Popular Ice Rink In Western New York Reopens With Big Plans

Can you believe one of our favorite winter places in Western New York hasn’t been open since last year?

The Christmas Blizzard of 2022 affected so many. Lives were lost, buildings collapsed, people were snowed in, and businesses had to temporarily close to recover from flooding and products going bad due to a loss of power…

The list goes on and on, and one of the businesses that was affected from the blizzard was none other than one of our favorite ice rinks: Canalside Ice Rink. 

Due to the blizzard flooding and the amount of snowfall, the ice at canalside had to temporarily close for a few weeks as they recovered from the storm. 

We’ve been waiting all year for the ice rink to open up (see what I did there?) and it’s finally back for all the fun to be had the rest of this season!

On Friday, the ice at canalside will re-open its rink for the first time in 2023 with a special theme night. For January 6, the themed skate is “Buffalo Strong.” 

In honor of those who lost their lives in the historic Christmas Blizzard and Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, $1 from every admission will be donated to American Heart Association in support of CPR training. 

There will also be a portion of the proceeds from the Buffalo Bills autographed items raffle that will be donated to the AHA. 

Thanks to Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, a Dion Dawkins signed helmet and a Stefon Diggs signed football will be included as raffle items for Friday night. 

There will also be a light-up number 3 display on site at the canalside ice rink on Friday, in honor of Damar Hamlin as he recovers. 

FeedMore WNYwill have their Farm Market Food Truck on site from 4:30-5:30pm handing out $5 vouchers to redeem for fresh produce as well. The reopening of the rink will take place around 6pm. 

It’s a perfect day to go ice skating, too! We are expecting to have our first snowfall of the new year….today! So you might as well grab your skates and make the most of it. ;)