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The Empire State Holiday Invitational: A New Tradition in College Hockey

In an exciting development for college hockey aficionados, UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY, is set to host the inaugural Empire State Holiday Invitational on December 28-29, 2026. This two-day tournament, orchestrated by Long Island University (LIU) in collaboration with the New York Islanders, will showcase four NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey programs, featuring LIU, Army West Point, Ferris State, and St. Lawrence.

The action kicks off on December 28, with St. Lawrence squaring off against Ferris State at 3 p.m. followed by a match between LIU and Army West Point at 7 p.m. All four teams will return to the ice on December 29 for the tournament's second day of exhilarating competition.

Brendan Riley, the head coach of LIU Men's Hockey, expressed his excitement for the event, saying, "We are incredibly excited to host the first Empire State Holiday Invitational and bring college hockey to UBS Arena. It’s a unique opportunity for our players to compete in such a prestigious venue, and we are thrilled to welcome three exceptional programs to Long Island. Our aim is for this event to become an annual celebration for teams, fans, and the broader hockey community."

Tickets for this inaugural tournament will officially go on sale starting October 2 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster. As the host institution, LIU is committed to making the Empire State Holiday Invitational a staple of college hockey during the holiday season. This tournament is a part of a broader strategic partnership aimed at enriching the hockey culture on Long Island, further enhancing LIU’s growing presence in the area’s hockey community.

The establishment of this tournament builds upon LIU's strong ties with the New York Islanders, whose practice facility, the Northwell Health Ice Center, serves as the training ground for LIU’s men’s and women’s teams. Just recently, Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky was honored during LIU's Centennial CEO Speaker Series, where he was named an Honorary Captain of LIU Hockey for the upcoming season.

Holding the Empire State Holiday Invitational at UBS Arena, a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2021, demonstrates the venue's commitment to live sports and entertainment. The arena has already become a beloved destination, hosting significant events and renowned artists, and now it aims to further enrich its sports offerings by bringing the thrill of collegiate hockey to local fans.

Venue and Access

The UBS Arena, developed through a partnership with the Oak View Group and other stakeholders, epitomizes modern sporting venues. It provides fans with great amenities and has received accolades for its sustainability efforts, including Zero Waste TRUE Silver certification and LEED Green Building Certification. Being just a short train ride from major NYC transit hubs, UBS Arena is easily accessible for fans eager to witness the tournament.

Participating Teams and Schedule

Participating Teams:

• - Long Island University
• - Army West Point
• - Ferris State University
• - St. Lawrence University

Tournament Schedule:

• - December 28:

- 3 p.m.: St. Lawrence vs. Ferris State
- 7 p.m.: LIU vs. Army West Point

• - December 29:

- Second day matchups featuring all four participating teams.

As the excitement builds towards this first-ever tournament, hockey fans across Long Island and beyond are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare for a memorable holiday hockey tradition. Don't miss your chance to experience the thrill of college hockey at the UBS Arena, a premier venue that is committed to showcasing the best in sports entertainment.