The Great Canadian Debate

Okay, so maybe it isn’t a debate but it is a classic Canadian conversation. Zambonis. I feel like growing up Canadian it is an essential part of childhood. To anyone that hasn’t actually attended a hockey game, gone skating or experienced an ice rink you are truly missing out. As a brief explanation, it is a small vehicle that smoothes the ice surface between skates.

Firstly it is a fabulous word, secondly it is truly exciting to see a zamboni when you are a small child (I still greatly enjoy seeing them) and finally there are so many unanswered questions. Really annoying, you have too much time on your hands type questions, but questions none the less. What does the zamboni driver do when they aren’t zamboniing (pretty sure that isn’t a word but I like it anyway)? Does every rink have a zamboni or do near by rinks share one (this started a great debate in university)? How do you get to be the kid that rides the zamboni at the hockey games (a most coveted experience)? How do you become a zamboni driver? Do you just need a drivers licence? How do they master the pattern on the ice? What do they do if they miss a spot?

In my youth it was a habit to make up inaccurate answers to all of these questions t and then debate them with friends. Some of the discussions became quite heated in my university days. I recall one time having over a 30 minute conversation about zambonis that I am sure said nothing of relevance. Still it is a fond memory whenever I attend a game and see a zamboni come out onto the ice.

In conclusion, it’s the little winter things that make me happy to be back in Canada, even if I am adjusting poorly to the cold. Other things I am enjoying: festive coffee drinks, the smell of winter and that wearing a scarf with everything is appropriate.