Have you ever wondered who the man doing donuts on the Zamboni after every RIT men’s hockey victory is? That is Stuart Hughes, otherwise known as “Stu.” For the last 47 years, Stu has taken care of Frank Ritter Arena and Gene Polisseni Center as the ice operations manager.
In July 1978, Hughes was 18 — fresh out of high school — when he started working for RIT as a grounds equipment operator. For 20 years, he helped maintain the grounds; however, seeking new professional opportunities, he applied for a position at Ritter as the Ice Operations Manager. He started with little experience, developing his own program and teaching himself how to tend to the ice and the arena.
the men’s hockey team’s final game in Ritter, before their move to Gene
Polisseni Center. Photographed by Josh Barber/RIT SportsZone.
In the summer of 1999, Wayne Wilson, head of men’s hockey, and Bev Bartlett, head of the Ritter front desk, formed a three-man team with Hughes to run the arena. Coach Wayne and others who know Hughes describe him as meticulous, honest and full of integrity.
“I would probably say we had one of the nicest facilities in all of Rochester … that was all because of the pride Stu had in the facility,” Coach Wayne expressed.
In the 36 years Hughes has worked at Ritter and the 11 years he has worked at Gene Polisseni Center, he has formed tight-knit bonds with the Rochester community. Carl Palmieri, the director of University Arenas, has worked with Hughes for over a decade and noted the positive impression that Hughes leaves behind.
“He had an impact when I got here … the student group and all the hockey games … in the ice community all around Rochester,” Palmieri stated.
A regular host at the arena, Hughes’s presence at many games and activities — such as local high school varsity hockey games and open public skating — made him an integral part of the community. Hughes’ tradition of doing donuts on the Zambonis after every men’s hockey win made him a fan favorite.
“I have been very fortunate,” Hughes noted, describing his deep love and gratitude for the Rochester community. Following his recent esophageal cancer diagnosis, people have rallied around him, creating hockey events such as “Cure for Stu.” On Jan. 25, during a men’s hockey match against Niagara University, the hockey community created signs and stickers at the Gene Polisseni Center, giving Hughes two standing ovations.
Reflecting on the community support, Hughes stated, “It’s been overwhelming. That’s the best I can put it.”
The community continues to express deep gratitude and love for all his work, having raised $16,000 for Hughes on GoFundMe. Hughes’s history of service at RIT has earned him much appreciation; in return, the RIT community continues to rally behind him, showing much of the same care he has dedicated to them for many years.
