Sobotka's Role As Zamboni Driver
Sobotka has been driving the Zamboni between periods at Joe Louis Arena for over 30 years. He is known for taking pride in his work, and he ensures that the arena's ice surface is of the highest quality:
| “ | You know I'm particular, so if I see anything that's wrong -- a little chip of snow or something, you know, all that stuff matters a lot, 'cause a little snow can freeze and a guy hits it, never know what can happen, you know? | ” |
When Brendan Shanahan played for the Red Wings he had some nice words for Sobotka:
| “ | Al's very good and he takes it personally. I mean we see him a lot. Everybody knows Al. We're able to go out and make comments to him. He'll know when there's a tough night, you know, in the playoffs, or if it's a humid day and he'll respond accordingly. He'll ask the players after the game, 'What'd you think of the ice?' | ” |
When asked about going out and driving the Zamboni in front of 20,066 Joe Louis Arena fans, Sobotka responded by saying:
| “ | Well, some people are a little shy about it and ah, can't handle it I guess... I guess I accustomed to it, over all these years. | ” |
Detroit fans often arrive before games time to watch Sobotka prepare the ice for a game. Also, kids can compete to drive around with Sobotka between periods. They learn that driving a Zamboni is no simple task, and that ice preparation is both science and an art that can take years to perfect.
Sobotka started driving the Zamboni early in life, and when asked about his "dream job", he had this to say:
| “ | "It was just a job I got when I was in high school, and I kept at it, working in the maintenance department for a few years, I still enjoy getting up in the morning. If you don't enjoy your work, it's hard getting up in the morning, you know?" | ” |
Read more about this topic: Al Sobotka
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