HAMILTON – Colgate Men’s Hockey makes history this week when it takes part in the inaugural Friendship Four Tournament at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The Raiders join fellow ECAC Hockey member Brown and Hockey East foes Northeastern and UMass Lowell for the two-day event this Friday and Saturday. The games are the first regular-season NCAA ice hockey contests to be played outside North America.
The first day of competition features games between conference opponents that count toward the league standings. Colgate takes on Brown in the opener at 4 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time, and Northeastern squares off against UMass Lowell in the finale at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday’s slate is a consolation/championship format, with the two losers of Friday’s matchups opening the day at 4 p.m., and the winners meeting in championship game at 7:30 p.m. with the right to hoist the Belpot Trophy.
Friday’s game against Brown will be shown live on TSN in Canada and Time Warner Cable Sports Network in New York. Colgate’s game on Saturday will be shown on Time Warner Cable Sports Network in New York.
Although there is plenty at sake for the four teams on the ice, the trip is about much more than just hockey. Prior to the start of the tournament, the teams are going to take part in a variety of cultural events, including visits to local elementary schools, a tour of the renowned Titanic Museum and multiple chances to explore the city of Belfast.
“The entire program is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel to Northern Ireland and represent Colgate University in the inaugural Friendship Four Tournament,” Colgate Head Coach Don Vaughan said. “This trip is a chance for our program to see and experience an amazing part of the world in a way that will leave a lasting impression on all involved. This tournament also gives us a unique way to showcase what makes college hockey so special on an international stage.”
Trip Information
Fans can follow along with the team at their blog here. The blog will feature updates throughout the time overseas with the goal of providing a behind-the-scenes look at the team’s experience. It will be updated periodically throughout the trip.
Fans can also follow the trip on the Raiders’ Twitter (@Colgate_Hockey) and Instagram (@colgatemenshockey) accounts.
