Brookville, N.Y. – September 22, 2026 -- New York Islanders Co-Owner Jon Ledecky addressed hundreds of Long Island University students on Sept. 22, 2026, as part of a five-year strategic partnership linking the university, the Islanders and UBS Arena.
LIU deepens ties with NHL franchise through campus visit
The session, part of LIU's Centennial CEO Speaker Series, was moderated by LIU alumnus and ESPN personality Alan Hahn and covered leadership and the business of professional sports. LIU President Kimberly R. Cline said the partnership with the Islanders and UBS Arena is generating opportunities for students. Following the talk, LIU hockey captains named Ledecky Honorary Captain of LIU Hockey for the 2026–27 season and presented him with a personalized jersey.
Partnership gives LIU exclusive Division I hockey footprint in NYC market
LIU operates the only NCAA Division I men's and women's ice hockey programs in the New York City and Long Island region. Both teams play home games at Northwell Health Ice Center, the Islanders' official practice facility, where LIU maintains permanent locker rooms, coaching offices and player spaces.
Empire State Holiday Invitational anchors commercial tie-up at UBS Arena
A centerpiece of the deal is the Empire State Holiday Invitational, an annual Division I men's hockey tournament at UBS Arena with LIU as host institution. The inaugural event is scheduled for December 28–29, 2026. The arrangement also extends to youth development through LIU's support of the Islanders' Learn to Play program, which introduces regional children to hockey.
LIU Men's Ice Hockey Head Coach Brendan Riley said the visit reflects the strength of the university's alignment with the Islanders. The broader partnership, announced earlier in 2026, is designed to advance hockey development across Long Island and New York City while embedding LIU students in operations across the sports and entertainment sector.