Since the first Colgate University hockey game of the season, talk around campus hasn’t just focused on the wins, rankings and prospects for the season — it’s also been on the now-infamous Zamboni shows between periods. With his eye-catching outfits and outgoing personality, Zamboni driver Loren Hutchings has drawn fans to Colgate hockey for 24 years.
After working for a year at Frank Dining Hall, Hutchings began his job as Colgate’s beloved Zamboni driver and a groundskeeper for the facilities department. He’s made a lasting impact not only on Colgate’s ice hockey and figure skating teams, but on the broader Hamilton community. Whether he’s on or off the ice, Hutchings makes a point to connect with players and fans.
“It puts smiles on people’s faces when I dress up or just wave,” Hutchings said. “It feels rewarding when you do something for the team. There’s a sense of appreciation both ways.”
Each game, Hutchings wears a different outfit as he cleans the ice, waving to fans as he goes. His looks have ranged from simple black suits to one of his most recent favorites: a pink-and-white sequined blazer.
On Oct. 1, 2016 — the very first game held at the Class of 1965 Arena — Hutchings wore a tuxedo as he circled the ice, an ensemble he repeated at this year’s men’s game against Cornell University. Athletic administrators loved the creativity and told him to keep it up, hoping his energy would inspire more fan engagement.
“At the Cornell game, I wore a white shirt, black suspenders, a black tie and a white hat,” Hutchings said. “The administrator liked it so much that he told me, ‘Loren, you should get a few different jackets and keep it going. Everybody will love it. Maybe people will come just to see what you’re wearing.’”
Sure enough, this proved true: More students now attend games, eager to see Hutchings’ latest outfit.
Hutchings has noticed the increase in turnout and crowd participation since he began dressing up.
“During intermission, the crowd interacts a lot more than they used to,” Hutchings said. “We used to get a few people to interact, but now they get really into it. It flows into the game.”
Hutchings’ enthusiasm between periods has become contagious, energizing the crowd and players alike. Men’s team sophomore forward Simon Labelle even compared Hutching’s energy to that of a mascot.
“I love the energy that [Hutchings] brings to the games,” Labelle said. “It keeps the fans engaged with the game even between periods. His shiny silver suit jacket is my personal favorite. Considering we don’t have a mascot, I would consider him as playing that role as well as being the Zamboni driver. We’re extremely lucky to have him as a part of the program.”
Hutchings recalled one of his favorite memories — when he was newly accessorized for a women’s home game.
“I was at Walmart one day to get groceries. I went to check out and the guy next to me was wearing a black top hat. The women’s team had games that weekend and I knew I couldn’t leave without finding one of those. I got it and wore it during the game. Later, I found out that they loved that I did something special for them and they really appreciated it. It was a really positive experience,” Hutchings said.
Women’s team senior forward Kas Betinol agreed.
“He brings such great energy and always talks to our team before games,” Betinol said. “His outfits are fun and create such a good environment for us. We’re so thankful for his support and can’t wait to see him throughout the playoffs.”
A longtime member of the Hamilton community, Hutchings values the connections he’s built — waving, smiling and chatting with fans who come to support Colgate. Maintaining these connections has been especially important to him after his two sons graduated from Hamilton High School in 2003 and 2005.
“Once in a while, someone will say how much my friendship and just being the person I am means to them,” he said. “It keeps them grounded and is just a stress relief.”
From prepping the ice and clearing snowy roads to being a friendly face at every game, Hutchings has made his mark on Colgate. Athletes and fans alike say they’re grateful for the dedication, support — and style — he and his team bring to Raider’s hockey.
Come support Hutchings and the women’s and men’s hockey teams on Friday, March 1 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively, at the Class of 1965 Arena.
