Monday’s eclipse was just icing on the cake for those visiting Utica to watch the United States and Canada battle it out in the late game of the IIHF Women’s World Hockey Championship.
Keri Misiaszek and her daughter Brynn Babbie, 11, were visiting Utica from Chazy, a town roughly six miles from the New York-Canadian border.
Misiaszek was standing next to the giant Adirondack chairs dotting the front entrance of the Adirondack Bank Center in downtown Utica.
Meanwhile, Brynn stood atop one of the chairs, occasionally putting on her eclipse glasses and looking at the sun as it began to grow dark.
Misiaszek noted how they could have stayed home and viewed the eclipse, but she and her daughter wanted to watch Team USA play.
Live updates: IIHF women’s world championship updates
It is perfect with the eclipse also passing through Utica, Misiaszek said, noting she and her daughter did not have to miss out on the eclipse.
“It was a win, win,” Misiaszek said.
Misiaszek has connections to the area on her father’s side and Brynn has played youth hockey in the Adirondack Bank Center.
“It’s OK,” Brynn said, shrugging after being asked about the eclipse.
Path of totality
Most of the Mohawk Valley experienced 99% visibility of the total eclipse.
The eclipse began around 2:10 p.m., gradually covered by the moon, and reached peak darkness locally at around 3:24 p.m. The moon slowly moved away from the sun and the eclipse ended around 4:35 p.m.
Unfortunately, the clouds won out, obscuring and even hiding the eclipse at times.
Hockey tournament
The IIHF Women’s World Hockey Championship did not miss a beat Monday, as three games were scheduled despite the historic eclipse.
Switzerland and Sweden were competing on the ice during the eclipse. The game started at 3 p.m., about a half-hour before the sky started to darken.
The United States and Canada played in the nightcap.
IIHF officials said they distributed 1,000 eclipse glasses to those in attendance for Monday’s games.
Weather
Weather for Monday’s eclipse was slightly warmer than it has been, with highs in the mid-60s, a stark juxtaposition from the cold, windy and rainy opening days of the tournament.
Those outside the Adirondack Bank Center and in the nearby village were clad in t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts and light jackets.
It grew noticeably cold as the moon blocked out the sun.
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