Arena Operators

🎥  Operator Spotlight

Hear directly from ice makers and arena managers across North America. In these short peer-to-peer clips, operators share how they adopted REALice, the challenges they faced, and the results they achieved.

 

Real stories. Real savings. Real ice — in under 60 seconds.

We've been taught to use as hot water as we can... to make good ice." Ross Rankin (Past President, ORFA) admits that cold water flooding goes against decades of tradition. But after investigating the technology and speaking with other operators across Ontario, the verdict was clear. Watch to learn: How they validated the technology with peers (zero negative feedback). The immediate improvement in ice clarity (especially for curling lines). Why the project was supported "wholeheartedly" by the Council. #IceMaking #ArenaOps #SustainableArenas #REALice More info on realice.ca
Manager Spotlight: Ross Rankin, Past ORFA President, Carleton Place, ON
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26°F Brine with Faster Pucks? Here is the proof. 🧊 Common industry knowledge suggests that if you raise your brine temperature to 26°F, you’ll get slush. Connor Edwards (Carleton Place) proves otherwise. In this operator spotlight, Connor breaks down the results of his mid-season switch to REALice: The Temperature: Successfully raised from ~20°F to 26°F. The Clarity: "One of the biggest things is just how clear the ice is." The Speed: "As soon as the puck hits the ice, it just goes to the far end." Watch how Carleton Place achieved the "impossible" combination of warmer brine and harder, faster ice. #IceMaking #EnergyEfficiency #ArenaOps #REALice
Operator Spotlight: Connor Edwards, Carleton Place, ON
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Tim explained that when they first installed the system, they struggled with sticky ice and experimented with the brine settings to find the right balance. After some adjustment, they discovered that they could run their ice 4.5 degrees warmer than ever before. The change brought significant energy savings and reduced compressor run time, extending equipment life. He noted that the ice surface has improved noticeably — ruts are smaller, floods are smoother, and even newer operators are finding it easier to maintain consistent ice quality. Tim also highlighted how their salt use has dropped dramatically, from a skid every three weeks to one about every two months. Overall, he said the past two months have been all positive, with better ice, lower costs, and a more efficient operation.
Operator Spotlight: Tim Smitten, Midland, ON
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The WJ Henderson Recreation Centre in Amherstview, Ontario, put in REALice in 2024. The building is being renovated with a replacement swimming pool, expected to open in 2026, so it’s been a construction zone for the past year and a half. In the summer of 2025, the ice rink got a new ice plant which is still being dialed in. Despite all the challenges, Loyalist Township’s Chris Perry sees the difference they’ve got using REALice to build their ice and flood, instead of traditional hot water and gets raving reviews on the ice quality. Modern Niagara were the engineers for the building’s transformation, and the REALice was specced as a part of the retrofit. Chris Perry’s operations team had a full season’s experience with REALice before the new ice plant came. They all took the REALice Online Training and Certification Course and their knowledge of making great ice with much colder water than what is traditionally used is evident.
Operator Spotlight: Chris Perry, Loyalist, ON
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Peter Burnett, Director of Community Services for the Municipality of Trent Hills, Ontario, first discovered REALice several years ago. After years of research and consideration, the municipality installed its first REALice system at the Warkworth Arena. Rather than announcing the change, Burnett’s team ran a “blind trial,” continuing their regular operations to see if anyone would notice a difference. They did — in the best way possible. “We got unsolicited compliments on the ice quality,” Burnett recalls. “Our curlers even said they could see the lines better.” Encouraged by the results, Trent Hills included REALice directly in the design specifications for its new Sunny Life Recreation and Wellness Centre, now operating with the system from day one. “Both the public and staff are very happy,” says Burnett. “The ice quality is really good, and people appreciate that we’re using smarter, more sustainable technology. It works out really well for us.” Trent Hills now operates two REALice-equipped arenas, leading by example in delivering high-quality ice while reducing energy costs and environmental impact. #REALice #IceQuality #EnergySavings #OperatorSpotlight
Director Spotlight: Peter Burnett, Municipality of Trent Hills, ON
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Archie Stewart, Facility Operations Manager at Polar Place in Valleyview, AB, says some people have already noticed the ice feels a bit harder since switching to REALice — a change that comes with energy savings and smoother operations.
Operator Spotlight: Archie Stewart, Facility Operations Manager, Polar Place Valleyview, AB
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Colby College’s Jack Kelley Arena, an NCAA Division III facility, is the first rink in Maine to install REALice. Arena Manager Roger Blaisdell and Assistant Manager Tyler Shores share their impressions.
Operator Spotlight: Roger Blaisdell, Leads Groundkeeper, Colby College, Maine
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Greg Mitchell oversees two arenas in Kitimat, BC. With REALice, his team no longer worries about hot water sitting in the resurfacer for too long, compromising ice quality. “The ice has always been good here,” Greg says. “With REALice, I believe it’s as good — or even better. And not wasting all that hot water was really what drove the change. Now we’re saving energy and costs too.”
Operator Spotlight: Greg Mitchell, Arena Coordinator – District of Kitimat, BC
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As Monty Wood, Arena Manager for the Clare Drake Arena at the University of Alberta, puts it: “The bottom line is if it saves you money and the ice quality is as good or better... Why wouldn’t you use REALice!” 👉 Learn more at realice.ca
Operator Spotlight: Monty Wood, Clare Drake Arena, University of Alberta
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Wayne is the Lead Hand at the Multi Rec Centre in Slave Lake and has been making ice for 35 years. He loves his new REALice system — and everyone in town is talking about it. Even the Mayor came down, amazed at how clear the ice looked and how fast the puck moved. Wayne’s ice was always good before. Now? It’s excellent.
Operator Spotlight – Wayne Bacon, Lead Hand, Multi Rec Centre, Slave Lake, AB
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