Long Island University (LIU), the New York Islanders, and UBS Arena have entered a five-year partnership aimed at promoting and advancing hockey in the New York City area. The collaboration highlights LIU鈥檚 role as the sole Division I hockey program in NYC and aims to enhance community engagement and opportunities for hockey development. A key initiative is the Empire State Holiday Invitational, a yearly Division I men's hockey tournament hosted at UBS Arena, commencing December 28鈥�29, 2026. This partnership also supports youth programs, integrating LIU鈥檚 resources into the community to nurture aspiring hockey players. LIU students will benefit from exclusive access to UBS Arena, including tours and special events.

By the Numbers
  • The Empire State Holiday Invitational will debut December 28鈥�29, 2026.
  • This partnership spans five years, focusing on hockey growth in the region.
State of Play
  • LIU is the only Division I men's and women's hockey program in New York City.
  • UBS Arena is positioned as a premier venue for hockey and live events, having hosted over 3 million guests since its opening.
What's Next

The partnership will pave the way for more community events and collaborations, potentially leading to increased participation in hockey programs. Further details regarding the tournament will be revealed in the coming months, enhancing regional engagement in the sport.

Bottom Line

This strategic alliance between LIU, the Islanders, and UBS Arena is set to transform the hockey landscape in New York, creating opportunities and fostering talent in the community while establishing Long Island as a hockey hub.