ISS is launching with OYM

Last spring, EV Zug celebrated its first Swiss ice hockey championship title in 23 years. A key piece of the puzzle on the path to the long-awaited trophy—which the entire region welcomed with great excitement - was the new elite sports center OYM “On your marks” (or “auf die Plätze” in German) in Cham.

Hans-Peter Strebel, president of EV Zug, has realized a personal vision with the OYM. EV Zug is to be provided with the best possible conditions to win titles and achieve success. In addition, up to 250 athletes from a wide variety of sports can train under optimal conditions on the 8,000-square-meter training area. Individual athletes, such as ski racer Aline Danioth, who is fighting her way back after a serious injury, as well as entire teams like the Swiss national ice hockey teams - who are putting the finishing touches on their preparations for the World Championship here - are able to maximize their performance potential thanks to comprehensive scientific support.

A Unique Elite Sports Center: Full Commitment to the Athletes

The 23-member ISS team also delivers top-notch performance at the OYM. The task is challenging simply because of the variety of facilities to be maintained, including an ice rink, a triple-purpose sports hall with a glass floor, an athletic training area with 300 pieces of equipment, as well as laboratory, catering, and therapy facilities. The building’s sustainable operation is supported by a photovoltaic system with a peak output of 400 kilowatts. The ice shavings generated during ice maintenance are used to cool the building, while the waste heat from the chillers is utilized for heating.

A world first is the ice rink, which can be converted from the European format to the smaller North American format as needed. This is made possible by a hydraulically operated system that pushes the boards into the desired position with a pressure of up to 60 bar. It is clear that such forces require meticulous preparation and the utmost concentration during implementation. A stable indoor climate with constant temperature and humidity is essential for the scientific evaluation of training sessions. Ensuring this is challenging, especially given the enormous size of the facilities.

Working in two shifts, the caretakers and ice masters ensure that training and games run smoothly six to seven days a week. Tatjana Flecklin’s housekeeping and cleaning team also adapts flexibly to the daily changing demands caused by events and training camps.

Innovative: Maintenance Methods

Since many innovative materials and components were used in the OYM, Roland Meier, Facility Services Manager, and his crew are also testing new solutions. For example, the floor of the sports hall consists of a springy glass surface. This prevents abrasions upon contact with the floor. However, its load-bearing capacity is limited. “We conducted numerous tests for floor cleaning until we found a lightweight yet powerful robot for routine cleaning,” recalls Roland Meier.

The shooting practice facility for the ice hockey teams is also unique. The players move on skates across an ice-like synthetic surface. Only the goalie stands on real ice, since it’s difficult for him to move sideways on the synthetic surface. “To maintain this small ice surface and the transitions between the different surfaces, the team led by facility manager Markus Andermatt had to devise its own method,” explains Roland Meier.

Facility Commissioning: Extra Effort Due to the Pandemic

Commissioning this unusual facility in March 2020 was a challenge for the 23-member ISS team. The pandemic didn’t make things any easier. As a result, the athletes were divided into groups of four and assigned to locker rooms throughout the building. And when necessary, the ice was even made available for individual training sessions. “ISS’s willingness to deliver high-quality service even under difficult conditions is remarkable. Together, we consistently find solutions to the challenges that arise every day at our facility, which is likely unique worldwide,” says Thomas Iten, CEO of OYM.

Doing Everything for Success

The OYM uses the latest scientific findings to achieve maximum training effectiveness and fully realize the potential of its athletes. The athletic trainers and physical therapists working at the OYM collaborate closely with sports scientists and nutritionists. They meticulously assess the athletes and continuously collect new individual data during training sessions. Analyzing this data allows them to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of the training stimuli and enables them to optimize each athlete’s exercise program. As part of this holistic approach to performance enhancement, there is also a focus on nutrition. Tailored to individual performance goals, each athlete receives a personalized nutrition plan. The on-site kitchen prepares the corresponding meals using organic products in collaboration with the nutritionists. Accommodations with 25 beds are available for training camps. Affiliated with the training, health, and research operations is a college that enables aspiring young elite athletes to ideally balance training and education.