The University of Michigan Board of Regents approved on Nov. 20 improvements to the ice systems at Yost Ice Arena.
The existing equipment has been in use since 1973, when the Wolverines began play at Yost, and has exceeded its life expectancy, according to a school-issued press release.
Michigan has hired Stevens Engineering, Inc. to design the project, which will include removing and rebuilding the existing rink floor to facilitate replacement of refrigeration piping.
Minor architectural changes will occur, including the modification of the current ice equipment room, enclosing the existing Zamboni flood water treatment system, extending the wall in the Zamboni area to increase separation from the west concourse, expanding the existing snow melt pit and the construction of two new brick screen walls at the south façade of the building to enclose the cooling tower and dumpsters.
In addition, the current dasher board system will be removed and replaced to improve the safety of the players.
The project, funded by Michigan Athletics resources, will cost an estimated $5.8 million. Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2015.
