Tashi Farmilo

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.