Inner Workings of the AUD
May 6, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release
Throughout the year, we've featured members from the Utica Comets staff who people may initially overlook; sometimes it's difficult for fans to realize how much work goes into a Utica Comets game day. But now it's time to sit down with perhaps the most crucial individuals responsible for the Utica Comets game day running smoothly - the Utica Memorial Auditorium's arena operations staff.
Together, Frank LaBella and Jerry Hendenberg operate and run all arena operations in "The AUD.' Putting in hours upon hours of work every day, it is somewhat of a miracle these two push through such long days of work.
"On a typical game day, we're here from about 8 in the morning to 11 at night," Frank LaBella, who has worked at "The AUD' full-time since 1979, explained.
Without any official training, Frank's knowledge comes solely from experience.
"We have to check the cables, check the gates and drill the holes for the marsh pegs." Jerry added, "It it's a busy schedule right up until the blocked ice slot for the Comets, we have to cram a lot into a very short period of time. That means making sure we have the proper staff - like Randy and Donnie - in on time to scrape the edges of the ice and then use the edger to trim 16-18 inches from the boards out that the zamboni doesn't get a chance to cut."
They both explained how much work and time goes into making the ice durable and enjoyable to play on.
"We always ask the officials, whether they be for Utica College or Utica Comets, how the ice is, and they all say it's easily the best ice in the league. That makes us happy because we know we're doing our job." Frank and Jerry are usually part of an eight-person staff on game night, whose responsibilities range from cleaning during intermissions to driving the zamboni to setting the nets in place. "Since you never know what's going on, you need the extra guys on staff," Frank said.
For Jerry Hendenberg, the return of AHL hockey to Utica meant leaving his position as the General Manager of the Myrtle Beach Speedway in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to return to upstate New York.
"That was more of an office job," he said. "Here it's much more hands on. I like it a lot more."
When asked what his favorite part of working at The AUD is, Jerry did not hesitate. "It's gotta be the people. I get along really well with Frank and the rest of the guys on staff."
The 2013-14 inaugural season hasn't been without its hiccups. On October 23rd, the Comets opening night, the first pane of glass broke mere hours before puck drop. Despite everything looking perfect that night, it may not have been that way earlier that night. The zambonis are also not foolproof, with small mishaps happening on rare occasions.
"They're like airplanes," Frank explained. "We have to check them regularly before each game to make sure they're running smoothly."
What some people may also overlook is that ice does not set the same way every game. Jerry helped elaborate on this, describing the technicalities that affect the ice surface.
"It really depends how hard the coaches skate the guys. Whether it's Comets pregame, the visiting team pregame or Utica College practices. If the guys skate really hard, the ice gets cut up pretty bad, and it can take us up to a couple of extra hours to make it right in time for a Comets puck drop."
Surprisingly, the most relaxing part of Frank and Jerry's day is when the puck drops, the players are flying across the ice and everything is running smoothly. This is when they, along with the rest of their staff, know that they've done their job. When asked what they've noticed the most throughout the community since the Comets began their season, they both replied that the city of Utica cannot seem to keep their mouths shut about the Comets, The AUD and the experience here.
"Everything we've heard is positive," Frank said. "And that's how you become a successful business. By word of mouth."
• Discuss this story on the American Hockey League message board...
American Hockey League Stories from May 6, 2014
- Admirals Nip IceCaps to Take Game 1 - St. John's IceCaps
- Gibson, Admirals Melt IceCaps 3-1 in Game 1 - Norfolk Admirals
- Inner Workings of the AUD - Utica Comets
- Penguins Weekly - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Stars Weekly (Week 32) - Texas Sweeps Aside Oklahoma City, Advances to Second Round - Texas Stars
- Lightning Sign 2012 First-Round Pick G Andrei Vasilevskii - Syracuse Crunch
- IceHogs Garage Sale and Pick a Seat this Saturday - Rockford IceHogs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
