Hockey players to hit man-made ice

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Hockey players will hit the ice in this year’s Labatt Blue pond hockey tournament after all, but this year they will be on man-made rinks.  Despite the freezing temperatures to start the new year, it hasn’t froze enough on Lake Erie for the tournament to be played on it.

The tournament faced the same problem last year, and shifted the tournament to pavement. This year, Labatt Blue says Pace Rinks is building nine man-made ice rinks on the surface of Erie Basin Marina.

In a press release, Labatt Blue Associate Brand Manager Lisa Texido said, “We know those who signed up for this tournament are die-hard hockey players who want nothing more than a fun, competitive hockey experience on the ice. Although we couldn’t get them on the ‘pond’ this year, we’re giving them the next best thing.”

Tournament-goers can check out a heated beer tent with viewing panels to watch the hockey and interact with Sabres Alumni, among several other activities offered for entertainment.