nos.nl
Zamboni: 75 Years of Perfect Ice
This article discusses the history and impact of the Zamboni ice resurfacing machine, focusing on its use in speed skating, particularly at Thialf ice rink in the Netherlands.
Dutch
Netherlands
TechnologySportsHistoryIceMachines
NosNhlOlympiaThialfFigure Skating Hall Of Fame
Frank Zamboni Jr.Peter BethlehemErben WennemarsSonja HenieWayne GretzkyGerard Van VeldeKjeld Nuis
- What is the Zamboni and what is its purpose?
- The Zamboni, a machine invented by Frank Zamboni Jr., is used to resurface ice rinks. It scrapes off a thin layer of ice, vacuums it up, and then applies a layer of hot water to create a smooth surface.
- How has the Zamboni's design changed over time?
- The Zamboni's design has remained largely unchanged since its creation in 1949, though newer models have automated features. The basic principle of scraping, collecting, and smoothing the ice remains the same.
- Why do ice masters at Thialf prefer Zamboni machines?
- Ice masters at Thialf, a renowned speed skating rink, prioritize using Zambonis because of their reliability and ease of use, preferring their traditional operation to newer, more automated models. They value the responsiveness of the older model.
- What happened at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics regarding ice resurfacing?
- At the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, failing ice resurfacers caused a significant delay. The incident highlighted the importance of reliable ice-resurfacing equipment and led to a Zamboni being flown in as a replacement.
- How do the roles and perceptions of Zamboni drivers differ between the NHL and Thialf?
- While Zamboni drivers are considered celebrities in the NHL, in Thialf, the ice masters maintain a more understated approach, prioritizing the quality of the ice over fame.