May 6, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL) Utica Comets Throughout the year, we've featured members from the Utica Comets staff who people may initially overlook; sometimes it's difficult for fans to realize how much work goes into a Utica Comets game day. But now it's time to sit down with perhaps the most crucial individuals responsible for the Utica Comets game day running smoothly - the Utica Memorial Auditorium's arena operations staff.

Together, Frank LaBella and Jerry Hendenberg operate and run all arena operations in "The AUD.' Putting in hours upon hours of work every day, it is somewhat of a miracle these two push through such long days of work.

"On a typical game day, we're here from about 8 in the morning to 11 at night," Frank LaBella, who has worked at "The AUD' full-time since 1979, explained.

Without any official training, Frank's knowledge comes solely from experience.

"We have to check the cables, check the gates and drill the holes for the marsh pegs." Jerry added, "It it's a busy schedule right up until the blocked ice slot for the Comets, we have to cram a lot into a very short period of time. That means making sure we have the proper staff - like Randy and Donnie - in on time to scrape the edges of the ice and then use the edger to trim 16-18 inches from the boards out that the zamboni doesn't get a chance to cut."

They both explained how much work and time goes into making the ice durable and enjoyable to play on.

"We always ask the officials, whether they be for Utica College or Utica Comets, how the ice is, and they all say it's easily the best ice in the league. That makes us happy because we know we're doing our job." Frank and Jerry are usually part of an eight-person staff on game night, whose responsibilities range from cleaning during intermissions to driving the zamboni to setting the nets in place. "Since you never know what's going on, you need the extra guys on staff," Frank said.

For Jerry Hendenberg, the return of AHL hockey to Utica meant leaving his position as the General Manager of the Myrtle Beach Speedway in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to return to upstate New York.

"That was more of an office job," he said. "Here it's much more hands on. I like it a lot more."

When asked what his favorite part of working at The AUD is, Jerry did not hesitate. "It's gotta be the people. I get along really well with Frank and the rest of the guys on staff."

Read the rest here:

Inner Workings of the AUD