Making Great Ice: Just another day…

Just another day at a championship. Arriving at the Sobey’s Arena in the Leduc Recreation Centre at 6 a.m. on the first day, we were treated to the smell of ammonia throughout the building – as well as a brine leak and non-functioning dehumidifier. Good start to the first day of making ice for an important provincial championship competition! Things happen and we have to deal with them to the best of our ability and resources. The same thing could happen at your club. Dealing with situations is what makes your job exciting and makes resolving those unforeseen problems so gratifying. I guess what I am trying to say is this: expect the unexpected and be ready to react. Use your resources.  Call in your refrigeration mechanic, plumbers, even the icemaker down the road. Have a list of contact people so you don’t have to search for these resources when an emergency arises. Being prepared will save you time and money. Don’t panic in situations like the one I described above. Just think it through and make educated decisions. Smile. We all make mistakes – just try to make them only once! Canadian Curling Association Head Ice Technician Jamie Bourassa is in Leduc, Alberta, making great ice for the provincial Scotties championship.