‘The weather makes the event unique. Bettman said the average temperature in Buffalo around New Year’s Day is 25 degrees “and that’s exactly what we’re hoping for.” If it’s over 45 or 50, the ice won’t hold up. If it’s too cold, the ice will crack and chip. And if it’s unusually warm or there is a foot of lake-effect snow, “I will be pulling out what little hair I have left,” Bettman said.’