Zamboni driver arrested after crashing into the boards

PUBLICATION

Daniel Lucente
October 23, 2024 (5:23 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

A Zamboni driver was under the influence of alcohol and crashed into the boards at a hockey arena. He was arrested shortly there afterward.

In a truly bizarre incident outside Ottawa, the rules against driving impaired were taken one step further than cars. Early Monday evening, police in Chelsea, just across the river from Ottawa, arrested a man accused of driving a Zamboni drunk. He was driving the ice-resurfacing vehicle around the Meredith Center arena when he crashed into the boards and local police quickly intervened.

Police have now released footage of the hooded driver as he worked the machine across the ice. Not traveling at any great speed, it still shows the moment he comes off course and slams into the boards. Muted, the sound of the collision leaves little doubt as to the severity of the incident as onlookers at the arena watched in horror.

In the video, a moderator appears to try and speak with the driver, although it's not clear what is being said. What's crystal clear: The Zamboni driver was impaired, and his low-speed crash caused noticeable damage to the boards and a door within the arena. Adding to the gravity of the situation was the presence of several witnesses.

When they arrived, the police from the MRC des Collines-de-l'Outaouais arrested the driver for being under the influence of alcohol while operating the machine. Nobody was injured in the incident, although the damages to the facility were quite substantial. Driving privileges have been revoked in connection with his actions. The man has since been released, pending a future court appearance.

Zamboni drivers have not been immune to controversy either. Recently, the Detroit Red Wings fired their Zamboni driver for peeing in a drain. Zamboni's were also recently in the news after a team stole a Zamboni to celebrate.

Thankfully, no one was injured, and this further brings awareness that impaired driving laws apply to all sorts of vehicles, not just on the road. It really points out the need for responsible behavior with the vehicle being operated.