Skaters of all kinds have been waiting patiently for the ice to be put in the Lund Center.

Hockey players and figure skaters alike have their fingers crossed for the ice arena to open sometime within the next week. The ice cannot be set until after the Nobel Conference, since the area is used for lectures. Some of the groups that utilize the ice include the Figure Skating Club, Women’s Hockey, Men’s Hockey, and Intramural Hockey.

“Skating is such a stress relief. More people should get out there to enjoy it.”—Heather Kalthoff

The Figure Skating Club was formed as way to gain interest in the sport at Gustavus and to encourage fellow Gusties to learn how to skate and further their abilities. One can find them skating most mornings and occasionally on the weekends. The members of this club vary in difficulty level and experience, but all share the same passion for skating. Vice-President Junior Allie Tufto, says it best that, “in the cold rink, all bundled up and skating, it’s the best feeling”

Club President Heather Kalthoff speaks highly of the unity of the group.

“We are a very close-knit group. Since we don’t have coaches, you have at least five other girls there telling you how to improve your double salchow. We love it when more people gain an interest in the club,” Kalthoff said.

The hockey teams have a difficult start to their season every year, since the ice doesn’t open until late October. Coaches can’t work with the teams until Oct. 20, but the captains of each team work out a schedule that involves strength and conditioning, training off the ice, and ice time at the All Season Arena  in Mankato. Once the ice is open the women’s and men’s teams switch off times for practice six days a week before the game season starts.

“While I can’t see the girls until late October, I know they’re working hard to get ready. When we get in our regular game mode, they’re set to go,” Women’s Hockey Coach Mike Carroll said.

The Men’s Hockey team plays first at Bethel University on Oct. 31, at 7:00 p.m.. The Women’s Hockey team plays against alumni in a game on November 1, at 2:00 p.m., held in the Dan Roberts Ice Arena.

“It’s a good game to get the season started and to give the girls a feel as to how the rest of the season will play out,” Carroll said. Their first competitive game is against UW-Superior on Nov. 4, at 7:00 p.m., also held at Dan Roberts Ice Arena.

Intramural Hockey is another option during the second half of fall semester through the first seven half spring semester. It is open to both men and women. The goal of Intramural Hockey is to provide students with a recreational program that offers an alternative to competitive hockey for more of a “free play.”

The ice arena is not only available to hockey players and figure skaters. Open skate is usually from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Sunday. There are no skates available to rent, but the ice is free of charge for all Gustavus students. There will be a schedule posted outside the arena once it opens for the times it will be occupied throughout the day.

“Skating is such a stress relief. More people should get out there to enjoy it,” Kalthoff said

-Emma Hunt