Portsmouth Abbey School, situated on a sprawling 525-acre campus along Narragansett Bay, boasts a rich tradition of athletic excellence. The Athletics Complex serves as a central hub for various activities throughout the year. Among its many features, the Abbey rink holds the distinction of being the coldest arena in Rhode Island, a factor that ensures impeccably smooth ice and fast-paced gameplay.
Portsmouth Abbey Athletics Complex
Mitch Kriner, Portsmouth Abbey's Supervisor of Grounds & Hockey Rink, plays a pivotal role in maintaining this high standard. With 35 years of experience at the Abbey, Kriner is not only the Zamboni operator but also responsible for the overall maintenance and scheduling of the rink.
Mitch Kriner: The Heart of the Rink
Kriner's journey at Portsmouth Abbey began as an equipment manager for the Athletic Department, where he also coached football, basketball, and baseball for seven years. After dedicating time to his son's sports teams, he stepped in to manage the rink temporarily and never left.
Kriner's duties at the rink are extensive, primarily focusing on scheduling ice time for various groups. Besides the Abbey's four hockey teams, the rink accommodates Salve Regina University's men’s hockey program, Portsmouth High School, Barrington High School, Mount Hope High School, Newport Youth Hockey, assorted men’s leagues, and even the Naval War College.
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The rink also offers lessons every Saturday and public skating every Sunday. Despite his extensive involvement, Kriner admits, "As a matter of fact, I don’t even skate. (Laughs.) I grew up on a basketball court."
Addressing his transition to managing the ice rink, Kriner recalls, "I knew nothing about hockey at all. I remember the first couple years, we were painting the ice and I’m going, 'Do we really need to paint these lines? Do they really need them?'"
Maintaining the Ice: A Detailed Process
Preparing the ice is a meticulous process that begins in September, as the rink is only open for six months each year. The process involves:
- Laying down an eighth of an inch of clear water using hoses and the Zamboni.
- Painting the ice white using a paint sprayer borrowed from St. George's, applying three coats of ice paint.
- Adding another half-inch of water on top of the painted surface.
The paint, sourced from Jet Ice in Canada, the same company that supplies paint to most NHL rinks, sits almost a quarter of an inch below the surface. After a few months, the rink undergoes dry-cutting to remove skate marks, followed by the application of fresh water. The paint itself rarely needs touching up unless the cutting goes too deep.
The Zamboni: An Essential Tool
The Zamboni is indispensable for resurfacing the ice. Each resurfacing involves laying down 192 gallons of hot water, heated to 180 degrees, to ensure rapid freezing within 10 minutes.
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The Abbey's Zamboni transitioned from gasoline to electric power approximately 17 years ago to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. The machine, equipped with two 4-foot batteries, is charged nightly.
Машина для ледяного катка «Как это работает»
While the Zamboni is essential for resurfacing, painting the lines and logos is a manual process. The lines are marked with string and chalk, then painted by hand. The school crest is applied using a decal from Jet Ice, with chalk spread over the paper and then painted.
Zamboni
The Joy of the Game
Kriner's favorite part of the job is witnessing the joy of young children playing hockey. "There’s nothing better than watching a mite hockey game, which is the youngest kids. To see someone score their first goal, they all think they’re gonna grow up to be Bobby Orrs. So for that five minutes, or five seconds, let ‘em enjoy the moment."
Portsmouth Abbey School Athletics Facilities
The Portsmouth Abbey School offers various athletic facilities to cater to a wide range of sports and activities. Here is a summary of some of the key facilities:
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| Facility | Description |
|---|---|
| Athletics Complex | Hosts various activities, including wrestling, basketball, and volleyball. Features a lower gymnasium and a Training Room equipped with the latest resources. |
| Outdoor Track | A 400-meter all-weather surface designed for track and field events, including long jump, javelin, pole vault, and high jump. |
| Healey and Sheehan Fitness Center | A 17,000-square-foot facility promoting health and wellness, featuring seven international squash courts and a combination court for squash and racquetball. |
| Tennis Courts | Six recently renovated and resurfaced tennis courts used during the fall and spring seasons. |
| Football Field | A natural grass field surrounded by a six-lane all-weather 400-meter track. |
| Sailing Facilities | Located at the historic Bristol Yacht Club, featuring a dock with good water depth for the school's sailing team. |
| Equestrian Facilities | Students ride at Sunflower Meadows Equestrian, featuring 19 stalls, indoor and outdoor arenas, and picturesque paddocks. |
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