Long Island University, the New York Islanders, and UBS Arena Launch Strategic Partnership and Division I Hockey Tournament

BROOKVILLE, N.Y. and BELMONT PARK, N.Y., April 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Long Island University, the New York Islanders, and UBS Arena jointly announce a five-year partnership, strengthening their shared commitment to advancing the growth and development of hockey across Long Island and the New York City region.

As the only Division I men's and women's hockey program in the New York City area, LIU joins the Islanders in a shared commitment to elevate the sport at every level. Together, the groups will look to expand opportunities, strengthen community connections, and further establish Long Island as a destination for hockey.

"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," said Long Island University President Kimberly R. Cline. "Working with the New York Islanders and UBS Arena brings new energy and opportunity to Long Island while strengthening our connection to the community."

A cornerstone of the partnership is the creation of the Empire State Holiday Invitational, an annual Division I men's hockey tournament hosted at UBS Arena. LIU will serve as the host institution and participate each year, inviting Division I programs to compete. The inaugural tournament will take place December 28–29, 2026. Additional information regarding the tournament will be announced in the upcoming months.

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 the sport each year. This initiative further positions LIU as a visible and accessible pathway for aspiring hockey players in the region.

In addition, IslesLab.com and the Isles Pro Shop located at the Northwell Health Ice Center, the Islanders' practice facility and home ice of LIU Hockey, will also have LIU Division I hockey merchandise available. LIU's presence at Northwell Health Ice Center includes permanent locker rooms, coaching offices, player lounges, and a fully branded Division I arena experience.

"By hosting the Empire State Holiday Invitational and integrating LIU into our community programs, we're building a true pipeline for athletes and fans," said Kelly Cheeseman, President of Business Operations for the Islanders and UBS Arena. "This partnership strengthens our commitment to making Long Island a premier destination for men's and women's hockey at every level."

The collaboration will also provide LIU students with enhanced access to UBS Arena, including behind-the-scenes tours, student ticket opportunities, and annual engagement with Islanders and UBS Arena executives through campus programming and experiential opportunities.

About Long Island University
Long Island University, founded in 1926, is a leading research and teaching university that continues to redefine higher education by providing high-quality academic instruction by world-class faculty, serving more than 16,000 students from its Long Island and Brooklyn campuses. Recognized by Forbes for its emphasis on experiential learning and by the Brookings Institution for its "value added" to student outcomes, the University is ranked in the top 7% of national research universities. LIU has a network of over 285,000 alumni, including industry leaders and entrepreneurs around the globe. Visit www.liu.edu for more information

About the New York Islanders
The New York Islanders Hockey Club is the proud winner of four Stanley Cup Championships and record nineteen consecutive playoff series victories. The Islanders play in the National Hockey League's Eastern Conference, and have eight players, two general managers and one coach inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The Islanders Children's Foundation has helped countless youngsters in need around the world since its inception. Donations are raised through the efforts of our players, management, and employees, along with our fans and partners.

UBS Arena is the team's state of the art home and features world class premium hospitality, great sightlines from every seat, and a loud and intimate bowl. Isles Lab, the official team store of the New York Islanders, offers fans traditional NHL merchandise, unique collaborations and exclusive products. Isles Lab is located inside UBS Arena or can be shopped online at IslesLab.com.

About UBS Arena 
Located in the heart of the expanding experiential destination of Belmont Park, UBS Arena is New York's newest premier live entertainment and sports venue. Proud home to the New York Islanders, the state-of-the-art arena was developed in partnership with Oak View Group, the New York Islanders and Jeff Wilpon, and has welcomed over 3 million guests and 350+ events with top artists from around the world since November 2021. 

Built with fan-first amenities, inspired by the timeless elegance of New York and powered by state-of-the-art technology, the venue is made for music and built for hockey with clear sightlines and premier acoustics. UBS Arena is at the forefront of sustainability, achieving Zero Waste TRUE Silver certification in addition to its LEED Green Building Certification and carbon neutrality for operations.

UBS Arena is located just 30 minutes by LIRR from Grand Central or Penn Station and is easily accessible from across the region via mass transit or car. To plan your trip, please visit UBSArena.com/plan-your-trip. Keep in touch with us at UBSArena.com/updates or @UBSArena on Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter.

SOURCE Long Island University