The 30th annual men’s Ice Breaker Tournament is coming to two of college hockey’s newest arenas next season.
The Ice Breaker, the traditional start to the NCAA Division I men’s hockey season, will be co-hosted by UConn and Sacred Heart in October 2026, it was announced jointly today by the host institutions and College Hockey Inc.
Bowling Green and Penn State will also participate in the two-day event, scheduled for Oct. 9-10 in both Fairfield and Storrs, Ct.
UConn’s Toscano Family Ice Forum and Sacred Heart’s Martire Family Arena both opened their doors in 2023. Only St. Thomas and Union, who opened new arenas this October, boast newer facilities in NCAA Division I men’s hockey.
The Ice Breaker Tournament, which began in 1997 in Madison, Wis., annually brings together four teams typically from different conferences, to celebrate the start of the college hockey season. College Hockey Inc. administers the Ice Breaker on behalf of the Hockey Commissioners Association.
“We are thrilled to partner with Sacred Heart to bring the Ice Breaker Tournament to Connecticut,” said UConn director of athletics David Benedict in a statement. “This event allows us to showcase our exceptional facilities while highlighting the strength and quality of college hockey right here in Connecticut.”
“We are excited to showcase the spectacular Martire Family Arena by co-hosting this tournament with UConn,” added SHU executive director of athletics Judy Ann Riccio. “The Ice Breaker Tournament presents a valuable opportunity to showcase elite hockey right here in Connecticut.”
The 2026 Ice Breaker will mark the third time the tournament has featured co-hosts. Previously, Air Force and Denver co-hosted in 2022, and Bemidji State and North Dakota did it the following year.
“We are excited to be hosting the Ice Breaker Tournament for the 2026-26 season alongside Sacred Heart. The opportunity to welcome Bowling Green and Penn State to Connecticut will create a competitive weekend of college hockey,” said UConn coach Mike Cavanaugh.
“It’s certainly an honor to be co-hosting the Ice Breaker, which is a marquee event, to open the 2026-27 college hockey season,” noted SHU coach C.J. Marottolo. “We are excited to welcome both Bowling Green and Penn State, two teams that have great tradition, to our campus. Our fans will be in for an unforgettable weekend of hockey.”
Ticket information for the 2026 Ice Breaker Tournament will be announced at a later date.