Long Island University

LIU, NY Islanders Launch New College Hockey Tournament at UBS Arena

Belmont Park, N.Y. – September 30, 2026 -- Long Island University, the New York Islanders and UBS Arena will launch the Empire State Holiday Invitational, a four-team NCAA Division I men's ice hockey tournament set for December 28-29, 2026, at the Islanders' home arena in Belmont Park. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 2 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster.

Four Division I programs will compete over two days at UBS Arena

The inaugural tournament features LIU, Army West Point, Ferris State University and St. Lawrence University. Play opens December 28 with St. Lawrence facing Ferris State at 3 p.m., followed by LIU against Army West Point at 7 p.m. All four teams return to the ice on December 29 for a second day of competition.

Islanders Co-Owner Ledecky Joins LIU as Sports Partnership Expands

Brookville, N.Y. – September 22, 2026 -- New York Islanders Co-Owner Jon Ledecky addressed hundreds of Long Island University students on Sept. 22, 2026, as part of a five-year strategic partnership linking the university, the Islanders and UBS Arena.

LIU deepens ties with NHL franchise through campus visit

The session, part of LIU's Centennial CEO Speaker Series, was moderated by LIU alumnus and ESPN personality Alan Hahn and covered leadership and the business of professional sports. LIU President Kimberly R. Cline said the partnership with the Islanders and UBS Arena is generating opportunities for students. Following the talk, LIU hockey captains named Ledecky Honorary Captain of LIU Hockey for the 2026–27 season and presented him with a personalized jersey.

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