It’s that time of the year again. The 13^th annual Labatt Blue Pond Hockey Tournament is back in town and organizers are expecting this to be a big year.

All you’ll hear this weekend at Buffalo RiverWorks is the sound of pucks being smacked around on the ice.

“Over 800 players are participating, more this year than we ever had in the past,” said Sean Green, the director of athletics at Buffalo RiverWorks.

The players come from 10 states and make up more than 100 teams. They’re all vying for one thing.

“Obviously to win,” said Matthew Azzarella, of Silver Creek.

Friday’s weather, among the coldest of the winter season so far, did not stop the competitors and spectators from coming out.

“What a testament to Buffalo and Western New York that it’s the coldest day of the year and we’ve had the greatest turnout already so far,” said Green.

The competition may be fierce but so is the camaraderie. You’ll find everyone from old friends reuniting on the ice to a mother competing alongside her kids.

“I’m 55, it’s great to be able to play with them, I’ve been playing with them since they were babies,” said a Philadelphia woman who was on a team with her adult children.

“It’s fun playing with our family, there’s nothing better than that,” said one of her sons.

“Without each other, it wouldn’t be the same,” said her other son.

The tournament shows how many people are passionate about hockey.

“You can play hockey as long as you want, it doesn’t have to be a age thing or whatever, as long as you can strap skates on just do it and just keep playing,” said one of the competitors.

The tournament runs all weekend. You may even see a familiar face like Spectrum News sports anchor Kevin Carroll. The finals will take place Sunday.