goalie pads that protect and are not the size of a barn gate. There are limits to modern tech obviously.