COLUMBUS DAY INVITATIONAL — HERSHEY

BIG HOCKEY. SWEET WEEKEND.

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 HERSHEY EXPERIENCE

• 100+ teams
• Multiple competitive divisions and levels
• Four-game minimum
• USA Hockey sanctioned
• Certified referees
• Championship awards
• Live stats & standings through Defender GAME CENTER powered by Time To Score
• Live streaming through Black Bear TV

TOURNAMENT FORMAT

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.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

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.