<p>Does anybody know how popular hockey is around Buffalo? Is there access to a rink or a pond near the school where you could play ice hockey? I am talking about playing for recreational purposes. Thank you in advance for any help you could offer.</p>
<p>Edit: I realize the Sabres play here so there should be fans. Are there people in the school that would play?</p>
<p>Hockey is huge in Buffalo, there are pick up games during the NHL offseason that feature several NHL/minor league/major junior players. You will find no shortage of games and leagues to play in. The Sabres are more popular than the Bills and their games are great to attend, even if you are just partying in the area around the arena. If you want a hockey town and a great education Buffalo is a solid choice.</p>
<p>Thanks for the quick reply. How popular is pond hockey and is there any ponds close by? I am huge fan of the game and especially playing outdoors. If you watch hockey, are the only local games for the Sabres? If I want to watch the other NY teams would I be able to?</p>
<p>No problem, I was born and raised in Buffalo, live in San Diego now, my cousin plays in the OHL, and is usually involved in the pick up games with Kane, Kennedy ect… The outdoor ice rink they used in the first winter classic is set up every year in East Aurora I believe. As far as the islanders and Rangers I am pretty sure the Rangers are played on basic cable but not positive, the Islanders I doubt are shown but there is always Center Ice to see every team in action.</p>
<p>Hockey is the most popular sport in Buffalo by far.</p>
<p>The Amherst Pepsi Center (err…Northtown Center) has 4 rinks and is just off campus. Icetime is a pain though…they used to have “general hockey” times for just that but not sure if they do any more.</p>
<p>Lots of parks have ponds or rinks where you can play…albeit on not so nice ice.</p>
<p>The Labbatt Pond Hockey Tournament is held every February downtown.</p>
<p>The Sabres are the only team on local cable/satellite. The Sabres are on MSG and any Rangers/Islanders/Devils games are blacked out (including on campus cable). If you live off campus you could get NHL center ice, if on campus you could get the online version, GameCenter.</p>
<p>Additionally, cable systems in Buffalo (Both Time Warner and UB campus cable) offer CBC, so you get Hockey Night In Canada, plus Versus is on most basic lineups. But Center Ice/GameCenter is the only (legal) way to get all the games for any team other than the Sabres.</p>
<p>Thanks for the answers guy. Sounds like a cool place to go for a hockey fan.</p>