No paint, no problem: EPA’s new mesh system passes first test

While there were some concerns about possible issues with the new system, Ulriksen said no major problems surfaced during the season.

He added city crews learned a great deal about both the installation and removal process, knowledge he expects will help speed things up next fall and reduce labour hours.

Crews removing the mesh at the Elgar Petersen Arena after the hockey season. (Image Credit: Submitted/Mike Ulriksen)

Ulriksen said the city first learned about the product during an online seminar and believed it offered several advantages over traditional ice painting.

Among the biggest benefits was a quicker installation process.

“We’re confident that it will actually cut quite a bit of time off our installation time in the future,” he said.

The system also eliminates the need to clean melted white paint from arena boards, logos and concrete floors once the ice is removed each spring. Ulriksen said the environmental benefits were another factor, as the city no longer has to send melted paint and ice down the drain.

He added the mesh could also simplify repairs if the ice surface needed maintenance during the season.

Cost savings are also expected over time. Ulriksen said the mesh is designed to last 15 years or more.

“Even for us to get six or seven years out of it is going to be the equivalent of the cost of the paint, not even taking into consideration some of the labour time-saving as well,” he said.

According to Ulriksen, Humboldt is among the first arenas in Saskatchewan — and possibly the first — to use the system. Similar mesh products were initially developed for curling rinks, with several facilities in the province already using them.

“It’s been awesome, and we’re excited that we have this system for the foreseeable future.”

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cam.lee@pattisonm

by Cam Lee

No paint, no problem: EPA’s new mesh system passes first test

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