Lt. Gov. Hochul, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. announce addition of broomball and pond hockey at Ice at Canalside

Off-duty police and firemen play first exhibition games 

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul and Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. today announced broomball and pond hockey are coming to the Ice at Canalside presented by BlueCross and BlueShield of Western New York. Off-duty members of Buffalo's police and fire departments put the ice to the test with some spirited demonstration games this morning.

"Winter is something we embrace in Buffalo, and I'm proud to celebrate that with the new activities like skating, ice bikes, curling and now broomball and pond hockey at The Ice at Canalside," Hochul said. "This state-run attraction, thanks to Gov. Cuomo, is an asset to our waterfront, and one in which we can all be proud."

"Gov. Cuomo has tasked us with giving the people of Buffalo a world-class waterfront that residents and visitors can enjoy 12 months out of the year," said ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia. "With the addition of skating on our waterfront, we are well on our way to delivering. We are pleased with the popularity of the Rinks at Canalside and are excited about continuing to improve Buffalo's waterfront."

Leagues will begin Jan. 19 for pond hockey and Jan. 21 for broomball. Interested individuals can email [email protected] for more information and to sign up for ice time.

Organizers said The Ice at Canalside has far exceeded all expectations for use and enjoyment by the public. Crowds flocking to this unique attraction have been skating, riding ice bikes, and curling while they listen to music through the state-of-the-art sound system. In addition to the more than 20,000 ticketed customers who have been on the ice since its Dec. 18 grand opening, there have been thousands more people who have been enjoying rink-side food, buying crafts, walking on the towpaths and soaking in the overall ambience of the site (see pictures here and here).

The revitalization of Buffalo's waterfront is a key component of Cuomo's plan to transform the Western New York economy. The South Aud Block, when complete, will consist of nearly one acre of developable space, including the Explore & More Children's Museum, a restaurant, as well as potentially consisting of mixed-use apartments and retail space.

The rink will open at noon for public skating Friday, Jan. 9.

Admission, Rentals, etc.

Admission:

• 13 & older: $5
• 6 to 12: $3
• 5 and under: Free

Skate Rental: $3

*Show your BlueCross BlueShield card for a healthy discount ($1 off admission, $1 off skate rental)

'First Friday's at The Ice presented by First Niagara'

• Occurs Feb. 6 and March 6

• Free admission and rentals for the first 200 people; limited number of free skates available

• After 6:30 p.m. guests get $1 off admission and skate rental

Season Pass:

• Individual pass: $20
• Family of four pass: $75

Ice Bikes:

• $10 per half hour rental

Curling:

• $15 per person, 4-10 people per sheet
• 1-hour sheet rental includes ice prep and instructor
• Skate sharpening: $4
• Locker rental: $3

The "Ice at Canalside" is located at the corners of Main and Marine streets in downtown Buffalo. Visitors can take the NFTA Metro Rail to the Erie Canal Harbor Station stop or parking is available in adjacent parking ramps and lots. Additional information on the ice schedule, curling reservations, and other activities can be found at www.canalsidebuffalo.com.

People enjoying The Ice at Canalside