Presidents’ Day Weekend. Championship hockey. One goal.
The Defender President’s Cup takes over Patriot Ice Center and Ice World February 13–15, 2027, bringing 10U–14U A and B teams together for three days of competitive hockey and a holiday weekend built around the pursuit of a championship.
From the opening faceoff, there’s one objective: earn the Cup.
With a three-game minimum, competitive matchups, and division championships on the line, every game is an opportunity to take control of the weekend. Teams will be tested. Big moments will demand big plays. And by the final horn, only a select few will leave Delaware as President’s Cup champions.
No titles are given. They’re earned.
Located in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, Delaware makes the President’s Cup an easy destination for a holiday hockey weekend. Between games, teams and families can explore historic Wilmington, local museums and attractions, dining, shopping, and everything the surrounding region has to offer.
Three days. One championship mission.
Take the ice. Lead the way.
Take command. Earn the Cup.
The President’s Cup features round-robin play followed by playoffs, with each team guaranteed a minimum of three 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. Defender tournament operations may adjust placements on a case-by-case basis to create the most competitive matchups possible.
The President’s Cup is built around one thing: earning the right to be called champion.
Every game brings another challenge. Every shift is another opportunity to take control. And every win moves your team one step closer to playing for the Cup.
When championship day arrives, there’s no room to wait for someone else to make the play.
Step up. Take the lead. Earn it.
Schedule Release: Tournament schedules are expected to be released approximately 7–10 days before puck drop.
Teams should plan to arrive in the Delaware 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 |
|---|---|
| 10U | Ice World Maryland |
| 12U & 14U | Patriot Ice Center |
101 John F. Campbell Drive
Newark, DE 19711
1300 Governor Court
Abingdon, MD 21009
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.
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