Columbus Day Weekend is bigger in Hershey.
The Columbus Day Invitational in Hershey returns October 10–12, 2026, bringing more than 100 teams together for one of the biggest weekends of the Defender Hockey Tournaments Fall/Winter season.
Across Klick Lewis Arena, Twin Ponds Arena, and York Ice Arena, three days of hockey will turn the Hershey region into tournament territory. From the first faceoff to Championship Monday, teams will compete through a four-game minimum with packed rinks, big moments, and championships waiting at the finish.
As one of Defender’s premier events and one of the largest tournament of the Fall/Winter season, this isn't just another weekend on the schedule. It's a destination tournament built to deliver the complete experience—competitive hockey on the ice and an unforgettable weekend away from it.
Between games, Hershey gives teams and families plenty of ways to make the most of the weekend. From Hersheypark and fall attractions to dining, shopping, and exploring the region, there's something happening long after the final horn.
100+ teams. Three days. Four guaranteed games. One massive hockey weekend.
Come for the competition. Stay for the experience.
Big hockey. Big moments. One sweet 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 location |
|---|---|
| 8U A, B & C | Twin Ponds — Puddle Rink |
| 10U | Twin Ponds Arena |
| 12U, 13U & 16U | Klick Lewis Arena |
| 14U | York Ice Arena |
3904 Corey Road
Harrisburg, PA 17109
101 Landings Drive
Annville, PA 17003
941 Vander Avenue
York, PA 17403
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 appropriate 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 links provided. Families are not to contact the hotel directly to book rooms for the event.
Please note, the links below initially allow 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 links above for the most current hotel listings and availability. Hotel options may change as rooms are added or filled.
Need some time away from the rink? Visit the Tanger Outlets! To save on your shopping, CLICK HERE!
Head to the Giant Center for some AHL action at the Hershey Bears games on October 10 & 11! To purchase your discounted tickets, CLICK HERE!
