It was shaping up to be a great night of hockey in the Pee Dee on Friday night. Parking lots were filled to the brim and the vibe was electric. Not only was it shaping up to be one of if not the highest attended night, but the players and fans alike were also having a great time. Warm ups went smoothly along with all pre-game activities.
But into the 8th minute of play, the game suddenly halted. Gray marks in the ice were noted behind the Monroe Moccasins’ goal. Upon investigation, it was determined that there was a large crack in the ice. Maintenance workers and staff quickly began working to resurface the ice and get back to game play. Unfortunately, after extensive efforts, the ice was deemed unfit for play and the game was postponed (rescheduled for Sunday, March 22nd at 6:15pm).
But this got us thinking — what goes into making and maintaining an ice rink? We see the ice resurfaced between each period and watch as workers shovel certain areas between plays, but what actually goes into the mechanics of having an ice rink — especially somewhere like the Pee Dee where the humidity is thick and temperatures are, to put it lightly, well above freezing.
Most people step onto an ice rink thinking about skating, hockey, or maybe how cold it feels — but very few realize they’re standing on top of a carefully engineered system that behaves more like a giant refrigerator than a frozen pond. Building and maintaining an ice rink is a blend of architecture, physics, refrigeration science, and daily craftsmanship. Here’s a look beneath the surface — literally — at how it all comes together.
Building the Foundation: What’s Under the Ice?
Every ice rink begins with a perfectly level concrete slab, and this slab is far more complex than it looks. Engineers reinforce it with steel rebar and expansion joints to prevent cracking, because even tiny imperfections can affect the quality of the ice. Beneath the slab sits a layer of insulation and vapor barriers, which prevent heat and moisture from the ground from interfering with the freezing process. 1
The real magic happens inside the slab itself. A network of plastic or steel pipes — laid out in a tight grid pattern — circulates chilled brine or glycol. These pipes connect to a powerful refrigeration system that pumps freezing‑cold fluid through the grid, pulling heat out of the concrete above it. When water is sprayed onto the slab, it freezes in thin layers, eventually forming the smooth, white sheet we recognize as an ice rink. 1
Before the ice is built up, technicians paint the slab white to improve visibility and brightness. Then come the lines, circles, logos, and markings, all sealed under additional layers of ice. The result is a surface that looks simple but is actually a carefully constructed, multi‑layered system.
Designing the Rink: Size, Purpose, and Planning
Not all rinks are created equal. A facility’s purpose determines its size, layout, and even the type of ice it produces. An NHL rink measures 200×85 feet, while an Olympic rink is slightly wider at 200×100 feet. Smaller “studio rinks” are common in training centers, and curling sheets have their own unique dimensions and ice requirements. 2
Before construction begins, planners must decide whether the rink will be indoor or outdoor, seasonal or year‑round, and whether it will host hockey, figure skating, curling, or general public skating. These decisions affect everything from the refrigeration load to the HVAC system to the type of dasher boards installed. Even the building’s insulation and airflow patterns matter, because humidity and warm air can ruin ice faster than a slapshot.
The Ice-Making Process: Thin Layers, Big Impact
Once the slab is chilled, ice technicians begin building the surface in layers — sometimes dozens of them. Each layer is applied as a fine mist, allowed to freeze, and then built upon. This slow, methodical process ensures the ice is dense, level, and free of air bubbles, which can weaken the surface.
Different sports prefer different ice characteristics. Hockey players want hard, fast ice, while figure skaters prefer slightly softer ice that provides better edge control. Even recreational rinks may adjust temperatures based on crowd size, because hundreds of warm bodies can soften the surface.
Keeping the Ice Alive: Daily Maintenance
If building an ice rink is an engineering feat, maintaining it is a daily art form. The most iconic tool in rink maintenance is the ice resurfacer, commonly known as a Zamboni (or in the Florence Center’s case, an Olympia). These machines shave off the top layer of rough ice, collect the shavings, and lay down a thin sheet of warm water that freezes into a smooth, glassy finish. 1
Technicians also use edgers to clean up the ice along the boards, where buildup is common. Throughout the day, staff monitor the ice temperature, slab temperature, humidity levels, and even the hardness of the ice. Small adjustments — sometimes just a degree or two — can make the difference between perfect conditions and a soft, slushy mess.
Behind the Scenes: HVAC, Humidity, and Airflow
A rink’s refrigeration system may freeze the ice, but the HVAC system protects it. Warm, humid air causes condensation, fog, and frost buildup, all of which can damage the ice or make skating unsafe. Modern rinks use dehumidifiers, air handlers, and carefully designed airflow patterns to keep the environment stable. Lighting, sound systems, and water treatment also play a role — purified water, for example, freezes clearer and harder than untreated tap water.
Why It All Matters
A well‑built and well‑maintained rink isn’t just a luxury — it’s essential for safety, performance, and longevity. Whether it’s a community rink hosting youth hockey or a professional arena preparing for a championship game, the quality of the ice affects every skater who steps onto it.
So the next time you watch the players glide across a rink, remember: beneath those blades lies a carefully engineered system, a dedicated team of technicians, and a daily commitment to keeping the ice perfect.
It’s incredible that our ice has been so cooperative through the already 25 games played. While we are sad that the party was cut short last night, we look forward in anticipation to a great evening tonight at the Florence Center and an unexpected Sunday game to enjoy on this beautiful South Carolina weekend. Come out and support the IceCats as they take on the Moccasins this weekend!
Jarrett Cross
References (2)
1Ice Rink Construction And Maintenance Guide – knowmax.blog. https://knowmax.blog/ice-rink-construction-maintenance-guide
2How to Build an Ice Rink: A Practical Guide for Project Planners. https://sportsvenuecalculator.com/knowledge/ice-rinks/how-to-build-an-ice-rink/
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