Defender Hockey Tournament - Columbus Day Invitational (CT)

OVERVIEW

Get ready for the Columbus Day Invitational – Connecticut edition, October 10–12, 2026! This thrilling second stop in our two-tournament series (following the first in Hershey, PA) brings fast-paced, competitive youth hockey to Champions Skating Center, Bolton Ice Palace, Milford Ice Pavilion, Enfield Twin Rinks, and Newington Arena. Teams in 8U A, B, C 1/2-ice divisions and 10U–14U AA, A, and B full-ice divisions will battle it out on the ice, with every squad guaranteed four action-packed games and the chance to claim division champion bragging rights. When the skates are off, Connecticut offers plenty of family fun—from charming historic towns and scenic river walks to attractions like Mystic Seaport, Kid-friendly museums, and local eateries. With top-level competition, unforgettable experiences, and plenty of things to do off the ice, this Columbus Day weekend promises high-energy hockey action and memories that will last long after the final whistle.

Featuring:
Multiple Divisions/Levels
Competitive Format
USA Hockey Sanctioned
Certified Referees
Championship Awards
Online Stats & Standings via Defender GAME CENTER powered by Time To Score
Live Streaming via Black Bear TV

Round Robin with Playoffs (Minimum of 4 games). Teams may play one or more round robin games DAY 1, one or more round robin games on DAY 2, with consolation/semi-finals and/or championship games on the final day. NOTE: Semi-Final rounds and/or consolation games are not guaranteed.

Divisional allocation is based on USA Hockey roster/age group classification for the upcoming season. However, the tournament operations staff may adjust placements to fit individual team competitiveness on a case-by-case basis.

** NOTE: All Mite level tournament games will be played on either half-ice or cross-ice.

Tournament game schedule will be released 7-10 days prior to the event start date.

Teams must arrive and be available in the local area by the day before the tournament begins and be prepared to play at 7:00 AM local time on the first day of the tournament. Departure should be scheduled on or after the final tournament day, with final games expected to finish by roughly 5:00 PM local time.

Disclaimer: We have noticed an increase in teams that have withdrawn from events at the last minute causing us to have to re-work the schedule. Please DO NOT make any plans that cannot be refunded based on the schedule you receive.

ARENAS

DIVISION / RINK LOCATIONS

Each division will be scheduled for one or more games at a primary rink, a secondary rink, or a combination of rinks; additional rinks may be added or existing rinks may be removed or changed as needed, and final division assignments and rink locations will be determined at registration closure, prior to schedule release.

Champions Skating Center
6 Progress Dr, Cromwell, CT 06416

Bolton Ice Palace
145 Hop River Rd, Bolton, CT 06043

Milford Ice Pavilion
291 Sub Way, Milford, CT 06461

Enfield Twin Rinks
1 Prior Rd, Enfield, CT 06082

Newington Ice Arena
300 Alumni Rd 2nd floor, Newington, CT 06111

HOTELS

As a reminder, this event is a Stay to Play Event. All teams are to utilize official event hotels. Please click on the link below to secure your team block. Please make sure to designate the number of rooms needed each night when creating the block. You will then receive a confirmation email that contains the booking information to forward to the team families so they may make their individual reservations. All hotels are convenient to arenas. Please make sure families only book via the link provided. Families are not to contact the hotel directly to book rooms for the event.

Click Here To Book Your Hotel

Please note, the link below will allow you to initially block a maximum of 18 rooms. Once your initial block is filled, rooms can be requested . Please email ibhcbookings@gmail.com to request additional rooms (once the initial rooms have been filled).