Monday, May 4, 2026
Boston University to Host 2026 Ice Breaker Tournament
Minnesota State, Robert Morris, & Yale Set to Participate
Boston University announced today, in conjunction with the Hockey Commissioners Association and College Hockey Inc., that it will serve as the host institution for the women’s 2026 Ice Breaker Tournament. The four teams that will compete in a semifinal bracket feature Minnesota State from the WCHA, Robert Morris from the AHA, and Yale from ECAC hockey.
The Ice Breaker Tournament, which began in men’s hockey in 1997, traditionally marks the beginning of the NCAA hockey season. The women’s tournament began in 2019 when Mercyhurst was the inaugural host at the Buffalo Harbor Center. The event brings together four teams, typically from different conferences, and is administered by the Hockey Commissioner Association and College Hockey Inc.
“We are looking forward to hosting the 2026 Ice Breaker at Boston University” said BU head coach Tara Watchorn. “Bringing more great hockey to our campus and Boston is great for our sport and community. After playing a full season with our new renovations at Walter Brown Arena, it will be fun to be able to welcome more teams to our space and create a memorable atmosphere for our fans and student-athletes.”
Last season, the Boston University Terriers ranked third nationally in home attendance in their newly renovated Walter Brown Arena. Renovations to the historic arena included major upgrades to the women’s hockey team spaces and the overall game-day experience. The project was centered around a new 2,740-square-foot locker room featuring expanded player space, a lounge, recovery area, nutrition station, and dedicated athletic training and hydrotherapy rooms. A new 360-degree videoboard was also installed above center ice as part of the renovation. In addition to the home team enhancements, the project included updated visiting locker rooms and expanded accommodations for opposing programs.
“We’re excited to bring the women’s Ice Breaker to Boston University and historic Walter Brown Arena,” said Steve Metcalf, Commissioner of Hockey East. “This weekend is always a tremendous showcase for women’s hockey.”
For more information and to purchase the two-day ticket package, visit here.
Friday, October 23 at Walter Brown Arena:
Minnesota State vs Robert Morris – 4:00 p.m. ET
Boston University vs Yale – 7:00 p.m. ET
Saturday, October 24 at Walter Brown Arena:
Game 1, Consolation Game – 2:00 p.m. ET
Game 2, Championship Game – 5:00 p.m. ET
Tournament History
| Year | Host | Site | Participants (Champion in Boldface) |
| 2019 | Mercyhurst | Buffalo Harbor Center (Buffalo, N.Y.) | Colgate, UConn, Mercyhurst, Minnesota Duluth |
| 2020 | Not held because of COVID-19 | ||
| 2021 | Not held because of COVID-19 | ||
| 2022 | Neutral Site | 1980 Rink Herb Brooks Arena (Lake Placid, N.Y.) | Clarkson, Holy Cross, St. Lawrence, Syracuse |
| 2023 | Sacred Heart | Martire Family Arena (Fairfield, Conn.) | Lindenwood, Northeastern, Sacred Heart, St. Cloud State |
| 2024 | Ohio State | Schottenstein Center (Columbus, Ohio) | Cornell, Ohio State, Penn State, Stonehill |
| 2025 | Union | M&T Bank Center (Schenectady, N.Y.) | St. Anselm, Union, Vermont, Wisconsin |
| 2026 | Boston University | Walter Brown Arena (Boston, Mass.) | Boston University, Minnesota State, Robert Morris, Yale |