ASK MR. EDGE
Zamboni driver wears many hats
While driving the Zamboni looks like it would be a cool job, there’s a lot more involved to that position than one might imagine. In this column, we detail Zam driv-
er Mark Melone’s myriad duties, which, of course, include making the ice ide- al for fi gure skaters and hockey players. Below is a checklist of his additional re-
sponsibilities: • Hand out locker room keys. • Clean fl oors. • Maintain ice aside from making ice. • Wash windows. • Take out the garbage. • Take in after-hour registrations and
answer phones.
• Restock vending machines • Maintain outdoor lawn and building • To some extent, repair the Zamboni • Clean bathrooms and locker rooms • Gas up the Zamboni Aside from laying down water when
resurfacing the ice, Melone also cuts and washes the ice surface. T ere are other issues that he must be prepared for, such as me- chanical failures, hydraulic hose failures, etc. T ese are problems that he and rink man- agement must immediately address, as the next icemake is only an hour or so away. As one can see, there is a little more to this job than meets the eye, and all Zam- boni drivers greatly appreciate any assistance customers can off er during their stay at the rink. Some of the things that can be done to make a Zam driver’s life easier are: • Clean up your immediate area before leaving the rink.
• Don’t leave your fi ngerprints on glass doors and windows.
• If you fi nd lost guards or other items, place them in the lost and found.
• Let him know immediately of any problems in the bathrooms.
• Inform him of any broken glass in- side the building or in the parking lot.
Compliments to the Zamboni driver
unfortunately are few and far between. If your Zam driver does a good job for you and is courteous and attentive to your needs, let him know you appreciate his eff orts on your way out the door. I guarantee he will be glad to hear it. For more information and ice-making
tips from the “Ice Man,” aka Mark Melone, visit
askmredge.com.
Mr. Edge
Mr. Edge is a qualifi ed skate technician with years of expe- rience. He answers questions on boots, blades and foot prob- lems related to your equipment. T e opinions of Mr. Edge are his own and do not necessarily refl ect the opinions of U.S. Figure Skating or SKATING magazine. Remember, if you have problems with your feet, check with a doctor — the problem may well be with your boot, but it could be more serious. Check with your local pro shop for more information about boots and blades.
36 APRIL 2013
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