Hockey lovers head to pond tourney

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Many people may complain about Buffalo's winter weather.

But this weekend, thousands are wrapping their arms around all things cold and fun.

Everybody is a little kid this weekend at the Erie Basin Marina in Buffalo.

Hockey is king for the 3rd Annual Labatt Blue Pond Hockey Tournament.

Ryan Daley said, "In year one, we only had 16 teams. Now we have more than 120. So it has really grown. We always try to put on an authentic pond hockey tournmaent. So the big difference is the size of the tournament."

It's estimated nearly 700 players of all different skill levels are on the ice this year.

One team traveled from Texas to be here.

"They got delayed in Newark, had to rent a car and drive ten hours to get in for the tournament. I think that shows the commitment of the players and teams for the tournament," Ryan remarked.

A Buffalo native now living in Texas is one of the people in town to celebrate all that is good about the winter weather.

Steve Talalis commented, "The conditions started deteriorating. But all in all, the guys are doing a wonderful job trying to keep us out here on the ice."

Thousands of other people are celebrating winter downtown at Powder Keg Festival.

Some sit on ice sculptures and take pictures, while others take a ride on an 190 off ramp.

Cooper Taylor exclaimed, "The tubing. The lines are long but it is worth the wait."

News 4 videographer Shane Phillips took us for a ride, making sure he held on to the camera.

Julia Leising expressed, "We went on the tubing and it was fun. It goes fast."