Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

In a startling incident at Chelsea’s Meredith Centre Arena on October 21, a 25-year-old Zamboni
driver was arrested for impaired driving after crashing the ice resurfacing machine into the rink
boards. The collision, which occurred around 9:45 pm, caused damage to a rink-side door and
was witnessed by multiple spectators.

Sécurité Publique MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais reported that the driver, who was
resurfacing the ice between two hockey games, exhibited signs of alcohol impairment. A video
posted online, seen here, https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=790186703159817 , captures the
moment when a referee skates beside the Zamboni, attempting to signal to the driver, but the
machine crashes directly into the boards with a loud impact.

Sgt. Martin Fournel of Sécurité Publique MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais confirmed that
officers were called to the scene after witnesses raised concerns about the operator’s condition.
A sobriety test was conducted, and the driver was taken into custody shortly afterward.
While no injuries were reported, the rink sustained property damage, and the driver’s licence
was suspended pending further legal proceedings. He has been released on a promise to
appear in court at a later date.

Photo: A video shared online show