Ice, ice baby!

Alumni Adam Stirn drives Zamboni for the Olympics

Another former Bulldog is hitting the ice during the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeonchang, South Korea as Adam Stirn has arrived to work the Zamboni. 

Stirn began his career here at Ferris as a part time gig to earn some extra money while working towards a bachelor’s and master’s in criminal justice. Since working at Ewigleben Ice Arena, his career has taken off and Stirn now joins former Bulldog defenseman Chad Billins to represent Ferris at the Olympics. 

“I was not sure if it was real or not. I’ve always thought about how cool it would have been to drive in the Olympics but I never thought it would actually be a possibility someday. Now that everything is set in stone, I am beyond evicted to partake in the Olympic Games,” Stirn said. 

After his time at Ferris, Stirn moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he worked at a multi-event venue across from the famous Lambeau Field. In 2013, Stirn settled in Minnesota where he worked the ice for both the men’s and women’s ice hockey programs at the University of Minnesota and filled in part time for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL). 

“I think it shows everybody we do a lot of things well. It’s a great reflection on what it means to be a Bulldog. We work hard and consistently prove to people that despite the fact that we’re from this small town in west-central Michigan, that we produce a lot of greatness. It might be on the ice or the guy laying water on the ice but we do it all over the place,” Athletics Communications Associate Harrison Watt said. 

Though the Olympics is certainly the biggest stage out there, Stirn has already had a few great experiences on the Zamboni. 

“So far I would say my greatest memory has been when I worked the NHL Outdoor hockey game with the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks,” Stirn said. “There is something about 70,000 people watching a hockey game outdoors.” 

Stirn headed for South Korea on Super Bowl Sunday, missing out on the festivities at home. Stirn isn’t alone as two other drivers from the Minnesota Wild have also made the trip. 

“It will be nice having a few familiar faces around. Maybe it won’t feel like I am halfway around the world from home,” Stirn said. “My time working at Ferris was both fun and very informative. I had a close childhood friend that I grew up playing with, that played for the Bulldogs while I was there. It made it that much more special being able to watch a close friend continue his hockey career in our hometown.” 

The Pyeonchang 2018 Winter Olympics began Friday, Feb. 9, and runs through Sunday, Feb. 25.

Click here to read about another former Bulldog in the 2018 Olympics.