BUFFALO, NY-The Labatt Blue Buffalo Pond Hockey Tournament has become one of WNY's most popular wintertime events, and the 2018 event is going to be even bigger.
Organizers of this year's 11th annual event announced Thursday that the 2018 version will add a larger week-long tourney, in addition to the one day event players and spectators have come to know and love.
The 'goal' of the expansion is to get more players on the ice. The tournament is set to take place at Buffalo Riverworks from February 11-18th.
The first games will take place on Sunday, February 11th. Twenty-four teams will play three games in a round robin format with championship games held later that night. Starting on Tuesday, February 13th, a week-long tournament gets underway with 132 more teams each competing in one game during the week, and playing the rest of the games on either Saturday, February 17th, or Sunday, February 18th.
The new format lets some 20 more teams and up to 140 more players to lace up their skates.
Registration opens this Saturday, December 16th, at noon and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will close once all tournament spots are filled. Team captains can sign up here.
"The Labatt Blue Buffalo Pond Hockey tournament continues to gain popularity each year, and we're excited to expand the tournament to include more players," said Gina Heine, associate brand manager, Labatt Blue. " We're looking forward to celebrating this iconic tournament with a full week of hockey action and entertainment for players and fans."
