Pond Hockey Tournament in need of ice

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo Pond Hockey organizers are holding out hope that Erie Basin Marina will freeze 12 inches in the next five weeks.

If that doesn't happen the annual event, that draws thousands of western New Yorkers, and hockey lovers to Buffalo will be in jeopardy.

Spokesperson Brett Carlsen said, "We'll do everything within our power to make sure we have a 5th Annual Labatt Blue Pond Hockey Tournament, street hockey tournament, field hockey tournament you name it, we're going to try to make it happen."

Right now organizers are considering other options.

"There's a possibility we could change the date there's a possibility to change the location," added Carlsen.

Carlsen said, "Everything is on the table including portable ice rinks, parking lots, fields everything."

If the Buffalo Pond Hockey Tournament still happens this year and if they decide to give a way a Ford Focus it will be even easier for the 10 contestants to win it because this year the slot they'll be shooting into is 6 inches wide, two inches wider than last year.

People have from now until January 28th to enter at your local Ford dealership, Arby's, Noco, or on wnyford.com.

But if the pond hockey tournament doesn't happen, Ford representatives might also cancel the car give-a-way shootout.

Carlsen said, "If we do cancel the tournament there is a 100% guaranteed refund for everyone who paid the $250 registration fee."

Right now things aren't looking promising.

Last year this time the Erie Basin Marina already had five inches of ice, right now all you see is open water.