Central New York Hosts NHL Pre-Season Game in Clinton

The day finally came. Months ago, the Clinton Ice Arena had won the national contest sponsored by Kraft to proclaim one small U.S. town as "Hockeyville" and it got the honor of hosting a big league hockey game. Tuesday, September 25th was the big payoff.

Everyone won. Central New York as a region. The village of Clinton. Kids and adults. The NHL. Even the Buffalo Sabres, who actually LOST the exhibition contest to the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-2, came away as big winners.

Area youths got to witness NHL stars using the same ice they'd played hockey on for years.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman attended the game. And, following the game, a spectacular fireworks show ensued over the Clinton Village Green.