When the rink was built, the three compressors were used when purchased. Over time, they are in need of upgrading due to wear and tear.

This past season saw an issue where the coolant was low causing the ice not to freeze properly. This resulted in two days of lost ice time while the system was band-aided back to service.

The current Zamboni was purchased used and has been utilized for several years. A few years ago, the machine was sent to the factory for a complete overhaul. This gave the machine a few more years but it is starting to show its age with minor repairs being made. We cross our fingers hoping there are no large issues soon. 

The attendance at the recent open skates have been well attended. We average 200- 250 skaters per session.  Most sessions we run out of sizes 6, 7, 8, and 9. It is frustrating when we are trying to fit skaters but do not have the inventory needed. A quality rental type skate runs about $80-90 each. We have purchased cheaper skates but they do not last as long as the style built for rental use.

The current sound system has blown speakers. The amplifier does not allow for needed adjustments to the system. This past season the wireless microphone died. We are currently using wired microphones that have a lesser quality of sound. Spectators have commented on how the audio was poor. 

Our current rink boards were purchased used, the quality of caps are rough with large cracks that can cause a safety issue for skaters if they are up against the boards. The cap needs to be updated to improve the safety and appearance of the rink. 

Currently, the Zamboni is stored in a room that requires it to be taken outside to access the rink. The constant driving outside then onto the ice causes mud and gravel to be tracked onto the ice. This causes the ice to look dirty plus the mud and gravel cause undue wear and tear on skates.

The goal is to have building that stores the Zamboni and it does not need to go outside.

We would like upgrade our skate trainers sometimes referred to as "walkers." The skate trainer allows a new skater to hold onto something while they push it along the ice. The current walkers are made of bent metal pipes. Skaters comment the metal is cold to hold while skating. The skate trainers are made of molded plastic and provide for easy stackable storage. 

The brand we a looking at is https://www.skatehelper.com. We are interested in purchasing 24. The skate helper is designed to have a decal affixed to the front showing who made it possible to purchase.

The current arrangement for the equipment room is a room that is used during the season but all the equipment at the end of the season is to be boxed up and stored in the locker rooms. Even though the season may be over, the equipment managers work through the summer to make sure the gear is ready for the following season. By having a permanent area to store the equipment, the equipment managers can easily manage the work and work on the equipment.

This room would also be used to permanently store the open skate rental skates. Currently, at the end of each open skate, the open skate carts have to be moved to allow more room in the warming area.

By having the skates in a permanent home, the sharpening of the skates can be done more efficiently. Currently, skates have to be hauled into the temporary equipment room for sharpening. Plus, at the end of the season, the carts are stored in the locker rooms which makes it difficult to work on the skates to sharpen them in the off-season.

Sharpening the entire inventory once can take over 80 hours. To provide an enjoyable open skate experience, the skates must be sharp. Sharpening should be done two or three times a season. Having a permanent home would make things more efficient. 

The recent upgrade of bleachers were a huge improvement. At the time of purchased, YAIA did not have the funds to add plastic caps to the bleachers. Growing up in the Midwest we know metal can get cold so the plastic caps will provide insulation to your behind when sitting to improve the comfort of the spectators.

How many times have you had a long trip back from a game and had to put up with the smell from your sweaty player? Many facilities provide showers for players along with their own bathroom.

Just about every YAIA high school player has mentioned they would have liked to have a shower to use after practice in the morning. Many players are from outside of town so it can be difficult to get a shower in prior to going to school.

It has been a blessing to have the parking lot paved because the first years it was only a gravel parking lot.  It is time to resurface the parking lot but we are looking for the most efficient and economical way to accomplish the task.

Humidity in the rink causes the ice in the rink to take longer to freeze after the ice has been Zamboined. This causes delays in the use of the ice. The humidity also becomes an issue when the temperature rises in the rink and causes condensation on the ceiling which causes it to "rain" in the rink. The installation of the a dehumidifier would increase freeze time, prevent the condensation, and will also make the rink feel cooler for spectators.

The current boards were donated to the association by Mitchell Hockey before the ice even had a home.  Mitchell purchased these boards used so these boards have been around for awhile.  The plan is to replace the boards with aluminum boards with clear undamaged glass.

Replacing the boards will also make a safer environment for workers of games by providing glass around the scorers and penalty boxes. The current boards have the penalty boxes exposed boxes plus the boxes are small for the times when the teams rack up the penalties.

The current doors cause a bottle neck during games.  The plan is to replace the current doors with double doors that will both open with glass in the the top half of each door.

Rink dividers are used to make smaller playing areas for the younger hockey players. This allows them to play more than one game on the ice at a time and makes for a safer environment for participants since pucks and player will not be going into the other groups area during play. This purchase was made possible by a grant received by Legends for Kids.

This project involves covering the refrigerated floor on the northwest corner of the rink with a ramp and platform for spectrators in wheel chairs to view the events.

Efforts are underway to create a safe area for players to practice shooting pucks on dryland.  Most materials have been donated so this project will be at close to no cost to create.   Thank you to everyone who helped with this project so far especially Chad Kapla and Mike Krajewski. We are still in need of something to protect the area around the shooting range such as netting.  If you know of a resource please contact us.

The current bleachers are wooden collapsible and were purchased used. The plan is to install permanent aluminum bleachers that will be raised.  The current bleachers are floor level so the lower seats cannot see the action on the ice.  The new bleachers will provide better viewing and better safety.

The current is lighting in the rink in mercury lighting.  This type of lighting is less energy efficient and provides a yellowish light.  The plan is to replace the lighting with compact high efficiency fluorescent lights.

The current heating system in the rink does not provide the needed heat.  In 2014, Larry's Heating and Cooling donated a section of heating which was night and day in amount of heat provided.  The plan is to provide additional heaters to provide better comfort for spectators.

This is a joint effort with the 4H and YAIA to remodel the kitchen including new cabinets and rewire electricity.  Fundraising effort will soon begin.

The plan is to continue with texturing and painting the walls in the warming area.  This project is based on the amount of paint donated.

We currently have the labor lined up to create the crow's nest above the scorers box but still in need of steel.  If you know of anyone who is willing to donate steel for the project, please let Rob Barger or Randy Eichacker know.