The 9th Annual Labatt Blue Buffalo Pond Hockey Tournament kicked off today, and play continues throughout the weekend. All of Buffalo is invited to come down to RiverWorks to watch upwards of 1000 hockey players take to the ice, even with the relatively balmy 46 degree weather forecasted for Saturday. RiverWorks is home to two refrigerated ice rinks that will see 144 teams (12 divisions) battle it out for top honors before the weekend is through. In past years, this type of weather could have spelled disaster for the tournament, but thanks to the RiverWorks refrigerated rinks, it’s business as usual.
Along with 240 hockey games, hockey fans can look forward to:
- An indoor, heated Labatt Blue Zone with games, entertainment and Labatt Blue prizes
- Human bowling for select players and fans to try
- Custom, one-of-a-kind hockey sticks, created by sports artist Dave Arrigo, that players and fans will have the chance to take home
- Exhibition game featuring the Buffalo Police and Fire Department
- Special Appearances by the Labatt Bear and Sabres alumni
- A live DJ all weekend
- Fan Games: Bubble hockey, corn hole, giant Jenga
- Full restaurant menu at Buffalo RiverWorks
- A giant snow couch (lead image)
Following is the full weekend schedule:
Saturday, February 20, 2015
10:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.: Day Two Tournament play continues
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Division semi-finals & finals
5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.: Winner ceremonies
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Sabres Alumni appearances
5:40 p.m.: THE LABATT BEAR SHOWS UP TO DROP THE PUCK at the Buffalo Police vs. Fire Exhibition Game
5:50 p.m. – 6:20 p.m.: Buffalo Police vs. Buffalo Fire Exhibition Game (coached by Sabres Alumni Ric Seiling and Craig Muni)
6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Human Bowling on ice for select players and fans
Sunday, February 21, 2015
10:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.: Day 3 Tournament play continues
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Division semi-finals & finals
5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Winner Ceremonies
8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: Division semi-finals & finals
8:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Human bowling on ice for select players and fans
10:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.: Winner Ceremonies
*Times are approximate and could vary.