Future Friendship Four Lineups Announced in Boston

The Friendship Four, college hockey’s only NCAA tournament played outside the U.S., announced its 2026–2028 team lineups at the Massachusetts State House.

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By Nolan Larrabee @Nolan_larrabee Thefrozenfocus.com NCAA All Access Reporter

BOSTON --On September 23, 2025, at the historic Massachusetts State House, officials for the Friendship Four announced the teams for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 tournaments. The Friendship Four is an annual college hockey event held in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The tournament started in 2015 and is the only NCAA Division I men’s hockey tournament played outside the United States. Every Thanksgiving weekend, games are hosted at Belfast’s SSE Arena. The event was created to build stronger cultural and educational ties between Boston and its sister city Belfast. The winning team takes home the Belpot Trophy.

2026 Tournament

• University of Connecticut – Second appearance (last in 2018)

• Providence College – Second appearance (last in 2017)

• Minnesota Duluth – First-ever appearance

• Colgate University – Second appearance (last in 2019)

2027 Tournament

• Northeastern University – Third appearance (2015, 2019)

• Quinnipiac University – Third appearance (2016, 2022)

• North Dakota – First-ever appearance

• Wisconsin – First-ever appearance

2028 Tournament

• Notre Dame – Second appearance (last in 2024)

• Nebraska Omaha – First-ever appearance

• Dartmouth College – Second appearance (last in 2022)

• Maine – Second appearance (last in 2017)

Since it began, the Friendship Four has grown into a well-known tournament in college hockey. It brings in top programs and gives players the chance to play on an international stage. Past champions include UMass Lowell, Vermont, Clarkson, Union, Northeastern, Quinnipiac, and Boston University in 2024. With both new and returning teams, the upcoming tournaments will continue the tradition of exciting hockey and cultural exchange.