Long Island University, the New York Islanders, and UBS Arena announced a new five-year partnership.
Schneps Media Library
Long Island University, the New York Islanders, and UBS Arena together announced a five-year partnership on Monday, April 6, aimed at elevating the growth and exposure of hockey across Long Island and in the New York City region.
The partnership includes the creation of the Empire State Holiday Invitational, an annual Division I men’s hockey tournament hosted at UBS Arena, where LIU will serve as the host school and participate as one of the teams. The Sharks are the only Division I men’s and women’s hockey program in the New York City area.
The inaugural tournament will take place on Dec. 28 and Dec. 29, with additional information expected to be announced leading up to it.
“This partnership reflects Long Island University’s commitment to Division I Hockey and our belief in the continued growth of the sport in this region,” Long Island University President Kimberly R. Cline said.
Collegiate hockey does not have the same volume of teams as other sports. There are only 65 Division I men’s hockey programs and 45 Division I women’s hockey programs across the country. Basketball and football have hundreds of programs competing at the Division I level.
College hockey’s playoffs are also on a much smaller scale. The NCAA Tournament for basketball features 68 teams, with rumors of expansion circulating each year. College hockey culminates in 16 teams competing in a tournament.
LIU has yet to reach the NCAA Tournament since joining the Division I ranks in 2020. The Sharks went 14-18-1 this past season after having their first 20-win season a year ago.
LIU will participate in the new tournament each year. William A. Miecuna
The partnership also includes LIU serving as a supporting partner of the New York Islanders’ Learn to Play program, which introduces thousands of children on Long Island to hockey each year.
“Working with the New York Islanders and UBS Arena brings new energy and opportunity to Long Island while strengthening our connection to the community,” Cline said.
IslesLab.com and the Isles Pro Shop, located at the Northwell Health Ice Center, the Islanders’ practice facility and home ice of LIUHockey, will also have LIU Division I hockey merchandise available.
LIU has permanent locker rooms, coaching offices, player lounges, and a fully branded Division I arena experience at the ice center located at Eisenhower Park.
Students at LIU will also be granted enhanced access to UBS Arena through the partnership, which will include behind-the-scenes tours, student ticket opportunities, and annual engagement with Islanders and UBS Arena executives through campus programming and experiential opportunities
“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, the president of business operations for the Islanders and UBS Arena, said. “This partnership strengthens our commitment to making Long Island a premier destination for men’s and women’s hockey at every level.”