The Zamboni circled the ice yesterday, buffing out the surface for the season opening of Stumptown Ice Den today. But it wasn’t the same old Zamboni. “It’s brand, spanking new, just delivered two days ago,” says Andy Hergesheimer, who manages the rink. “It’s like moving up from a Datsun to a Cadillac.”
Along with a new Zamboni, the ice rink purchased all new rental skates. “We spent lots of dollars on comfy, cushy skates,” says Hergesheimer, adding that skaters should come check them out for themselves.
The ice season opened today with afternoon adult hockey and an evening youth hockey camp. The two first public skate sessions start up this weekend on Saturday, Oct. 4, 7:30 to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 5, 1:15 to 4:45 p.m. The full rink schedule with adult drop-in hockey, figure skating and hockey lessons, and Saturday morning public learn-to-skate sessions launches Monday, Oct. 6.
The youth hockey league for Glacier Hockey Association starts its first seven-week training sessions Oct. 15-16. Kids five to eight years old can train with the Hot Shots, while 9- to 12-year-olds can chase the puck in the non-traveling House League. Five age-bracket full season teams also start training for kids 17 years old and under. For more information on the hockey association, call 862-5424.
The popular adult drop-in hockey programs break into skill levels where contact and checking are taboo. Beginners are welcome in the “C” league, and Sunday evenings include a hockey program for those over 40 years old. For adults on teams, hockey leagues begin their game sessions on Oct. 22-23, with the “A” league on Wednesday nights and “B” league on Thursday nights.
Whitefish Figure Skating Club also plans to hit the ice to warm up for their official training starting on Oct. 21. Members join the United States Figure Skating Association and compete in the annual Flathead Invitational Competition in January. This year, the club is launching a new skating school aimed at 6- to 12-year-olds. It includes two five-week sessions along with competitive events. Call 862-6524 to speak with coach Jennifer Boye.
“The ice is even better than last year,” Hergesheimer adds. “In fact, it’s perfect.”
For more information on the ice rink schedule, call 863-2477.
Stumptown Ice Den 2008-09 Rates
Skating session $4.75
Rentals $2.50
Adult drop-in hockey session $9
Season passes $385
Adult hockey 20-visit punch cards $171
General admission 20-visit punch cards $90