Preparations well under way at Bossard Arena

Ice and snow will be the last thing on many people's minds as we make the best of a wet summer but preparation of the surface for the new season of ice-hockey matches at the Bossard Arena is well under way.
 
"We actually started preparing the surface at the beginning of July," said Erwin Fassbind, who is one of seven employed to do this at the arena. "It is quite a complicated procedure. It is not a matter of just getting the ice from the freezer."
 
He went on to explain how the concrete base has to be cleaned and its temperature lowered to at least 7°C before a 1-centimetre deep layer of water is poured on top. Then all the edges of the rink and the nets have to be put up.
 
At present they are working on gradually adding layer upon layer of ice on the 1800-square-metre surface. "For the first time we are using a special white powder rather than lime to form the background for the advertising. This is then positioned on top and carried out in a very precise procedure," explained expert André Klingler. "Then, more water is poured on to achieve a 5-6 centimetre layer of ice on top. It is hoped all will be ready by the end of this week, bar a few finishing touches."
 
Not that the work of the 7-man team currently at work on the surface ends once all is ready. They also see to the cleaning of the whole stadium and are responsible for the cloakrooms, not to mention carrying out maintenance and repairs throughout the season.
 
Local ice-hockey fans will not need telling that the surface has to be ready for the first main match of the season when EV Zug play against SCL Tigers at 7.30 pm on Friday 8 August. Before then, a photo shoot with the team players is to take place on Thursday 31 July. Two days later the first training session takes place.