COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced the 2026 Ice Hockey State Tournament will return to Nationwide Arena once again, marking the 24th consecutive year the event will be held at the venue.
What You Need To Know
Nationwide Arena has been the host of the event since 2003
The four regional winners that will play at Nationwide for the championship game will feature teams from the Kent, Brooklyn, Columbus and Bowling Green regions
Semifinals will be held on March 14 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m; the championship game will be on March 15 at 4 p.m.
The partnership between OHSAA and the Columbus Blue Jackets go back to 2003, when Nationwide Arena was first made the championship venue for the event.
The four regional winners that will play at Nationwide for the championship game will feature teams from the Kent, Brooklyn, Columbus and Bowling Green regions, OHSAA said.
“We take great pride in hosting the OHSAA Ice Hockey State Championship every year,” said Columbus Blue Jackets Grassroots Hockey Manager Tommy Trowell. “Playing at Nationwide Arena gives student athletes the opportunity to compete on the same ice as some of the sport’s biggest names while also creating an atmosphere that will be memorable for the players, families and fans alike.”
A large part is giving younger athletes the opportunity to experience what it’s like to play in a professional venue.
“For many of these student-athletes, competing at Nationwide Arena represents years of dedication to the sport. Competing in a professional arena is a special experience for the players, coaches, and fans,” said John Kronour, OHSAA director of Sport Management.
Semifinals will be held on March 14 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The championship game will be on March 15 at 4 p.m.