By Michael Mroziak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-942099.mp3
Buffalo, NY – After months of hype and promotion, the International Ice Hockey Federation Under-20 Championship -- better known as the World Junior Championship -- got underway in HSBC Arena on Sunday.
WBFO's Michael Mroziak was downtown for day one of a tournament that continues through January 5th.
The host and defending champion Team USA won their opening game against Finland, 3 to 2 in overtime. It's just the start that tournament planners hope will lure more local fans to HSBC Arena over the next week and a half. Joe Rohm was among the fans in attendance on day one. He watched the USA-Finland game and also the Canada-Russia matchup before that.
"It's fantastic. It's great for the community," Rohm said. "It's great to get all of these cultures together in one area."
While Team USA fans went home happy, Team Canada fans staked their claim earlier in the day as the most passionate fans among those attending these games. During the Canada-Russia game, which Canada won 6 to 3, perhaps 99 percent of the seats were filled by fans wearing clothing sporting a red maple leaf.
"It feels like I'm back home in Toronto," said Dylan, who came to Buffalo from Mississauga, Ontario.
But local leaders hope visiting fans will be doing more than just drinking while in town. Earlier in the day at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, elected officials encouraged both tourists and local residents to see the sights Buffalo has to offer in between games.
"I encourage (fans) not only to support the tournament but to come out to the Naval Park," Erie County legislature chair Barbara Miller Williams said. "This is a wonderful place to be at this time of year."
Niagara University's Dwyer Arena is also hosting some of the games.