Technical Corner

May 7, 2025

Introduction

The ORFA continues to monitor the industry for innovation, technology and changes in “successful practices” and is pleased to share that a Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Report focused on the findings of a comprehensive scientific review of artificial ice floodwater variables has been released entitled, "Arena ice quality and perspectives on optimizing performance and addressing emerging challenges".  With future TMU research planned to bridge the gap between expert knowledge and scientific evidence to refine best practices and promote sustainable ice arena operations.  

Historical Background

While reviewing the TMU research the ORFA automatically defaults to our archives and to the pioneer in the subject of ice making water, the late Doug Moore, Chief Engineer at Maple Leaf Gardens and founder of Jet Ice Ltd. Doug was one of the first people to connect water quality to ice quality and how it influences artificial sporting ice. As an Engineer, Doug realized that he did not possess the tools to truly explore the connection between water and ice quality and began to research who could assist him in this quest. Enter Gil Adamson, who began employment with the E.B. Eddy pulp and paper company in their water filtration operations. Gil saved enough from this position to attend the University of Maine graduating as a chemical engineer. Post graduation, Gil joined General Electric Company in the air conditioning division of the operation. His last stop was with Rohm and Haas Chemical Company in the research laboratory in Philadelphia and finally back to Toronto’s east end to set up a new operation. Doug learned of Gil and their meeting and partnership would shape the ice industry forever. The third key player in this trinity is Dave Loverock, who had a front row seat of Doug and Gil’s research that resulted in a steep education in the subject matter that Dave would use through his 45-years on the ice to understand the complexities, variables, and chemistry associated with creating quality artificial sporting ice. The efforts of these individuals were driven solely by passion and consumed hours of volunteer time to comprehend the impact of ice making water and ultimately ice paint. More than 60-years later, a funded academic team at the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has surveyed industry experts and undertaken controlled scientific analysis of the subject matter, that so far, appears to confirm the original efforts and findings of Doug, Gil, and Dave and that have formed the foundation blocks of the ORFA Ice Making and Painting Technologies (IMPT) course that has been adopted by the industry.

Investing in Research

The decision to support a TMU Research Chair in Sustainable Materials Chemistry came via Doug Moore’s daughter, Deborah Wilcock who was President of Jet Ice Ltd. after Doug's passing in 2004 until sold to the Zamboni Co. in 2023. Deborah who grew up assisting her father in every aspect of Jet Ice’s business understood that the industry was changing and moving away from proven scientific principles that both her father and Dave Loverock had carefully collected and tested throughout their careers. The need to independently and scientifically prove if flood water air removal devices did in fact perform as marketed was openly discussed back in 2022 along with the need for advanced research in smart and green materials chemistry for ice-making applications.

ORFA Sanctioned as Doug Moore’s Legacy Gatekeeper

Long before the explosion in technology coined the phrase “data is king”, Deborah Wilcock realized that the extensive work undertaken by her father and Dave Loverock would need to be secured or others would try and claim ownership of the research. More than 30-years ago, Deborah made the decision to pass different images and intellectual property used in the "Ice Making Technology" course to the ORFA for unlimited use and archive. This information was and continues to be the foundation of the ORFA Ice Making and Painting Technologies (IMPT) course materials which forms part of the National Hockey League (NHL) recognized Certified Ice Technician (CIT) professional designation.

ORFA Reviews (TMU) Ice Quality Project Findings

The TMU report echoes information collected and proven by Doug Moore and Dave Loverock surrounding ice temperature, humidity, thickness, and water quality influences on artificial ice strength and friction. It further confirmed that Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) will influence ice performance and that lower ice temperatures improves compressive strength and durability for hockey, while slightly warmer temperatures offer better grip for figure skating and friction for curling. Maintaining humidity between 40% and 50% aligns with proven industry best practices.  However, it is important that an ice technician understand how other variables such as building temperature and air control devices can influence this benchmark.

The report further states that “ice thickness is critical in ensuring both ice surface quality and safety”. This observation parallels what was identified by Frank J. Zamboni, inventor of the Zamboni ice resurfacer, as he is recognized for his contribution to the ice resurfacing industry but often overlooked for his contribution to understanding the importance and variables associated with ice maintenance.

Harmony Between TMU Research and ORFA

The TMU research "highlights the complexity of maintaining optimal ice surfaces in arenas. Each variable - ice temperature, humidity, ice thickness, air temperature, and water quality - plays a critical role in determining the performance and durability of ice surfaces. These factors must be carefully balanced to meet the specific needs of different sports while ensuring safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability."

The above is consistent with what ORFA has been sharing in the Ice Making and Painting Technologies course (and the former Ice Making Technology) materials for 40-years. Practical experiences of people like Doug Moore, Dave Loverock and Certified Ice Technicians have reconfirmed successful industry best practices, and gives ORFA an increased determination to continue to provide industry leading professional development in ice quality to assist the next generation of ice technicians in understanding where the industry has evolved from so that they may continue take it to its next level.

Final Thoughts

What is unquestionable through the TMU research is that creating and maintaining artificial ice is a complicated subject matter. Doug, Gil, and Dave are applauded by the ORFA as the original pioneers in this subject matter and through their efforts developed a strong foundation of practical

theories and principles that is only now being reconfirmed by scientific research. What is refreshing is that their legacy is embedded in the ORFA Ice Making and Painting Technologies (IMPT) course which has been in existence for 35 plus years and forms an important part of the National Hockey League recognized Certified Ice Technician professional designation. A legacy that is not only embraced by the ORFA, but by other organizations and industry leaders who provide training in the subject of ice making and painting. A secondary by-product and Doug Moore mantra of the importance of sharing information.

The ORFA has been a benefactor of this passion, research, and development and will continue to acknowledge and be grateful to these individuals for their leadership in advancing the recreation facilities profession.