Cold temps for last day of Winterfest

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Things turned downright cold for the final day of wintry celebrations in downtown Buffalo.

Most of this winter has been lacking in snow and on the warm side.

The lack of cold temperatures made for the need to improvise the Pond Hockey Tournament a bit and move it to the streets. So the competitors lost the skates, lost the puck and added a ball.

Dennis May said, "Well the ball bounces a lot more, the puck sits a little bit if you are used to playing ice hockey. The ball is a little bit different. You have to make sure you bring your hands with you when you play with the ball."

Just as the tournament approached we saw a couple of the coldest days of the season, some lake effect snow, and nasty wind chills.

How cold was it? Cold enough to shatter the hockey balls.

Brand Manager of Labbatt Blue, Brett Carlsen said, "Here's one of the balls, so cold it broke right in half. It's crazy, absolutely crazy."

"You signed up for an outdoor hockey tournament in Buffalo in February so if anyone is complaining, I don't want to hear it. It's Buffalo in February. It's going to be cold. No, I think everyone is used to this they are ready for it. It's all a part of the atmosphere," added Carlsen.

Not far away the cold temperatures moved much of the Winterfest inside the Statler for people to keep warm. And there was a few ways to do that. Like doing a little dancing and eating a little chili.

No matter what though you do need to be outside to play in the snow, build some snowmen and make ice sculptures.

Drew Cerza said, "This is probably the coldest winter fests we have had. I think the toughest part is it came on the heels of such warm temperatures. It was that big of a variance I think people felt it a little bit more."