Security is tight in and around Canalside, in downtown Buffalo. Dozens of police officers, some dressed in camouflage and carrying high-powered rifles, were on duty outside KeyBank Center on Tuesday, the first day of the eleven day World Junior Hockey Championship.
Media Coordinator Don Heins, with Pegula Sports and Entertainment says, teams from ten different countries are taking part in the tournament.
"We have nearly 200 accredited media. So everyone has very elaborate credentials that has a photo identification. We have taken the absolute utmost security procedures, really, to make sure that we have a safe, enjoyable, experience for all hockey fans players and staff down here."
Along with all the officers on duty, dozens of police vehicles are parked near KeyBank Center.
"We've collaborated with our law enforcement partners, as well as with our border crossing agents, to try and ensure that when there's a higher volume of border traffic coming over for international games that everyone gets over as quickly and efficiently as possible. And, once everyone's here, everyone's as safe as possible," Heins said.
Fans attending the World Juniors are required to pass through metal detectors.
