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As the countdown to the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continues, Canadian ice experts are facing significant challenges in creating the perfect skating surfaces for a range of events. Mark Messer, a seasoned ice technician from Calgary, is preparing for what he describes as his biggest Olympic ice-making challenge yet. With just three weeks to go, the humid weather in Milan is causing concern for the athletes who have spent four years training for their moment on the ice.
The Ice Maestro’s Dilemma
Messer, who has been honing his craft for over 40 years, is no stranger to the intricacies of ice-making. On a particularly damp Thursday, he lamented the 7°C conditions that are far from ideal. “Humidity is our enemy,” he remarked, explaining how moisture can create unwanted frost on the ice surface. This frost, akin to that on a winter car window, could undermine the performance of skaters who rely on a flawless surface for speed.
The Olympic speed-skating oval in Rho, a suburb of Milan, requires ice that is not only hard but also mirror-smooth. Unlike the softer surfaces needed for figure skating or hockey, the ice here must withstand the rigours of competitive speed skating. Any imperfections could slow down the athletes and dampen their spirits just before the Games.
Crafting the Perfect Surface
This year marks Messer’s seventh Olympic appearance, and he is joined by his son, an ice-making engineer for the Edmonton Oilers, who will assist in the ice-surfacing efforts. Their expertise, honed through years of experience in Canada, will be key as they navigate the complexities of this unique venue. The Milano Speed Skating Stadium, located within temporary exhibition halls, is the first of its kind to be set up for the Olympics. After the Games, these pavilions will revert to their original function, adding an additional layer of complexity to the ice-making process.
Messer detailed some of the technical aspects of achieving the right ice thickness—aiming for around 5.5 to 6 centimetres to ensure durability without compromising cooling efficiency. “It’s a fun challenge, but we’ll make it happen,” he assured, optimistic about the collaboration with local technicians to find the right balance.
Challenges in the Hockey Arenas
Meanwhile, Don Moffatt, another Canadian icemaker based in Peterborough, Ontario, is tackling his own set of obstacles at the two Olympic hockey arenas in Milan. Having worked on five previous Olympics, Moffatt claims this is the most challenging yet. He oversees the ice for the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, which is still under construction, causing complications as workers move around the rink.
Despite the disruption, Moffatt remains confident in the quality of the ice. He has conducted several test events and noted that the surface held up well under pressure. “I’ve learned to stay calm and focus on what I can control,” he stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining a pristine ice surface amidst ongoing construction. He plans to refurbish the ice before the Games, ensuring that it meets the high expectations of players and fans alike.
Curling: A Unique Ice-Making Challenge
In contrast to the speed skating and hockey venues, the curling arena in Cortina presents its own unique challenges. Greg Ewasko, a deputy ice technician from Oakbank, Manitoba, is part of a team tasked with creating the ideal curling ice. With the venue originally built for the 1956 Winter Games, the intricacies of maintaining the ice’s temperature and humidity are paramount.
Ewasko emphasised the need for precision, stating, “You want a 40-pound rock to land within one centimetre of the pinhole.” This requires a delicate balance, as the presence of fans and the resulting body heat can significantly affect the ice conditions. As he prepares for the Games, he is keenly aware of how external factors can influence performance, making his role critical to the success of the event.
Why it Matters
The work of these Canadian ice technicians is vital not only for the athletes competing in the Milan Cortina Olympics but also for the legacy of the Games themselves. By ensuring that the ice surfaces are of the highest quality, they contribute to the integrity of the competitions, allowing athletes to perform at their best. As the world watches, the meticulous efforts of these experts will play a crucial role in shaping unforgettable Olympic moments and potentially impacting future ice-making standards on a global scale.
