The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation announced there will be Broomball and Pond Hockey at The Ice at Canalside.
New York State Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul appeared at the new rinks with the ECHDC to announce the additions. Hochul encourages citizens to try out The Ice.
"I'm real excited to be here, to once again, showcase that we embrace all four seasons here in Western New York," noted Hochul.
Hochul noted this was the vision of Governor Andrew Cuomo to create a year-round destination. "To make sure Canalside was a 12-month-a-year destination for families."
Hochul dropped the puck for a ice hockey game between off-duty Buffalo Police and Buffalo firefighters in the midst of a white out during a Lake Effect storm burst downtown.
ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia said the new rink has exceed all expectations.
"This is exactly what the Governor wanted us to do," said Gioia. "I don't think any of us would have thought that within the first three or four weeks that we opened these canals that over 20,000 have been down here."
"This is exactly what the Governor wanted us to do," said Gioia. "I don't think any of us would have thought that within the first three or four weeks that we opened these canals that over 20,000 have been down here."
Gioia admitted many more amenities need to be added at the site, but noted it is a 'work in progress.'
"We're going to make changes and continue to change because we want to make this a fun place to be for everyone," stated Gioa.
