GEDDES -- The New York State Fairgrounds Grandstand is really looking like an outdoor hockey arena.
On Tuesday, workers brought in the boards from Wisconsin, and laid down the pink-ish pipes that will keep the ice frozen from now until the game, as the ice was laid down Tuesday night. Crews also set up the bleachers, meaning it was the perfect time for the team to gain its bearings in the different setting.
Coach Ross Yates has checked on progress several times, but for many players, including Alexandre Picard, it was their first time checking out where they'll hit the ice on January 20th. The rink is larger that the War Memorial rink, but the team didn't seem too concerned, as ticket sales approached 16,000 with 12 days to go, they just wanted to get out there and play.
Picard says he hasn't played outdoor really, since he was growing up, and while it's all business trying to earn two points that day, it will be hard not to have fun.
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