Columbus Day Weekend belongs to hockey.
The Columbus Day Invitational in Connecticut brings Defender Hockey Tournaments to rinks across the state October 10–12, 2026 for three days of competition, championship pursuits, and nonstop tournament action.
As one of two stops in Defender’s Columbus Day Invitational series, Connecticut takes the energy to another level. From the opening faceoff to Championship Monday, teams will take the ice at Champions Skating Center, Bolton Ice Palace, Milford Ice Pavilion, Enfield Twin Rinks, and Newington Arena with one goal in mind: own the weekend.
With divisions ranging from 8U A, B, and C half-ice to 10U–14U AA, A, and B full-ice, there’s a place for teams at every level to compete. Each team is guaranteed four games, giving players plenty of opportunities to make plays, create moments, and earn their shot at a division championship.
Between games, teams and families can turn tournament weekend into a Connecticut getaway, with historic towns, local restaurants, family attractions, and plenty to explore throughout the region.
Three days. Four guaranteed games. One championship weekend.
Bring your team. Bring your game.
Own the ice. Own the moment. Own the weekend.
The Columbus Day Invitational features round-robin play followed by playoffs, with each team guaranteed a minimum of four games.
Teams may play one or more round-robin games on Day 1 and Day 2, followed by consolation, semifinal, and/or championship games on the final day. Semifinal rounds and consolation games are not guaranteed.
Divisions are initially organized according to USA Hockey roster and age-group classifications for the upcoming season. Defender tournament operations may adjust placements on a case-by-case basis to create the most competitive matchups possible.
8U/Mite Divisions: All Mite-level tournament games will be played using either a half-ice or cross-ice format.
Schedule Release: Tournament schedules are expected to be released approximately 7–10 days before puck drop.
Teams should plan to arrive in the local area by the day before the tournament begins and must be prepared for games beginning as early as 7:00 AM on the first day.
Departure should be planned for after the final tournament day. Final games are expected to conclude by approximately 5:00 PM local time.
Travel Planning Notice: Tournament schedules may require adjustments leading up to the event. Teams and families are strongly encouraged to make refundable or flexible travel arrangements and avoid making non-refundable plans based solely on the initial tournament schedule.
Planned locations
| Division | Planned rink locations |
|---|---|
| 8U A, B & C | Milford Ice Pavilion |
| 10U & 12U |
|
| 14U |
|
6 Progress Drive
Cromwell, CT 06416
300 Alumni Road, 2nd Floor
Newington, CT 06111
1 Prior Road
Enfield, CT 06082
145 Hop River Road
Bolton, CT 06043
291 Sub Way
Milford, CT 06461
Planned division/rink locations are listed. Additional rinks may be added, removed, or changed as needed.
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 containing the booking information to forward to team families so they may make their individual reservations.
All hotels are convenient to arenas. Please make sure families only book through the link provided. Families are not to contact the hotel directly to book rooms for the event.
Please note, the link below initially allows you to block a maximum of 18 rooms. Once your initial block is filled, additional rooms can be requested. Please email support@ibhctravel.com to request additional rooms once the initial rooms have been filled.
Please use the official booking link above for the most current hotel listings and availability. Hotel options may change as rooms are added or filled.
Defender Hockey Tournaments and the Hartford Wolf Pack have partnered together to provide all participants and their families discounted tickets to the Hartford Wolf Packs’ opening weekend games. This offer will not be available at the box office and is only available through the link below. Get your tickets today!
