CHASKA, Minn. -- Not many people can say that they are World Curling Federation certified ice makers. When Scott Belvitch, the head ice maker at the Chaska Curling Center, went to his certification class in Germany, he was the only American.

 

“There were 20 guys from all over the world, some guys I still keep in touch with,” Belvitch said of his certification class.

 

Belvitch became involved in the curling community nearly 16 years ago when he worked as the manager at the St. Paul Curling Club in St. Paul, Minnesota.

 

During his time in St. Paul, Belvitch learned about the process of making ice for curling. Once the old ice makers retired, Belvitch took on the role as both manager and head ice maker.

 

Now, he heads the ice making staff at the Chaska Curling Center, which will be celebrating its two-year anniversary in December.

 

Belvitch makes sure the ice is ready for the 16 leagues that use the curling center. Unlike hockey rinks, Belvitch doesn’t use a Zamboni to prepare the ice. Instead he uses a shaver to get the ice smooth and dry. He then has to pebble the ice so it’s ready for the curling rocks.

 

“The pebble kind of gives the ice an orange peel look or texture, and what that does is lift the rock up,” Belvitch said.

 

Without the pebble on the ice, the rock wouldn’t be able to glide across the ice as easily, according to Belvitch.

 

As the head ice maker, Belvitch has other responsibilities besides making the ice. He also has to train other ice makers, who work part time to monitor the ice.

 

Tayler Cates works as an administration assistant at the curling rink and has helped Belvitch with some of the basics of ice making.

 

“He’s very knowledgeable about the sport so you can always ask him any question and he knows everything about it,” Cates said.

 

Belvitch also monitors the humidity in the arena, the ice temperature and the dew point, among other things.

 

“Part of ice making entails just watching, watching the ice and watching the curlers,” Belvitch said.

 

Belvitch’s favorite part of his job is watching people curl on “good, consistent ice.”

 

“When they’re making good shots and the smiles come out,” Belvitch said, “people are having a good time and that’s the most satisfying part.”