Arena Operators

Paul didn't want a pilot handed down from an energy management team. He wanted to run it his own way, on his own crew's terms, with no announcement to the public. The test was blind — and it held up: everyday skaters noticed a smoother glide, and the elite players at Victus Hockey Academy praised the puck movement and how well the ice recovered from ruts.

Before committing, Lake Placid's team did their homework — road trips to other rinks, calls with other operators, hard questions on the data. They started cautiously, testing on the luge track first. From the historic Herb Brooks Arena to the outdoor oval where Eric Heiden won five golds, REALice is now behind some of the most famous ice in North America.

12 new speed skating records · multiple world records at Mount Van Hoevenberg

That's decades of industry habit talking — and Ross admits cold water flooding goes directly against it. What changed his mind was checking with peers across Ontario before committing: zero negative feedback. Ice clarity improved immediately, especially on curling lines, and the project had the Council's full support.

Brine raised 20°F → 25°F, mid-season

Tim's crew struggled with sticky ice right after installing the system, and spent time experimenting with brine settings to find the right balance. Worth the effort: they could run the ice 4.5 degrees warmer than ever before, with less compressor run time and less wear on the equipment.

Dagan has been making ice at Carstairs for fourteen years — long enough to notice small differences immediately. Since switching: less water, less snow coming off the ice, and a brine temperature raised 3–4°F.

Peter first discovered REALice several years before Trent Hills ever installed a system. He didn't move fast — years of research went into the decision before the municipality installed its first system at Warkworth Arena. The case for bringing a patient, numbers-first decision-maker on board.

Greg oversees two arenas for the District of Kitimat. His team no longer worries about hot water sitting in the resurfacer too long — and the switch is saving the district both energy and cost across both buildings.

Clarey brings over 20 years of ice-making experience, and like most operators, always relied on hot water — until now. At this award-winning new facility, there are no dehumidifiers and no hot water tanks at all: built in from day one.