LIU and Islanders partner to host Division I hockey tournament at UBS Arena
Exterior of UBS Arena at Belmont Park on September 10, 2022 in Elmont, New York. Credit: Newsday
Long Island University, the Islanders and UBS Arena announced their plans for a five-year partnership on Monday morning with the goal of elevating the growth and exposure of hockey in the region.
The LIU Sharks are the only Division I men’s and women’s hockey program in the Long Island and New York City area and, in collaboration with the Islanders, hope to expand opportunities and connections while bringing attention to Long Island as a hockey destination.
To spearhead this initiative, the Sharks will host the inaugural Empire State Holiday Invitational, a Division I men's hockey tournament hosted at UBS Arena that will invite other Division I programs to compete. The tournament will take place Dec. 28-29.
“Any time you get a chance to bring Division I hockey into a building like UBS Arena, that’s a big deal,” LIU men’s hockey coach Brendan Riley told Newsday. “We’re excited about what this partnership with the New York Islanders means for our program and for the sport. Long Island is a true hockey hotbed and there’s real energy here. If we tap into that the right way, together, we can grow the game in a big way.”
The collaboration will also expand opportunities for youth training programs, make LIU merchandise available in the Isles Pro Shop at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow and provide LIU students with increased access to UBS Arena including stadium tours and ticket discounts.
“By hosting the Empire State Holiday Invitational and integrating LIU into our community programs, we're building a true pipeline for athletes and fans,” Kelly Cheeseman, president of business operations for the Islanders and UBS Arena, said in a statement. “This partnership strengthens our commitment to making Long Island a premier destination for men's and women's hockey at every level.”
Tess Ferguson is a reporter on Newsday's high school sports staff. She joined the team after graduating with a journalism degree from Ithaca College in 2025.
