Quality of ice conditions at the dome (rant number three - Ken King please read)

[Brick]

It's amazing that they spend millions and millions of dollars on players and the team probably has a budget of 100 million or so. Then, they can't justify upgrading the ice plant or fixing the problem, and would rather put player safety at risk. The NHLPA should start making an issue of ice conditions in certain buildings. Why should players be expected to risk injury if conditions are not safe?

[Ace]

I'm convinced it's not an ice plant issue, and more to do with the buildings A/C, that's probably a much more difficult thing to fix depending on what the issue is.

All of the cooling ducts are at the second level entrances and nothing closer to the ice than this.

[puckluck2]

Originally Posted by Ace

I'm convinced it's not an ice plant issue, and more to do with the buildings A/C, that's probably a much more difficult thing to fix depending on what the issue is.

All of the cooling ducts are at the second level entrances and nothing closer to the ice than this.

It used to be a lot colder at the dome so I doubt they couldn't make it colder if they wanted.

[EddyBeers]

Originally Posted by Iginla

It used to be a lot colder at the dome so I doubt they couldn't make it colder if they wanted.

The thing I do not understand is that they have a market that should be used to ice cold rinks anyway. I spend most weekends scouting Bantam and Midget AAA for junior hockey, it seems doubtful that the Flames could even possibly make the Saddledome colder than any of those rinks. One would think many fans who attend Flames games would be used to much colder rinks than anything the Saddledome could throw at them. I know Rexall is much cooler than the Dome, no surprise they have much better ice.

[Enoch Root]

jobing.com is colder too

[clancy]

Originally Posted by Iginla

It used to be a lot colder at the dome so I doubt they couldn't make it colder if they wanted.

They probably will get complaints from "influential" season ticket holders, owners etc if the temp is turned down. I have been to games in phoenix many times and the building there is much colder. So you wear a light coat. It's hockey.
Tanguay talked about it after the chicago game. If more players start complaining about it, then maybe something can be done. The Flames can launch a little pr campaign to warn the softies about turning the temp down a bit, and the ensuing benefits. King is good at that kind of thing.

Some will still complain, but the real fans will enjoy a better product.
The flames are faster and more skilled this year. Crap ice is an equalizer for the road team. More wins = more money for the Flames.

Everyone should be emailing Ken King, twittering the media etc. Let's get it done.

[calumniate]

I agree with you clancy. I finally emailed Ken King asking if anything is being done and / or what the issue is. If he responds I'll try to share it.

[Change of Heart]

It looked like they were playing with a tennis ball Saturday, truly brutual

[Boniman]

Originally Posted by Mazrim

When I went to the MTS Centre in Winnipeg for a Moose game, it was the coldest I've ever been in a major rink (and it was above 0 outside!). I'm thinking they should probably do the same for the Saddledome.

The ice at Rexall last night looked like the Heritage Classic near the end of the first period. Same problem?

Rexall ice is in the same shape. Both buildings need new ice plants but they ain't cheap. They are better off waiting for new buildings with up to date pads and glycol systems.

[clancy]

Originally Posted by Boniman

Rexall ice is in the same shape. Both buildings need new ice plants but they ain't cheap. They are better off waiting for new buildings with up to date pads and glycol systems.

While I havent been to Rexall this year, I have watched a couple of games from there on TV. From that perspective, it is no where near as bad as the saddledome ice. And lets remember, that building is far busier with non hockey events than the Dome.

[homestand]

Originally Posted by Mazrim

It was crazy to see the same huge divots in the ice from the first period still not being filled by the Zamboni in the 2nd intermission. Almost looked like they missed the exact middle of the ice before the shoot out too. Oh well.

When I used to work in an arena as a summer job, we used to patch divots from figureskaters with a bucket full of a mixture of snow from the Zamboni and water.

The worst the ice ever got was after publiic skating sessions. A hundred skaters going in circles for 90 minutes. Much worse than after a hockey game.

When resurfacing the ice, the driver should be shaving the ice to remove a layer of ice and adding only enough hot water to create a smooth surface. I even noticed a decade ago that a Zamboni driver was not reducing his water flow when he was slowing down as he slowed down as he appoached the end boards.

Having ice that is too thick also increases the time it takes for the ice surface to setup.

[The Big Thirsty]

Originally Posted by Iginla

It used to be a lot colder at the dome so I doubt they couldn't make it colder if they wanted.

My buddy and I were actually mentioning that on Saturday. It used to seem to be a lot colder in our seats than it is this year. Anything more than your Flames jersey and an under-shirt, and you're roasting.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by The Big Thirsty

My buddy and I were actually mentioning that on Saturday. It used to seem to be a lot colder in our seats than it is this year. Anything more than your Flames jersey and an under-shirt, and you're roasting.

exactly - used to where a turtle-neck or something like that under the jersey, and it would be chilly sitting there. Just a t-shirt this year, and it's warm.

[schteve_d]

Originally Posted by The Big Thirsty

My buddy and I were actually mentioning that on Saturday. It used to seem to be a lot colder in our seats than it is this year. Anything more than your Flames jersey and an under-shirt, and you're roasting.

Maybe it's to encourage the C of Red? Certainly wouldn't look the same with everyone wearing jackets in the stands.

[Joborule]

Originally Posted by schteve_d

Maybe it's to encourage the C of Red? Certainly wouldn't look the same with everyone wearing jackets in the stands.

It shouldn't need to be that cold though. Other arenas around the league have fans in shirts near ice level, and they have better quality ice than we do. Is it cooler, or as warm in those venues?

[spetch]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

jobing.com is colder too

This is definitely true. I was just there on Monday and there was a definitely a chill. Nothing that couldn't be cured with a sweater or jersey though. Heck the guy who took me there forgot how cold it was and had to buy a hoodie, great way to sell more merch!

[timun]

Originally Posted by Boniman

Rexall ice is in the same shape. Both buildings need new ice plants but they ain't cheap. They are better off waiting for new buildings with up to date pads and glycol systems.

The Saddledome's ice plant was replaced in 2007.