USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Boardman Ice Zone Leading the Way in Customer Safety

Published on December 28, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Earlier this month more than 20 adults and children fell ill because of carbon monoxide fumes at an ice rink Clearwater, Fla. that were later traced to poor ventilation and a malfunctioning dehumidifier. Back in February, more than 60 people we hospitalized after a leak in a gasoline-powered Zamboni spewed dangerous levels of carbon monoxide into the air of a Gunnison, Colo. ice rink.

Thankfully no one was seriously harmed, but the two incidents were a stark wake up call for ice rinks across the nation. At the Ice Zone in Boardman, Ohio, though, it only reinforced the staff's commitment to safety.

"We're constantly checking the tuning on the Zamboni, making sure the engine's running at an optimum performance and that the emissions are correct," said Jim Fleeger, the facility manager at the Ice Zone. "We have done this on-and-off for years, but more regularly since the reports.

"We test for both carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide."

Fleeger said that the Ice Zone staff checks emission levels at least once a day, usually about a half-hour after the Zamboni resurfaces the ice, and "periodically when the Zamboni is running." He said the levels typically come back between zero and two parts per million of carbon monoxide and zero parts per million for nitrous oxide. The guideline for evacuation, such as the incidents at the Clearwater and Gunnison ice rinks, is 100 parts per million.

Ice Zone General Manager Skip Mackall said the Ice Zone is better off than most rinks because its Zamboni is fueled by compressed natural gas, as opposed to gasoline or propane.

"In those situations, they used completely different equipment," Mackall said. "It's not pertinent to us because we use compressed natural gas.

"It converts differently. There isn't the same residue."

Mackall said that although recent incidents have portrayed many ice rinks in a poor light, patron safety is paramount for him and his staff at the Ice Zone.

"We want everyone to know that our Zambonis are maintained on a very regular basis," he said. "There are signs all over our rink that say, 'Safety is our primary concern. Carbon monoxide levels are monitored daily.'"

Single game tickets for the 2011-12 season are on sale now. Season ticket and flex plans start at the low price of just $90. Call the Phantoms office today at 330.747.7825 for more information or to make a reservation today! For a complete Phantoms schedule, visit www.youngstownphantoms.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from December 28, 2011


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