Head Ice Technician

Nick Winkelblech serves as the primary Ice Technician for Ed Robson Arena.  Nick spent the previous five years as the primary Ice Technician at Honnen Ice Arena, the college’s former community rink, where he maintained the facility’s long reputation for quality ice.

Winkelblech is responsible for the installation and maintenance of the ice surface at Ed Robson Arena.  This includes depth readings and adjustment of ice surface, maintaining optimal depth of ice for efficient cooling and energy savings, maintaining edge of ice surface with edger to keep the quality of the ice consistent from the center to the boards, and coordinating the ice and air temperatures with the Heating Plant. He prepares ice for all CC Hockey open ice times, practice times, and NCAA Division I games.

 

Additionally, he ensures all equipment and tools necessary to fulfill ice maintenance tasks are always available and in working condition. He provides maintenance reports and updates for monthly staff meetings and coordinates ongoing maintenance training on specialized topics each month.  His other duties include installation, repair, and replacement of hockey glass, dasher boards and performing cleaning and maintenance on ice operations equipment.

 
Winkelblech first earned his U.S. Rinks “certified ice technician” designation in 2013 and has been working since to learn, improve, and perfect his craft, while passing along what knowledge he can to others interested in the field.
 
Nick received his bachelor's degree in studio art from Lake Forest College.