Defender Hockey Tournament - College Exposure Showcase

OVERVIEW

Celebrate Columbus Day Weekend at one of Defender’s premier events—the Columbus Day Invitational in Hershey, PA. Taking place October 10-12, 2026 at Klick Lewis Arena, Twin Ponds Arena, and York Ice Arena, this standout tournament is part of Defender’s two-event holiday series and ranks as the second largest event of the Fall/Winter season, hosting more than 100+ teams. With a guaranteed four-game minimum over three days, teams can expect high-level competition, great energy, and a professionally run experience from start to finish.

Off the ice, the Hershey region offers a true destination experience for families, featuring attractions like Hersheypark, local dining, shopping, and plenty of fall activities to enjoy between games. Whether you're coming for the competition or the experience, the Columbus Day Invitational delivers a memorable holiday weekend and a tournament atmosphere you won’t want to miss.

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Disclaimer: We have noticed an increase in teams that have withdrawn from events at the last minute causing us to have to re-work the schedule.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.

Klick Lewis
101 Landings Dr, Annville, PA 17003

Twin Ponds Arena
3904 Corey Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17109

York Ice Arena
941 Vander Ave, York, PA 17403

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.

Twin Ponds/ Klick Lewis: Click Here To Book Your Hotel

York Ice Arena: 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).