Suspected carbon monoxide leak at Adelaide Ice Arena sees Ice Hockey League players attend hospital

During game 32 of the Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League at the Adelaide Ice Arena in Thebarton on Saturday 10th February 2024, many players from the Melbourne Ice and Adelaide Rush teams became unwell.

Players from both teams were taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital showing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning which include headache, tiredness, nausea and in more severe cases, shortness of breath. While the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning can be severe, fortunately, exposure was found to be mostly at a low level.

It is thought the group were impacted by fumes leaking from a machine called a Zamboni, which was used to resurface the ice.

Ice Arena manager Richard Laidlaw shared "the exhaust of the Zamboni operates on LPG gas, that of course is coming out of service and we have a backup Zamboni in place.

"They seem to have isolated it a little bit to the dressing room that the team were using, and that also has an exhaust fan system that goes out into the car park of the rink."

Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) crews attended the Ice Arena at Thebarton early Sunday morning to find high levels of carbon monoxide in atmospheric testing.

An MFS spokesperson said its members have been working to ventilate the arena with high pressure fans and have used chemical suits to continue to monitor the atmosphere.

Ice Hockey Australia released a statement in which they advised of their concern over the incident and for the players affected – wishing them a “speedy recovery”.

Authorities are working with the venue to thoroughly investigate the incident. The Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL) took immediate and considered action to cancel events and provide support to all players.

Ice Hockey Australia advised “we stand with Ice Hockey SA, our Australian Leagues and side by side with ice venues in whatever measures need to be taken to ensure safety for all those who participate in our much-loved sport. We will review and work with our venue partners to ensure all ice hockey activities are only played in safe environments.”

All players affected are now recovering with the support of team management, the AWIHL, Ice Hockey Australia and their families.

Ice Arena yesterday advised via social media “Eight carbon monoxide alarms have been installed across the venue to monitor the atmosphere today to prevent any recurrences. Adelaide Ice Arena is committed to providing a safe environment for all our patrons, staff members and the wider skating community. We are open for business as usual from tomorrow and look forward to welcoming all back.”